BASSETERRE 1995 58,2% VELIER

The BASSETERRE 1995, bottled at a robust 58.2% ABV, stands as a distinctive embodiment of Guadeloupean rum craftsmanship. This remarkable spirit was distilled in 1995 and after maturing for 13 years in the tropical climate of Basse-Terre, it was bottled in 2008. The bottling was masterfully done by Velier, a name synonymous with quality and expertise in the rum industry. The combination of historical richness and luxurious aging makes this rum a coveted item for collectors and connoisseurs alike.

The island of Guadeloupe, located in the Caribbean, is not only famous for its picturesque landscapes but also as a fertile ground for sugar cane cultivation. This rum, being a product of the Carrere distillery in the region of Basse-Terre, highlights the unique terroir of the locality. What sets Bassterre 1995 apart is its dual-base formula, incorporating both cane juice and molasses, which is relatively rare and offers a complex flavor profile, straddling the line between the grassy freshness of agricole rums and the deep, sweet notes typical of molasses-based rums.

Basse-Terre, the region named on the bottle, is a lush, mountainous area with rich volcanic soil that imparts a distinct character to its agricultural products, including sugar cane. The rum's unique character is due to its exposure to a tropical aging process where high humidity and temperatures accelerate the interaction between the wooden casks and the spirit. This environment intensifies the infusion of the wood’s char and toasting notes into the rum, resulting in a deep, complex flavor profile that could not be replicated outside this geographical niche.

The distillation process through a column still at Carrere distillery is noteworthy. This method is typically more controlled and consistent than pot still distillation, allowing for a purer expression of the cane’s characteristics. Column stills are particularly good at producing cleaner, lighter spirits, but when used with skill, they can also capture deep, nuanced flavor profiles, especially when the base includes both sugarcane juice and molasses.

The bottler, Velier, is regarded as one of the most prestigious in the rum world. Founded in 1947 in Genoa, Italy, Velier is renowned for its meticulous selection of high-proof, intensely flavorful rums. Their philosophy extends beyond mere bottling to curating some of the most exceptional rums in the world. Led by Luca Gargano, whose visionary approach to sourcing and aging has pushed the boundaries of what rum can be, Velier ensures that each bottle under their label is not just a beverage but a narrative of its origin.

Velier’s approach is particularly focused on purity and expression of terroir, as reflected in this bottling of BASSETERRE 1995. By maintaining the rum at cask strength (58.2% ABV), they preserve all the volatile compounds that contribute to the rum's aromatic complexity and palate depth, delivering an experience as close as possible to tasting it straight from the barrel.

This release not only represents a moment in time for Guadeloupe rum but also serves as a testament to the skills and traditions of the Carrere distillery. The presentation of the bottle also speaks to the quality within, a simple yet elegant design that ensures the focus remains on the product itself. The rum, with its deep amber hue, promises an inviting experience with hints of oak, tropical fruits, and perhaps a whisper of smoke — a result of the years spent maturing in a charred oak barrel.

Given its limited bottling and the unique characteristics derived from its production and aging processes, BASSETERRE 1995 is not just a drink, but an artifact of Guadeloupean heritage, inviting rum lovers to explore the depth and breadth of flavors possible in this versatile spirit. It stands as a bold representation of the history, environment, and people of Basse-Terre, distilled into a beverage that transcends ordinary rum into the realm of extraordinary.