Kirk & Sweeney Gran Reserva Superior Rum, Dominican Republic (80 proof)
Item Number: 20575
UPC: 0-856442005109
Country: Caribbean
Region: Dominican Republic
Estate Grown Wine: No
Grape(s): Blackstrap Molasses
Type: Spirits - Rum
Bottle Size: 750 ml
Pack: 6
Closure: T Top
Alc by Vol(%): 40
Age: Blend of rums aged between 6 and 25 years. The rum is aged for its full length in Santiago de los Caballeros.
Barrels: The barrels used to age Kirk and Sweeney are a combination of American and French oak barrels purchased from a variety of distillers sourced from multiple coopers. A majority of the used barrels are ex-bourbon and they are utilized by the original distiller 4-5 times before being re-charred and repurposed for rum aging.
Tasting Notes: The aroma presents subtle notes of dried fruits and sweet, toasted breads, along with a base of toffee, fresh honey and caramelized sugar. Hints of almonds and vanilla also show on the nose. This rum is as pleasantly complex as the nose would suggest, offering a rich evolution on the mouth from fresh, sweet sensations to dried fruits. The finish ranges from a distinct caramel, to sherry, to a well-balanced blend of almond and vanilla.
Production Notes: Handcrafted in the Dominican Republic, Kirk and Sweeney Rum adheres to the very strict regulations to be labeled Dominican Rum. The process begins with high-quality sugarcane that is converted into molasses for fermentation and distillation. The sugarcane is grown mainly in the eastern part of the island by multiple growers and harvested yearly. The molasses is distilled in a 4 column distillation system. The rum is then aged in a variety of used American and French oak barrels. Instead of a solera system that tops off barrels with fresh alcohol, the distiller for Kirk & Sweeney conducts various steps of dumping, blending, and re-barreling through the years (no fresh alcohol). The final blends are a selection of variously aged rums. Aged rum from the Dominican Republic requires that the entire production process including sugarcane harvesting, fermentation, distillation and aging all take place in the Dominican Republic. The rum must also be aged for a minimum of one year in barrels. Most of Kirk and Sweeney rum blends are well beyond one year in age. A small amount of natural caramel coloring is added to the rums, which is standard practice and within compliance.