Tag Archives: barrilito

nce upon a time there was a legend about a bottle of rum that not even the makers knew existed…

For those who have been wondering, where is Pablo…? No, I’m not taking Waldo’s place, though I wouldn’t mind his fame and height —he seems taller than me. I’ve been struggling with a back injury but the light is at the end of the tunnel, so bear with me.

This story hits close to home for a few reasons: first of all, I’ll introduce you to a gem of a spirit from my beloved Puerto Rico, as part of my family is boricua. Secondly, there is a legend behind this bottle I’ve been curious about for years. And I’ve chosen this particular moment of the year to present it — I’ve been a good boy, and it’s on my wishlist!

Ron del Barrilito (a.k.a. “rum from the little barrel”), from Hacienda Santa Ana, was historically an independently-owned brand from 1880 until 2017, when it was acquired by Bacardí.

Ron del Barrilito Two Stars * * is the typical rum you buy in Puerto Rican pharmacies. It’s around twenty bucks and it sells like water. It’s a decent rum you’d drink with ice, cola and lemon while watching a little lizard on a wall.

A step above is their Ron del Barrilito Three Stars * * *, a great sipping rum aged between 6 and 10 years in American White Oak ex-Sherry Barrels. I brought one to one of our Saturday tastings and the consensus among rum drinkers was “I’d buy that, eyes closed!”

Their Ron del Barrilito Four Stars  * * * * expression was introduced after Bacardí’s acquisition and the development of a Visitor Center in 2017, and it is available only for those lucky ones visiting the distillery. At least until recently visitors were able to bottle by hand and seal their own bottles with this incredible elixir aged up to 20 years old.

And now things get mysterious: I heard stories for years about a legendary Five Star expression that could only be seen at the distillery (back when there was no visitor center), and was not available for purchase but just for sipping (if by chance you were invited to sip).

The funny thing is, Edward Hamilton, founder of Ministry of Rum blog, responded to rumors by assuring back in 2007 that Edmundo Fernández, from Hacienda Santa Ana, told him personally that they had never made a Five Star expression. Well, egg or chicken, rum or rumor, the bottle that became a myth then became a reality.

Long story short, Ron del Barrilito Five Stars * * * * * Reserva Suprema First Edition, aged up to 35 years in ex-Oloroso sherry casks, hit our store last month! Maybe Bacardí decided that it was time to make wishes come true using old stock, or was the Fernández family’s idea after Hamilton’s inquiry. The fact is, being called “First Edition” also make me believe this may well become an instant collectible.

 

Tasting Notes:
Full body with strong wood backbone. Aromas of plums, bananas, almonds, vanilla, and caramelized sugar cane. Exceptionally smooth on the palate with a natural sweetness and smoky wood finish.

Now there is another magic story in town—this one comes through Edward Hamilton from the Fernández family, and recently a reliable source in Puerto Rico confirmed it: apparently there is a barrel older than the owners can tell, waiting to be bottled when Puerto Rico becomes independent from the US.

Not sure if I’ll be able to ever enjoy a Ron del Barrilito Independentista 6 Stars * * * * * * in my lifetime. But I’m definitely more than okay with a Five Stars! A truly unique spirit with a beautiful backstory.

Happy Holidays! Thank you for your support and for filling your wishlists with some of our fantastic wines and spirits. It has been a privilege joining Bikram & the NWS team, and running tastings with old and new friends.

Pablo Goldbarg
Marketing & Events Manager
Norfolk Wine & Spirits