A Unique Twist on Oak Barrel Aging: Brugal’s Colección Visionaria

If you’re a fan of rum, you’re likely familiar with the age-old tradition of aging the spirit in oak barrels. The result is a smooth and complex flavor profile, with hints of caramel and a touch of sweetness. Rum makers have been using this method for centuries, but now Brugal has found a way to add a unique twist to the process.

Brugal’s Colección Visionaria is a new series dedicated to innovation in rum making. The first release in the series takes a traditional oak barrel and adds a twist – toasting it with Caribbean cacao. This proprietary technique infuses the wooden staves with the flavors of bittersweet chocolate and a subtle hint of roastiness.

The journey to create this one-of-a-kind rum began with high-quality cooperage, sourced from the misty forests of Western Europe. These barrels were then shipped to the Dominican Republic, where they were toasted using locally-sourced organic cacao beans. The result is a blend of flavors that is both familiar and intriguing.

The barrels, now infused with the essence of cacao, were then filled with Brugal’s signature sugarcane distillate and left to mature in the tropical climate of the Dominican Republic. After several years of slumber, the rum is ready to be enjoyed.

What pours out of the bottle is an exceptionally robust rum, with aromas reminiscent of cinnamon-dusted hot chocolate. On the palate, the flavors of caramel and molasses are elevated by notes of citrus spice, bergamot, and toasted walnut. It’s a smooth and sippable rum with a complexity that sets it apart from others in its category.

The inspiration for this innovative rum came from Brugal’s master distiller, Jassil Villanueva Quintana. Her childhood memories of walking amongst the cacao trees near her family home served as the driving force behind Colección Visionaria. She wanted to recreate the lush and aromatic experience of cacao fields, and she succeeded.

This limited release rum is now available for $100 a bottle in the U.S. Only four batches were made, so once it’s gone, it’s gone forever. If you’re a rum lover looking for something truly unique, Brugal’s Colección Visionaria is worth seeking out.

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