Just a small pair today, one that we have been extremely interested in, however.

Paranubes Anejo (54,8%): This is 18 months old. Wow! I hope you understand my sarcasm. After all, that’s still less than some “White” Rums. Please note that there have been several 18 months Anejos. I am aware of at least an expression with 53,8% but I think this one was the first release (I might be wrong though). Nose: Very briney, umami and thick. Olive oil, any given brine, avocado, Himalaya salt, hazelnuts and soy sauce are my main associations but at the end of the day they all describe the same thing: Thick and umami brine. Weird stuff. Palate: The Rum continues in this direction and there’s at least one Clairin that’s quite similar. It has this same earthy vibe to it, even though I am still getting this combination of olive-, avocado- and walnut oil. With the third sip also herbs such as dill or lovage. Still rather odd. Finish: Salted wood, olive brine and herbs used for seasoning olives stay around for rather long. I know that there’s a fanbase for this spirit/ distillery and while I acknowledge its quality, I am not a fan personally. It is just not the kind of spirit I enjoy sipping but that said, I guess it has the potential to be killer cocktail material. (80/100)

Swell de Spirits Los Convidados Satvrnal High Ester 2023 (64%): A high ester one from Mexico? Sure, let’s give it a try! What a lovely label by the way, good job! Nose: High ester? Yes, but it is also… decidedly Mexican, i.e. it comes with those smoky, vegetal, earthy and salty or briney notes. Rather typical in that sense. I still cannot really say if I should like this or merely find it interesting. Well, let’s take a sip. The distillery surely knows what (s)he is doing as this is neither sharp, nor can I detect any faulty notes. Flavourwise, I am getting more of the vegetal and earthy notes, paired with salty brine, minerals and fruit vinegar (raspberry perhaps). To be honest, I was expecting a bit more, even though I don’t really know why, but we should keep an eye on aged expressions in the future! Finish: Not too long with more earthy and mineral notes (think chalk). I love that there’s another new distillery, so let’s give them some time to develop. (74/100)