La Aurora has entered the rum market with E. Leon Jimenes Rum 110 Aniversario.
If you know the President of La Aurora it should come as no surprise he would enter the rum market. I’ve been blessed to spend countless nights at Camp David in Santiago or in the sanctuary of his home drinking rum. It was him who turned me on to what we dubbed, El Gato Grande consisting of Ron Barcelo Rum & Sprite. Needless to say it didn’t surprise me one year to be gifted with a bottle of today’s rum which didn’t last very long. I was happy to see the rum is now for sale in select US Markets and the company was kind enough to send me a sample.
León Jimenes Rum 110 Aniversario started as a personal project by La AUrora President Guillermo León to produce an ultra-premium rum that would complement the cigar smoking experience. He believed that no stone should be left unturned in this project and would not stop until he would find that precious liquid. After many years, E. Leon Jimenes 110 Aniversario rum had its inception and perfected the process of distilling and aging.
This rum is made via 5-still column distillation of Guarapo (Sugar Cane Juice) vs. Molasses (only 10% of all rum is made in this way). It is then aged 10 years with the first eight years in American white oak barrels which give the rum most of its flavor, and the final two years in virgin European oak vessels.
Brand Review: León Jimenes by La Aurora Rum 110 Aniversario
ABV: 40% (80 Proof)
Age: 10 Years
Casks: American White Oak (8 Years), European Oak (2 Years)
Distillery: Barcelo International S.A.
Location: San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic
The Nose: Smokey wood notes with nuance of vanilla and maple. None of the notes are especially vibrant, but they offer up a sweetness that defines rum.
The Taste: A thick oily mouth feel with notes of cloves, tobacco, and an abundance of toffee appear on the first sip. Subsequent sips see butterscotch, maple and more toffee.
The Finish: Smoky and enjoyable, with notes of toffee, tobacco and cloves and a touch of mesquite.
Conclusion: From the first time I tried Leon Jimenes which was originally only available at the La Aurora Cigar Factory or at select cigar events throughout the USA as well as trade shows. The fact that it is available in the USA in limited locations is great to hear. It’s a rum that isn’t over sweet that won’t overpower a cigar if you like to pair them. For that pairing I would recommend Karl Malone Barrel Aged. However, even if you don’t smoke this is a great rum with a nice body.
Score: 93
Price: $122.95
