Luisita Crop 2015 6yo Pedro Ximenez Barrel

Distillery: Luisita Distilled: 2016 Bottled: 2022 Distillery Bottling Distillation: Column installed in 1927 Aging: tropical aging in Philippines Bottles: 557 Cask: Pedro Ximenez Barrel 1003 ABV: 62% Volume: 700 ml Bottling info: Crafted with passion and expertise by the Tarlac Distillery Corporation (TADISCO), Luisita Rum is an exquisite collection of handcrafted rums meticulously distilled from locally sourced ingredients that thrive in the fertile grounds of the historic Hacienda Luisita estate. Nestled in the heart of the Tarlac province in the Philippines, this sugar plantation has a captivating tale to tell. Throughout its storied past, Hacienda Luisita has witnessed pivotal moments in history. From the days of colonial rule to the tumultuous times of World War II and the Japanese occupation, this estate even served as General MacArthur's esteemed headquarters. Today, it stands as a testament to resilience and innovation, producing the most artfully crafted rum that can grace your palate. The distilling legacy of Hacienda Luisita dates back to the 1920s, when the estate acquired its first coffey columns. This marked the beginning of a journey that would eventually lead to the birth of Luisita Rum as we know it today. As part of the Central Azucarera de Tarlac, the largest sugar producer in the Philippines, the estate has played a pivotal role in shaping the nation's rich rum heritage. With unwavering dedication and an unwavering commitment to quality, Luisita Rum now stands as an independent brand, wholly devoted to the art of crafting exceptional spirits. Through a fruitful partnership with Precious Liquors, the renowned Luisita rums have found their way into the hands of rum aficionados around the world, transcending borders and bringing the essence of Hacienda Luisita to discerning palates everywhere. Luisita rums are single estate rums, with no additives or sugars added. Fermented from in-house produced molasses, distilled, matured and bottled at the site. Tasting note: Nose: feels like pot-still, while I'm happy to report that this has got nothing to do with 'said brand'. It is rather heavy, full of tarmac, liquorice, petrol, engine oil, olives, rotting bananas, neoprene, peonies and wisteria… With water: olives and tar! Mouth (neat): heavy again, shock-full of liquorices of all kinds, petroly as it should be (why that, S.?) and with awesome touches of caraway and cardamom in the background. Excellent. With water: some sweeter fruits coming out, as jams. Medlars, jujubes… Do those grow in Tarlac? A few touches of pencil shavings, some chocolate, some coffee liqueur too. Finish: long, rich not thick, more on molasses but always with rather a lot of tar and liquorice. The PX behaved, it seems. Comments: the coating reminds me of some Mauritians, while the core's rather closer to a heavy Demerara's. A great surprise. There's also an ex-bourbon, I can't wait, it may be approaching the 90-mark… Score: 87/100 Whiskyfun.com