ENMORE EHP 1998 9 YEARS OLD 64,9% VELIER

The Enmore EHP 1998 9 Years Old 64.9% Velier is a riveting example of Guyanese rum craftsmanship, characterizing an exceptional combination of geographical identity and distillation artistry. This specific expression comes from the renowned Enmore Distillery, underpinned by the expert bottling skills of the Italian firm, Velier. As we discuss this rum, we will delve into its vintage quality, distillation process, and bottler’s background, providing a holistic understanding of its esteemed stature in the world of fine spirits.

The rum hails from Guyana, a country famed for its sugar cane production and rum making heritage, which traces back to the 17th century. Distilled in 1998, this particular vintage captures the essence of a pivotal era in Guyanese rum production. Enmore, the distillery responsible for this exquisite rum, was renowned for its traditional practices and the utilisation of a wooden continuous still. This still, often referred to as the Coffey still, is notable for producing rum with distinctive depth and complexity, attributed to the wooden components that interact deeply with the rum during distillation.

Aged for 9 years under tropical climatic conditions, this spirits' maturation process is expedited due to the intense heat and humidity of the Caribbean. These conditions intensify the interaction between the rum and the wood of the barrels, infusing the rum with a concentrated array of flavors in a relatively short period of time. As a result, tropical aging imparts a unique character to the rum, often yielding a richer and more robust flavor profile compared to those aged in temperate climates.

The rum has an ABV of 64.9%, showcasing a bold intensity that is typical for cask strength releases. This potent concentration allows aficionados to experience the eclectic flavors in an undiluted form, offering an opportunity to taste the spirit exactly as it was in the barrel. Only 265 bottles of this exceptional batch were released, highlighting its rarity and collectibility among connoisseurs and enthusiasts.

Produced from molasses, the traditional base for Guyanese rum, this release exemplifies the rich, sweet, and complex profiles that can be expected from such a base. Molasses, a byproduct of sugar refining, provides a robust flavor foundation that is transformed in the wooden continuous still and further elaborated upon during the aging process.

Now, turning our attention towards the bottler, Velier. Founded in 1947 by Casimir Chaix in Genoa, Italy, Velier is renowned for its deep commitment to quality and provenance. Under the leadership of Luca Gargano, whose stewardship began in the late 1970s, Velier has garnered a reputation for selecting some of the most exceptional barrels of rum from esteemed distilleries across the Caribbean and beyond. Gargano is especially noted for his philosophy of 'Integrity Bottling' which includes bottling straight from the cask without dilution, filtration, or any additions. Velier's bottles, such as this Enmore 1998, are distinguished by their meticulous selection process and the rich stories each bottle tells of its origin and crafting.

In summary, the Enmore EHP 1998 9 Years Old from Velier is not just a bottle of rum, but a narrative of Guyanese heritage, traditional practices, and meticulous aging under the tropical sun. It stands as a testament to the craftsmanship of the Enmore Distillery and the vigilant selection of Velier, making it a prized possession for any rum enthusiast seeking depth, complexity, and a piece of Caribbean history.