Paranubes Oaxaca White Rum (700ml)

This artisanal rum is handmade in the 'trapiche' of Jose Luis Carrera, located in the lush and cool tropical environment of northern Oaxaca Mexico. Jose Luis' family has been making aguardiente for at least three generations, with his father and grandfather teaching him the trade at a very young age. For the past 35 years, he has been producing an incredible, rich and fragrant spirit as one of many means to provide for his family.

Carrera grows four different types of sugar cane on his 14 hectares: Caña Dulce, Caña Morada/Negra, Caña Dura, and Caña Amarilla/Criolla. His aguardiente batches are made from predominantly Caña Criolla, but inevitably have a blend of all four cane types. This is truly an artisanal operation; the cane is cut by hand and transported by donkey to the distillery, where the freshly pressed cane juice is fermented naturally in 1,100-litre pine vats, or tinas. A boiled 'mother' made from bark of the native Mesquite tree is used to kick-start fermentation--literally the only additive that touches the entire process.

One of the things that really sets Carrera's rum apart from his neighbours and other white rum styles such as Rhum Agricole and Cachaça, is the use of rolling fermentation, which adds layers of funk and complexity. Jose Luis maintains a continuous fermentation, distilling only half of a single fermentation vat every morning and refilling it in the afternoon - the remaining active tepache inoculates the new liquid and the fermentation in the tina never stops!

The result is a wonderfully complex rum, combining the funk and flavour of a top Rhum Agricole or Clairin with an earthy, bucolic sense of place. Green olive brine, Dijon mustard, white pepper, sour dough fruit bread and bittersweet grassy notes are just some of the descriptors that come to mind. In spite of its unique flavour punch, it's a brilliant mixing rum and, one thing is for sure -- your daiquiris will never be the same again! 54% Alc./Vol.

*Australian legislation stipulates that if a product is to be labelled as "rum" it must be aged in wood for a minimum of two years. This means, in Australia, the word 'Ron' must be used on the label.

Other reviews... I believe that this simply made, small-batch artisanal rum takes its place immediately in any list of tonsil-shredding whites as one of the most original, potent, pungent, and flavourful rums currently extant. It’s that interesting right out of the gate, and is tailor-made for those who are looking to dispel boredom, and want to explore the bleeding edge of rums that conform to no rational standard. - thelonecaner.com