DILLON 12 YEARS OLD 45% XO

Drawing from the rich and aromatic landscapes of the Caribbean, the Dillon 12 Years Old 45% XO stands as a testament to aged rum excellence. With each sip revealing a tapestry of well-blended flavors, this rum encapsulates the essence of its tropical heritage from Martinique, refined by a heritage that dates back to the plantation era.

Primarily distilled in a column still, the Dillon XO acquires its venerable profile by being aged for 12 years in the sweltering, humidity-rich climate of Martinique. This type of tropical aging profoundly influences the rate and complexity of maturation, causing the spirit to interact more aggressively with the wooden barrels, which imbues the rum with a rich, opulent composition not easily replicated in cooler climates.

Martinique, a region renowned not just for its picturesque landscapes but also as a bastion of quality rum production, plays a crucial role in the character of Dillon rums. The Dillon distillery, with its roots deeply embedded in French colonial history, continues to harness local sugarcane varieties, cultivating them under the lush, Caribbean sun. The resulting cane juice is then meticulously fermented and distilled, ensuring that the base spirit resonates with the intrinsic freshness of agricole rum.

The agricole base of Dillon rum sets it apart from molasses-based rums. Agricole rum is made from freshly-squeezed sugarcane juice rather than the by-product of sugarcane, molasses. This distinction highlights a clearer, more vegetal, and herbaceous flavor profile that superbly reflects the terroir of Martinique. The devout attachment to this process echoes the island's commitment to preserving the purity and tradition of their rums, which are celebrated globally for their distinctiveness and quality.

At 45% strength, this XO expression maintains a robust profile without overwhelming the palate, ensuring that the nuances of its aging process are elegantly presented. Each bottle is an official release from the Dillon distillery, which guarantees that the rum has been bottled and overseen by the very same artisans who have nurtured its maturation from cane to cask. This official bottling reflects the distillery's confidence in presenting a product that truly represents its heritage and quality.

The Dillon 12 Years Old XO is bottled in a standard 70cl bottle, which is perfect for either the seasoned rum aficionado or the adventurous sipper looking to explore aged expressions from lesser-known regions. This rum, with its golden amber hues and complex aroma profile, featuring notes of toasted nuts, dried fruit, and hints of tobacco and oak, promises a full-bodied experience.

In the sipping, one may expect a harmonious blend of sweetness and spice, characterized by molasses, caramel, matured wood, and a hint of smoke—an exquisite balance likely attributed to its aged refinement in the tropical climate.

For those embarking on the journey of tasting and collecting distinguished rums, the Dillon 12 Years Old XO represents not just a splendid addition, but a dive into the rich tapestry of Martinique's distilling lore. Beyond its delightful contents, it stands as a celebration of the French Caribbean's enduring spirit tradition, assured to resonate among connoisseurs and casual consumers alike.