Step into a World of Cinnamon Hot Chocolate: Brugal’s Innovative Rum

The scent of cinnamon-dusted hot chocolate wafts through the air, tantalizing the senses. For centuries, rum makers have utilized oak barrels to age their sugar-derived spirit, creating a smooth and caramel-infused complexity in their final products. This traditional approach has stood the test of time since the late 1700s, but Brugal, the revered Dominican distillery, has taken a unique and groundbreaking twist on this classic method with their latest release, Colección Visionaria.

Brugal’s Colección Visionaria is an ongoing series dedicated to innovation, and its first release has introduced a pioneering technique using toasted Caribbean cacao to enhance the rum. The journey begins with high-quality cooperage sourced from the misty forests of Western Europe, transported straight to the Dominican Republic. Once in the Caribbean, these barrels are toasted using locally-sourced, organic cacao beans. This proprietary technique imparts the wooden staves with the rich flavors of bittersweet chocolate and a robust depth of roastiness.

The “cacao-ified” barrels are then filled with Brugal’s signature sugarcane distillate and left to age in the tropical heat. As the rum matures, it takes on an exceptionally robust character, reminiscent of a cinnamon-dusted hot chocolate. The familiar threads of caramel and molasses found in the rum category are elevated and intensified by the addition of citrus spice, bergamot, and a subtle hint of toasted walnut. The end result is a remarkably smooth rum, perfect for sipping and savoring.

The inspiration for this groundbreaking release came from the childhood memories of Brugal’s master distiller, Jassil Villanueva Quintana. As a fifth-generation maestra ronera, Jassil’s most cherished recollection is walking amidst the cacao trees surrounding her family home. She recalls the lush greenery of the cacao fields, the bittersweet scent of the cacao pods, and the rich aromas of roasted beans. With the first edition of Colección Visionaria, Jassil sought to recreate these nostalgic and sensory experiences.

The mission has undeniably been accomplished, but this reconstructed memory of Jassil’s childhood is a more adult interpretation. With an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 45%, this rum offers a sophisticated and refined drinking experience. It is important to note that only four batches of this limited release were distilled and aged, making it a treasured and exclusive offering. Once these bottles are gone, they will exist only as a memory once more.

Brugal’s Colección Visionaria is now available for purchase at $100 per bottle in the United States. Don’t miss out on this chance to indulge in a truly innovative and unforgettable rum. To stay up to date with the latest food and wine news, be sure to sign up for our newsletter. Experience the magic of Brugal’s Colección Visionaria and savor the essence of a cinnamon-infused hot chocolate in every sip.

Read the original article on Food & Wine.