BEENLEIGH 2013 10 YEARS OLD 59% VELIER - TROPICAL AGEING

1Beenleigh 2013 10 Years Old 59% Velier - Tropical Ageing is an exquisite rum that presents a rich tapestry of flavors and an impressive depth. Distilled in 2013 and bottled in 2023 by esteemed Italian bottler Velier, this expression has spent ten years maturing under the intense sun and atmospheric pressure unique to the Australian climate.

The Beenleigh Distillery, from which this rum hails, is one of Australia's oldest distilleries. Founded in 1884 on the banks of the Albert River, it is located in the heart of Queensland. The distillery has a storied past, originally established to use up excess molasses from the sugar mills that populated the area. Today, Beenleigh is renowned for crafting some of the finest artisanal rums in the Southern Hemisphere.

This particular rum, distilled using both pot and column still methods, showcases a complexity that is seldom found. The dual distillation process combines the rich, intense flavors derived from the pot still with the smoother, cleaner notes brought by the column still, creating a balanced and nuanced profile. After distillation, the spirit was matured in ex-bourbon casks, which impart additional layers of subtlety and complexity, contributing notes of vanilla, oak, and a hint of spice.

Velier, known for their meticulous selection of exceptional spirits, has once again curated a rum that speaks to both the heritage of its distillery and the unique qualities imparted by tropical aging. Velier is an Italian company famed for bottling some of the most prestigious rums in the world. Their approach often involves selecting rums that have undergone 'tropical aging' – a process where the spirit matures in a hot and humid climate, speeding up the interaction between the wood and the liquor, which results in a faster maturation with rich, concentrated flavors.

The unique climate of Queensland, coupled with the ten-year tropical aging process, makes this Beenleigh 2013 10 Years Old a standout example. Being aged in such an environment means the rum develops a greater depth of flavor much more quickly than it might in cooler climes. The heat enhances the extraction of vanillins, tannins, and other compounds from the barrels, resulting in a spirit characterized by a pronounced sweetness and complexity.

At 59% ABV, this rum is robust and intense. Each sip reveals layers of caramel, toffee, and dried fruit, underpinned by richer, darker undertones of espresso and toasted wood. The high alcohol content carries these flavors well, leaving a long, warm, and satisfying finish. The body of this rum is full, reflecting its molasses base, which ensures a luscious, velvety mouthfeel that coats the palate luxuriously.

The bottle itself is presented in a standard 70cl bottle that allows the beautiful, deep amber hue of the rum to shine through. This presentation, combined with the powerful experience housed within, makes the Beenleigh 2013 not just a drink, but an experience, ideal for rum enthusiasts and collectors alike.

In summary, the Beenleigh 2013 10 Years Old 59% by Velier is not merely a testament to the skill and history of the Beenleigh distillery, but also an exemplar of how tropical aging can elevate the rum-making process. This exceptional rum, crafted with care and aged under the Australian sun, offers a unique taste journey that stands out in the world of fine spirits.