Diamond 2001 Port Mourant Stills 100 Aspects of the Moon #2 Stefan Van Eycken Selection

Distillery: Diamond

Distilled: 2001

Bottled: 2023

Bottler: Precious Liquors

Distillation: Port Mourant Double Wooden Pot Still

Aging: UK aged

Bottles: 220

Cask: 60

ABV: 45,2%

Volume: 700 ml

Bottling info:

This is the second bottle of the Tsuki Hyakushi series (100 Aspects of the moon) 

The series will be combining craft rums and single malt whiskies. This series reflects Japanese tastes and pays tribute to Tsukioka Yoshitoshi, one of the great innovative and creative geniuses of the 19th century. Tsuki Hyakushi series is a result of cooperation of two parties: Precious Liquors and Mr Stefan Van Eycken with a little support from Whisky Gallery Global.

The Diamond Distillery in Guyana was responsible for distilling the spirit. It began its journey in the Port Mourant Double Wooden Pot Still. The Double Wooden Pot Still has its origins in the Port Mourant Estate, which was founded in 1732. Over time, it was moved to Uitvlugt and eventually to Diamond in 2000. Similarly, the original Single Wooden Pot Still was relocated from its original home at Versailles on the West Bank of the Demerara River. It was then moved to Enmore and Uitvlugt before finding its present home at Diamond.

These two unique copper-necked stills are highly regarded by blenders and experts for producing medium-bodied, flavorful, and deeply aromatic rums. The ancient greenheart wood of the stills plays a significant role in shaping these distinctive characteristics.

Tasting note:

Colour: gold. Nose: was this distilled by British Petroleum? And did they throw olives, bananas and carbon dust into the still? And williams pears again? And a handful of salted liquorice lozenges? Well, that worked a treat. Mouth: a little strange, in the best acceptance of that word. Some curious waxes mingled with some peach/pear sirup, then a few things from the sea (sardines, anchovies, mussels) and this salty liquorice.

Finish: rather long, very salty, as if we just had seawater. Comments: it somewhat reminds us of an old malt that has started to scatter a bit in its cask, losing a bit of coherence but also becoming very distinctive and almost unique, which is priceless and, in fact, beautiful. Score: 90/100

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