Three centuries ago, on one of the more than 300 sugar estates around the country, British sugar cane planters discovered the liquid gold of Guyana – Rum. They realized that molasses, a by-product of the sugar refining process, ferments into alcohol, and when distilled, these alcoholic by-products concentrated the alcohol and removed impurities, producing the first true rums.
A Brief History of RUM
The story of rum in Guyana started in the 1640’s with the introduction of sugar cane by the early European settlers. But it was not until distilling was introduced into the new territories by the British in the 1650s that the foundation of Demerara Rum production was laid down. The main ingredients for rums produced in Guyana are generally molasses, yeast and water. Today, Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) is the pioneers of true aged rums and lay claim to the world’s best rums.
In the 17th Century, every sugar plantation had its own small distillery and these, with the passage of time, were gradually consolidated into one distillery at Diamond on the East Bank of Demerara. DDL acquired this distillery with all its stills and expertise, and by 1992 became the first rum producer in the world to market a premium quality aged rum: El Dorado 15 Year Old Special Reserve. Since then this superb spirit has become the internationally recognised benchmark for aged rums and the company has gone on to develop an unrivalled portfolio of Age Statement Rums. The significance of this is that each age statement specifically indicates the youngest rum in the blend, even though the oldest may be many years older.
The Liquid Gold of Guyana – RUM.
Rum is very popular around the world, especially in the Caribbean and the UK. One biblical source says “wine makes man’s heart rejoice”. From the moment alcoholic beverages were discovered, man has had an intricate affair with this substance to lighten the heart and enjoy its sensational feelings it gives; Rum is no exception. If used to the proper balance, rum can indeed be like gold, like pouring gold down your palate and having the feelings of excitement run through your bones.
The more popular rums produced in Guyana can be categorized as Fine Cask Aged (2 – 8 Years Old) and Luxury Cask Aged (12 – 25 Years Old).
Fine Cask Aged Rums:
- El Dorado 3 year old
- El Dorado 5 year old
- El Dorado 8 year old
With this exciting range of El Dorado Cask Aged rums, DDL’s Master blender has produced a selection which satisfies the popular demand for quality and versatility. Rich in flavour, they are equally at home on the cocktail circuit as they are for savouring on their own. Each possesses its own unique character, achieved by blending true aged rums from two or more of DDL’s own traditional column and pot stills – a process that cannot be matched by any other distillery in the world. These rums have an enjoyable smoothness and depth of character – ideal for creating sensational cocktails with that little bit extra.
Luxury Cask Aged Rums:
- El Dorado 12 year old
- El Dorado 15 year old
- El Dorado 21 year old
- El Dorado 25 year old
Drawing on DDL’s legacy of tradition, flavour and diversity, its Master Blenders have produced a Classic Collection of luxury cask aged rums which have all been internationally recognised as top in their class. These rums have a characteristic mellow flavour and a distinctively rich aroma. They are true aged rums from different vintages or batches, blended together to ensure a continuity of flavour from year to year.
The El Dorado 15 Years Old has long acknowledged as the Caribbean’s premier rum, continuously winning major awards over the past decade. Produced from a combination of specially selected aged rums, some as old as 25 years, blended to perfection and aged in old bourbon oak casks. A sip of this superb rich liquid will leave your mouth with a taste of dark chocolate and hint of grilled tropical fruit.
Honourable Mentions:
Single Barrel Marque: The Lone Caner Image: L. Surujbally
The Single Barrel Marque – the three labels in this line, the EHP(Enmore), PM(Port Mourant) and the ICBU(Uitvlugt) are named directly after the estates from which they are produced. Some Connoisseurs have agreed that these rums have a variety of taste, from a butterscotch nose blended with roasted coconut and apple to the taste of sweet baked apples mixed with cinnamon, flambéed banana and coconut. The ICBU pleasures the palate with a rich aroma of sweet cigar smoke, an initial taste of smoky tobacco with a roasted cinnamon apple finish.
The Superior Standard – there are three varieties in this line, the El Dorado Superior White, Superior Gold and Superior Dark. The White Rum is also called “The White Gold of Guyana”. This award-winning lightly aged rum is refined and blended to a smooth perfection, imparting a delicate subtlety of balanced flavours. On the other hand, the Gold Rum is light, dry and very mellow on the palate, when savoured as a straight drink, with or without ice; its warm inner heart lifts the spirits. The award-winning Superior Dark is lightly aged and has a smooth strength and full bodied taste to appeal equally to both the traditional rum drinker and today’s young adventurous breed of rum discoverers – afloat or ashore.
El Dorado Rum Cream
Specialty Products – the El Dorado Rum Cream is a rich creamy liqueur and especially enjoyed by the ladies. Made from a mixture of the 5 Year Old Demerara Golden Rum, dairy cream and spices, this liqueur is perfect for sipping and for mixing with coffee and adding to cakes or ice cream. Even seasoned drinkers find it a pleasure to indulge a drink of the El Dorado Spiced Rum; it has a unique blend of aged Demerara rums and natural spices – cinnamon and vanilla with hints of citrus. It delivers a genuine Caribbean flavour with a smooth taste and rich aroma. The De Luxe Silver Rum also known as El Dorado 6 Year Old is delightful to the palate as well.
The Liquid Gold of Guyana is very captivating – it is the world’s best Rum! Rum is indeed a “Golden Beverage” that everyone enjoys. The cane cutters and fishermen would have a drink after work. At weddings, engagements, parties, etc. people enjoy having a sip of this beverage. Even in the comforts of your home, around your family, rum can be a cause for merriment. From the very wealthy to the very poor find satisfaction in drinking these various, tasteful rums.
The way rum is distilled and the different varieties raises excitement. Guyana has played a major role in the upkeeping and maintenance of the famous company DDL. Due to this, fine rum is produced not only for Guyana but for other countries as well. Visit DDL and see for yourself the amazing production of – The Liquid Gold of Guyana.
References:
- “Lifting the spirits for over 300 years”. https://www.demeraradistillers.com/
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