Dictador Icon Reserve 20 Year Colombian Rum: A Timeless Elixir from Cartagena
Journey into the heart of Colombia with Dictador Icon Reserve 20 Year Rum, an extraordinary and meticulously aged spirit that embodies centuries of tradition and innovation. Crafted in the warm, fertile lands of Cartagena, this iconic rum is a testament to Dictador’s unwavering commitment to excellence, offering an unforgettable tasting experience that is both complex and incredibly smooth.
Dictador’s unique approach begins with the raw material: instead of traditional molasses, their rums are made from the fermentation of virgin sugarcane honey – a sweet, rich syrup obtained by pressing fresh sugarcane juice. This distinct base contributes significantly to the rum’s unique aromatic profile. The distillation process is equally unique, combining both a copper alembic pot still (for heavier, more aromatic spirits) and a continuous steel column still (for lighter, more refined spirits), allowing Dictador to achieve a medium-bodied rum with exceptional aromatic complexity.
The “20 Year” on the label refers to a minimum average age, as Dictador employs a Solera aging system. This traditional method involves a cascading series of American oak barrels, where younger rums are progressively blended with older rums. While the exact age of every drop in the bottle isn’t 20 years, the rum has undergone extensive maturation within this system, with some components reaching this impressive age. This prolonged contact with wood imparts deep flavors, a rich color, and incredible smoothness. Dictador rums are also notable for being additive-free, meaning no sugar or coloring is added post-distillation, allowing the natural character of the aged spirit to shine. It is bottled at 40% ABV (80 Proof).
Key Characteristics:
- Solera Aged 20 Years: Matured using a dynamic Solera system, blending rums with an average age of 20 years in American oak barrels, often with a finish in ex-Port or ex-Sherry casks.
- Virgin Sugarcane Honey Base: Crafted from concentrated sugarcane juice, contributing a unique flavor profile distinct from molasses rums.
- Hybrid Distillation: Uses both copper alembic pot stills and continuous steel column stills for complexity and balance.
