Santa Teresa 1796 Triple Aged Solera Speyside Whisky Cask Finish

For those that haven’t seen this: it’s 3 types of rum aged separately then blended, then solera aged, then vat aged, then finished in speyside barrels.

Whiskey on the nose, a bit alcohol forward burns the nostrils made me think it would be way stronger than its mere 46% abv, but was surprised but the smooth taste with multiple complex notes that rollercoaster one after the other, 1st a bit of a wine zinfandel taste (think foursquare) then a bit of toffee followed by a sudden long lasting burn and wood smokey finish. The toffee taste is more and more present the more sips you take, there is also a nice burn on the lips and chest the more sips taken as well. Been awhile that I’ve been surprised by a unique rum and this is a good find, buying a backup bottle just in case they discontinue the expression.

Compared to normal santa teresa 1796 this is less sweet, more punch and burn and smokey+whiskey notes

I love how you pick up on the Scotch barrels in the finish in the back of your throat.

I really like when master rum distillers mix and match and try to come up with a rum that makes it unique and this is no exception. 3 types of rum aged separately then solera aged again through 4 rows of barrels before being aged again in oak and if that was not enough another aging of more than 1 year in Speyside Scottish whiskey casks. The result for me is really nice. 46% ABV and still smooth but definitely there is some heat. I put on ice and turned it into a rum I could sip over and over. It is sweet for sure but really not offensive or artificial tasting. A little smoke. A little toffee and dried fruit. Nice long and smooth finish of spice and smoke. Please try it even if you are not a fan of whiskey because really the whiskey taste is not prevalent which actually disappointed me a bit as they really try to make it clear that there is a Speyside whiskey cask finish which for me was pretty well hidden. Nonetheless, A really nice offering.

Being a Santa Teresa 1796 Solera Rum there are certain expectations and it met every single one. Excellent caramel and oaky nose, well balanced and complex at the same time. You get the whiskey notes at the finish which rounds out the rum with a hint of a peppery finish.

I don’t mind paying for fantastic beverages if they live up to my expectations. This Rum has a little bite but just enough to let you know it’s really good. Don’t get the one that is aged less years. It doesn’t live up to the name, but this one does—by all means. The aroma is calming and increases the anticipation of the first sip… and it lives up to it. The color is a wonderful caramel color that lets you know it’s there. A soft super light sweetness that lets you know it’s not bitting hard on the tongue, so it goes down smooth and warming. This is a rum to savor and enjoy Neat. On the first sip — breath deep the aroma and close your eyes on the sip and hold it a second before you swallow to reveal the wonderful calming and warmth. I love this rum.

The color is like a dark bronze/copper color, and the aromas bring molasses, a little spice, and maybe a slight tobacco; very appealing but light (when I compared it with the regular Santa Teresa 1796 Solera Rum). The palate brings up some of the Speyside influence, but I feel it eliminated some of the good characteristics of the standard 1796. Some Speyside Scotches tend to be more honey, or citrus in flavor, followed by a "medicinal" thing... that comes forward on the palate, although lite. Instead, the tobacco/leather flavor almost disappeared, and I was able to find a trace of it towards the end.
I appreciate the experiment, but in this case, I take the standard Santa Teresa 1796 over this one. Still a good drink/sipper.