Bhakta 1990 is an extraordinary aged Jamaican rum that blends two rare components: a 25-year-old column still rum distilled at Clarendon (Monymusk) in 1985, and a 23-year-old pot still rum distilled at Appleton Estate in 1990. Finished in Armagnac casks and bottled at 124 proof, it is limited to just 1,500 bottles.
Bhakta, the house created by Raj Peter Bhakta, is known for its stocks of very old Armagnac, and this rum brings that expertise to Jamaica. The two rums were married in 2014 and aged a further three years in second-fill bourbon and rye barrels before their final rest in Armagnac casks, a sequence that layers American oak spice and Gascon brandy richness over the deep, funky character of Jamaican rum.
Light amber in the glass, it opens with delicate oak, butterscotch, pipe tobacco, ripe banana and orange essence. The palate offers fig, candied orange, allspice, pepper and clove, alongside roasted dates, bananas foster and coconut cream with mocha, and the very long finish shows espresso bean, pepper, sandalwood and salted caramel. Tastings.com awarded it 96 points and a Platinum Medal.
The tall bottle features BHAKTA spelled vertically down a fluted, art deco design, with the vintage 1990 on a red label. It is a rare find for rum collectors and a remarkable gift.
Tasting Notes
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Nose: Delicate oak, butterscotch, pipe tobacco, ripe banana and orange essence.
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Palate: Fig, candied orange, allspice, pepper and clove, with roasted dates, bananas foster and coconut cream.
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Finish: Very long, with espresso bean, pepper, sandalwood and salted caramel.
Specifications
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Producer: Bhakta Spirits
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Style: Aged Jamaican Rum, Armagnac cask finished
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Age: Blend of 25-year-old column still (1985) and 23-year-old pot still (1990) rums
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Proof / ABV: 124 proof (62% ABV)
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Cask / Finish: Second-fill bourbon and rye barrels, then Armagnac casks
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Region: Clarendon and Appleton Estate, Jamaica
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Size: 750ml
How to Enjoy It
At 124 proof, pour a small measure and add water a few drops at a time; the tropical fruit and spice bloom with dilution. Serve it in a tulip glass. It pairs with dark chocolate, bananas foster or a full-bodied cigar, and makes an exceptional gift for a rum collector.
Frequently Asked Questions
What rums are in Bhakta 1990?
A 25-year-old column still rum from Clarendon (Monymusk), distilled in 1985, and a 23-year-old pot still rum from Appleton Estate, distilled in 1990.
How was it finished?
After a further three years in second-fill bourbon and rye barrels, it was finished in Armagnac casks.
What proof is it?
It is bottled at 124 proof, or 62% ABV.
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