ST. LUCIA 2010 7 YEARS OLD 58,6% VELIER 70TH ANNIVERSARY - SINGLE CASK #734 - KHONG SERIES

The St. Lucia 2010 7 Years Old 58.6% Velier 70th Anniversary - Single Cask #734 - Khong Series is a remarkable exemplar of how a masterful combination of aging, distillation, and bottling can yield an unforgettable spirit, in this case, a superb rum. Distilled at the reputed St. Lucia Distillers, a brand known for its commitment to traditional approaches interwoven with modern innovations in the distillery world, this rum encapsulates the essence of the Caribbean's rich and vibrant rum culture.

Released by the acclaimed Italian bottler Velier, renowned for its selection of high-quality, high-strength spirits, this edition marks Velier's 70th anniversary, emphasizing its legacy and dedication to the craft of spirits. Each bottle represents not only the rum itself but also a piece of history from one of the world’s most respected independent bottlers. Velier is known for its unyielding approach to quality and authenticity, often choosing rums that are unaltered with additives or sugar, thus presenting the spirit in its most natural and unmasked form.

This particular bottling, originating from the pristine and lush island nation of Saint Lucia, was aged for seven years under tropical conditions, which accelerated the maturation process due to the intense island climate. This kind of climate significantly impacts the interaction between the rum and the cask, imbuing the spirit with a depth and complexity that would take much longer to develop under cooler conditions. The rum was distilled in 2010, utilizing a Coffey still – known for its capability to produce lighter, cleaner spirits, which, when aged, develop rich and nuanced profiles.

Further refining its distinctive character, this rum was matured in an ex-bourbon cask, which not only contributes the usual vanilla and sweet notes associated with American oak but also complements the intrinsic tropical fruit flavors. The cask number, 734-0908 JD2, assures the specialty and uniqueness of this single-cask rum, underlining its exclusivity as every bottle from a single cask offers a distinctive touch to the connoisseur’s palette. This product has been bottled at an impressive strength of 58.6%, a choice that preserves the robust and intense flavors developed through its tropical aging.

The use of molasses as a base for this rum is a nod to the traditional rum-making process, favoring richness and a heavier body which carries through the intense sugar cane essence, a signature of Caribbean rums. At a generous 70cl bottle size, this rum is presented at cask strength, allowing enthusiasts to experience its flavor profile as intended by the distillers and bottlers, either neat or with a slight dilution to open up more nuances of the spirit.

The Khong Series, under which this bottle has been released, typically features standout single cask selections, and this bottle is no exception. It encapsulates the spirit of exploration and excellence that both Velier and St. Lucia Distillers embody. Each sip offers a journey through a lush palette of flavors, from the warm caramel and vanilla sweetness imparted by the ex-bourbon cask to the subtler spicy, nutty, and tropical fruit notes that reveal themselves upon tasting.

This rare edition not only invites rum aficionados to delve into the rich tapestry of Caribbean distillation and aging processes but also offers a unique collecting opportunity, especially given its significant bottling under Velier's 70th-anniversary series. It's indeed a celebratory rum, versatile enough for a sophisticated soirée or a contemplative sip in quiet solitude, proudly showcasing the legacy and future of rum craftsmanship.