Grander sources aged rums from Las Cabras Distillery, Panama and bottle them. This particular release is finished in rye casks, apparently from Heaven Hill (Rittenhouse, Pikesville eyc.) with a limited amount of 1680 bottles released.
Molasses based, column still distilled and aged for 12 to 15 years in ex-Bourbon casks followed by 8 months in ex-Rye whisky casks. Bottled at 50% ABV free of additions.
On the nose it feels both fruity and spicy. Nutmeg, oats, sour cherries, cinnamon and ginger. Pencil shavings, cacao nibs, dried fruits and a touch of saffron. It has like a rich IPA aroma. The smell also reminds me of Foursquare vintages (2004, 2005), which makes sense given both these rums “abuse” American whisky casks. Lemon zest, raisins and new furniture.
On the palate it feels creamy and becomes dry towards the end. Corn flakes, charred oak, cinnamon sticks and banana bread. Black pepper, yellow apples, unripe pears, ginger beer and saffron. This time it seems closer to the likes of Mount Gay Black Barrel. Hoppy IPA and a touch of mango. The finish is long with burnt oak, cloves and some bitterness.
Interesting drop, can’t say it blew me away, but it has nice profile. I always find Panamanian rum to be like a blanc canvas to which you add your wood flavours via maturation. The oak is very prominent, a bit too much if anything – the bitterness on the finish is not particularly pleasant. The rye finish might’ve been a touch too “rough” for the light Panama distillate, but in the same time I would enjoy sipping this once in a while. I’m a bit conflicted.
Grander is widely available in the US rather than UK and this one seems to be priced around $60 for a bottle which isn’t bad at all. I have a few more Grander samples so I’m curious what else this brand has to offer.
Grander Barrel Series Rye Finished Rum – Batch 1908R score:
Flavour/taste: 53/70
Value for money: 14/15
Transparency/purity: 15/15
Overall: 82/100
Cheers!