WE’RE BIG fans of the venerable House of Angostura here at Rum Journal.

While much of the world knows Angostura first for its bitters we know better: their rum is outstanding, led by our typical favourite, the sensational 1919 (although the 1824 is quite good, too).

So we were quite excited when we were finally able to get our hands on the company’s newest premium rum, Angostura Cask Collection No. 1.

It’s a limited edition, with just 9,600 bottles produced, notable for its being finished exclusively in first-fill American bourbon casks.

The result is something rather extraordinary: think the 1919 with an even more complex finish.

The amber-coloured rum has an aroma of bourbon, candied fruit, almond and the slightest underlying hint of anise.

The flavour profile is marked by candied fruit, bourbon, almond, spice, caramel, honey and a muted vanilla.

And it gets better as it goes along. The finish is exquisitely smooth, in the great Angostura tradition.

All in all, this is one of the great rums produced today, and one of the best rums we’ve tasted all year long.

Here’s hoping they keep up the good work in Trinidad.

— CJ