Brugal 1888 Gran Reserva is a masterfully crafted premium rum from the Dominican Republic, embodying over 130 years of expertise. This double-aged gem matures first in American oak barrels for 6-8 years, followed by a 2-4 year finish in hand-selected Spanish Oloroso sherry casks, creating a complex and vibrant flavor profile. Expect layered notes of toffee, vanilla, cocoa, dried fruits, and spices, with a velvety smooth texture and a refined, long-lasting finish. Perfect for sipping neat, over ice, or in sophisticated cocktails, Brugal 1888 is a sublime choice for connoisseurs seeking a rum of exceptional depth and craftsmanship.
Process & Profile
Brugal 1888 begins its journey with carefully-selected fresh sugarcane, harvested by hand, and transformed into molasses. The molasses undergoes fermentation and meticulous double distillation, resulting in a pure and clean alcohol base. What sets Brugal 1888 apart is its unique double-barrel aging process. Initially, the rum matures for 6-8 years in American white oak bourbon casks, infusing it with complex vanilla, coffee, and toasted oak notes. It is then transferred to Spanish sherry casks for an additional 2-6 years. These Oloroso sherry casks impart layers of dried fruit, chocolate, and spice, giving Brugal 1888 its signature depth and richness.
Tasting Notes
Color: A deep amber tone with radiant red undertones, clear and bright in the glass.
Nose: A captivating combination of red fruits, vanilla, toffee, roasted coffee, dried figs, and subtle cinnamon spice.
Palate: Smooth yet full-bodied, with flavors of cocoa, toffee, caramel, licorice, and oak spice balancing a hint of tropical sweetness. The whiskey-like finish delivers a long-lasting, slightly sweet aftertaste accented with hints of honey and wood.
Finish: Elegant and enduring, leaving a satisfying warmth and complexity on the palate.
What Makes It Special
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Double Aging: This rum stands out for its innovative double maturation, a process more common in premium whiskey production. The interplay between bourbon and sherry casks creates a one-of-a-kind flavor profile.
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Dry Distillation Process: Brugal uses a unique distillation method that removes heavy alcohols, producing a cleaner and drier spirit compared to conventional rums.
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Heritage Craftsmanship: With a legacy dating back to 1888, Brugal represents over 130 years of Dominican rum-making expertise. The meticulous aging in sunlit Dominican warehouses enhances the maturation process, yielding a spirit with unparalleled complexity.
How to Enjoy
Brugal 1888 is a sipping rum crafted to be savored slowly.
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Neat: Best enjoyed neat at room temperature or slightly warmed to let the complex bouquet unfold. For the authentic experience, serve at Dominican ambient temperatures (76°F or 24°C).
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In Cocktails: Elevate classic cocktails such as a Rum Old Fashioned or a Rum Negroni by substituting Brugal 1888 to add depth and sophistication to your mixology.
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With Pairings: Complement its spicy, sweet notes with dark chocolate, roasted nuts, or Dominican specialties like tostones and croquetas.
Brugal 1888 Rum is a celebration of craftsmanship and flavor, perfect for those seeking a premium sipping experience. Whether enjoyed neat or as a luxurious cocktail base, this spirit promises a journey of discovery in every sip.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Brugal 1888 Rum?
Brugal 1888 is a premium Dominican rum crafted through a double-aging process. It is aged for 6-8 years in American white oak ex-bourbon barrels and then finished for 2-6 years in first-fill Spanish sherry casks. This process creates a refined spirit with rich, complex flavors and a smooth finish suitable for sipping neat or enjoying on the rocks.
What does Brugal 1888 taste like?
The flavor profile of Brugal 1888 is rich and multi-layered, featuring notes of dark chocolate, roasted coffee, cinnamon, dried fruits, and vanilla. The palate is smooth and full-bodied with hints of toffee, caramelized apples, and oak, followed by a slightly sweet and lingering finish.
How should Brugal 1888 Rum be served?
This rum is best enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or as part of a premium cocktail to fully appreciate its complexity and balance. It pairs beautifully with rich desserts, fine cheeses, or even smoked meats.
What makes Brugal 1888 unique?
Brugal 1888's double-aging process sets it apart. The rum is aged in two types of barrels—first in American oak for depth and character and then in Spanish sherry casks for added richness and fruity notes. Additionally, its distillation process removes excess sweetness, resulting in a clean and dry spirit often compared to fine whiskies.
Is Brugal 1888 gluten-free?
Yes, Brugal 1888 Rum is gluten-free. As a pure distilled spirit, it contains no additives or ingredients that include gluten.
How many calories are in Brugal 1888?
Brugal 1888 contains approximately 56 calories per 25 ml serving and does not contain any carbohydrates.
What is the alcohol content of Brugal 1888?
Brugal 1888 has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 40%, making it a standard-strength spirit.
Where is Brugal 1888 produced?
Brugal 1888 is produced in the Dominican Republic. The rum is crafted using local sugarcane molasses and aged in carefully selected barrels at Brugal's warehouses, where the warm climate enhances the aging process.
Who should drink Brugal 1888?
Brugal 1888 is perfect for rum connoisseurs and whiskey lovers alike. Its refined, drier profile appeals to those seeking a premium sipping rum with complexity and depth. It is also ideal for anyone who enjoys high-quality spirits with a smooth finish.
Does Brugal 1888 contain added sugar?
Brugal 1888 has less than 5 grams of sugar per liter, making it a relatively dry rum compared to many others in its category.
