Barbancourt Estate Reserve 15-Year

Don't bother with the 8 Year. Drop the few extra bucks and get this. It's lightyears better than the 8 year; there's no comparison. In fact, this was the rum that started my life-long love of rum. My grandfather used to keep a bottle of this in a hidden trapdoor cabinet. One day as a teenager some 25 years ago I discovered the trapdoor and this was the first spirit I ever tried...and it blew me away. Instantly, my mind said "yes this is what you want". Yet because of my youth and the passage of time I forgot which variation of Barbancourt it was. So for many years I searched for the spirit that had started it all, but was lost. About 5 years ago I bought a bottle the 5 Star 8 Year thinking it may have been that. However to my dismay, not only was it not what I was thinking of, I disliked it intensely. So I went online and inquired. Other aficionados insisted that I must have had some old pre-earthquake Barbancourt that was no longer in production. So I lost hope. Luckily about a week ago I came across a review of this rum that sounded exactly what I remembered experiencing those many years ago. For a week I seesawed back and forth on whether to drop $50 on a rum whose younger sibling I knew I didn't like and who others insisted no longed existed. Well, my friends...I took that risk and it paid off in spades. I brought this home, unscrewed the cap, took a whiff and the memories of my grandfathers hidden cabinet came rushing back in waves. I knew I had found my long lost first love. So lets begin and lets review this rum right.

First, let's start with some facts. This is a true pure Agricole Rhum slow-aged for 15 years in French Limousin Oak Casks. It is unadulterated and the age statement is one of fact without nuance. This is not a Solera or a mix of rums with different ages. Its is a true full 15 year aged rum, so you will want to let this sit for at least 15 minutes before drinking it. If you drink this straight immediately after opening the bottle it will probably be too intense - unless you are into that kind thing.

The journey starts with the nose which is a flawless harmony of Vanilla, Sherried Oranges, Brown Figs, and old Mahogany furniture. Its almost like you are smelling French colonial history in your glass. It is marvelous and there is no other rum like it anywhere. But these mild fruit notes belie the intensity thats about to hit your palate. On the palate you get a rush of oak but not of the bourbon kind, rather more of a peppery oak like cognac. That begins to dissipate into a creamy mix of vanilla and orange peel which is both sweet and yet not at the same time. The orange peel then fades into notes of lemon, cane juice, and dates before finishing with notes of white peppercorns. While the individual notes are subtle, their combination is rather intense. The aftertaste, or finish, leaves a coolness in the mouth that I have only otherwise experienced with White Agricoles, while notes of old Mahogany furniture and Cognac linger. Finally, there is an after-essence of oranges and eggnog. The entire presentation is chest warming and at times rather intense, but it walks that line almost perfectly. This is a far, far smoother and more refined rum than its younger brothers. This rum was designed to be sipped slowly savored. If you need to dial down the intensity of it, it is almost flawless over an iceball. You probably could mix with this and make cocktails fit for King Louis, but please don't do that - that would be a waste of this gem of a sipping rum. It's almost like a fine cognac in a way, but this far better than any cognac I have ever had (though that may just be my bias for rum).

At $48 for an unaltered, untouched, true, pure fine Agricole slow-aged 15 years in Limousin oak, you will not find a better price for an aged French style rum of this quality.

Nose: 10
Palate: 10
Aftertaste: 10
Smoothness: 9
Versatility: 9
Price: 9

Total: 9.5

*Post edit 11/2020* Coming back to this rum the intensity of the spiciness on the backend has dissipated, which was my sole concern previously. This is an almost perfect rum.

This is some primo stuff. It has a nice aroma with just the right amount of burn needed. Goes great over some ice or in a mixed drink. This was a gift from a friend in Florida and is not available to buy here in Texas as far as I know. If you get a chance to purchase some. Please do and revel in its spicy flavor.

The thing is how many times are you in Hati. So not exactly the easiest to find but one to grab if you can smooth and nice.

Le meilleur produit d'exportation haïtienne est un rhum ambré à la saveur fruité sans arrière goût marqué et avec une impression de fruit à redeguste

Would but again. What else can I person say but I'd buy again

À venir prochainement.............................

Was mildly surprised by this rum. Admittedly not an Agricole fan but this is quite good. Burns a bit at the start but gains complexity longer it sits in the glass. Hints of butterscotch and caramel then a 'woody' ending. I agree with others this is perfect for a winter night by the fire.

Had a chance to try this tonight at a local watering hole. Kind of a cool funky agricole vibe to it. A bit sweet but definitely enjoyable.

Higher end French agricole style rum with dry earthy notes. Packaging is ok, however, I can never understand why companies use cheap aluminum or plastic screw caps, especially when their rum represents their older sibling and price to match!

This one and the Reserve du Domaine both have the typically French taste. Dry, not very sweet, warm in the chest. Makes one think of Cognacs and Armagnacs.