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The world of fine rum features many outstanding examples, but few are as extraordinary as the Port Mourant PM 1974 34 Years Old 54.4% distilled by Port Mourant and bottled by the esteemed Velier. This vintage rum not only captures the rich history of Guyanese rum production but also showcases the exceptional craftsmanship involved in its distillation and aging processes.
Founded in the 18th century, the Port Mourant distillery is one of the oldest rum distilleries in the world, firmly rooted in the Demerara region of Guyana. Known for its traditional production methods, the distillery has maintained a legacy of crafting some of the most complex rums available. Central to Port Mourant’s uniqueness is its usage of a double wooden pot still, one of the last remaining in the world. Originally built in 1732, this wooden pot still imparts a distinctive and full-bodied flavor profile to the rums, distinguished by their depth and complexity.
Velier, an Italian bottling company, was founded by Luca Gargano in 1947. Known for its meticulous selection process, Velier is lauded for procuring and releasing rare and exceptional spirits, primarily focusing on rum. This bottler's collaborations are with distilleries that favor traditional methods and artisanal production techniques, ensuring that each bottle tells its own unique story of heritage and craftsmanship. Notably, Velier is renowned for its ethos of bottling rum at cask strength, which allows connoisseurs to experience the spirit as purely and directly as possible.
The 1974 vintage of Port Mourant PM is particularly notable, not just for its age but for the conditions under which it was matured. Aged for 34 years, this remarkable rum has undergone tropical aging, a process in which the spirit interacts intensely with the oak barrels due to the high temperatures and humidity typical of Guyana’s climate. This results in a faster aging process compared to cooler climates, and significantly influences the flavor profile, giving it a richer and more concentrated character.
The Port Mourant PM 1974 34 Years Old rum is a robust expression, distilled from molasses and benefiting from the historical double wooden pot still. The flavor encapsulates notes of dark chocolate, burnt caramel, and tropical fruits with an underlying oaky spiciness, likely attributed to the extended aging in barrels. The complexity is further enhanced by its 54.4% alcohol strength, giving it a bold yet smooth finish with a lingering warmth.
With only 364 bottles produced, this particular vintage is a collector's gem. Its scarcity and the historical significance of the distillery and bottling practices make it a highly coveted item among rum aficionates. The bottle itself is presented in a simplistic yet elegant manner, allowing the rich, dark amber liquid to shine through, tempting connoisseurs and collectors alike to savor its exquisite flavors.
The Port Mourant PM 1974 offers a journey through the history and soul of Guyanese rum-making. Each sip unfolds layers of meticulously crafted flavors, reflecting both the natural environment in which it was aged and the timeless traditions of the Port Mourant distillery. Velier, with its expertise in curation, provides rum lovers with not just a beverage but an experience filled with culture, history, and artistry. This rare vintage is not simply a drink, but a celebration of craftsmanship and heritage, preserved in a bottle.
Please note: Due to the various ages of bottles and their seals, condition of liquid is at the buyer's discretion and no claim can be lodged against failure/leakage in transit. Please ensure that you undertake close up viewing/inspection prior to placing any bid. If you have questions beyond the offered description and images, please click 'Ask a question' to make a specific enquiry or to receive more in-depth condition report. Lots will be sold as seen and described.
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