As far as I understand, Ron Los Valientes 15 Años Añejo Especial is made using the same methods as the 10 year old the only difference being the blend of rums that has been aged a tad longer in the White Oak casks.
Being pleased with the 10 year old Los Valientes I was quite eager to taste the older 15 year old Los Valientes rum and see what it has to offer, not to mention the 20 year old Los Valientes that I will review later.
The design of the bottle is exactly the same, apart from the different age statement and different colour of the seal. One other detail in the bottles I haven't mentioned is the map showing the coastline of eastern Mexico where Veracruz is situated.
Appearance
Much darker than the 10 year old, the 15 year old is dark copper and has long and slender legs not unlike an elegant lady.
Nose
Upon removing the cork, lush toffee accompanied by raisins and a hint of leather rush out of the bottle nose like the dust from an ancient pyramid whose seal has just been broken.
In the glass the very warm nose of Ron Los Valientes 15 Años is equally lush with toffee with the addition of roasted caramel, honey and a touch of rounded out rancio lying under the very tender alcohol note. The latter becomes evident as you blow in the glass to clear some of the alcohol vapours.
Taste
Much like the nose, toffee is the first thing to coat the palate after which there is burnt caramel and some rancio. The mellifluous body has a velvet touch and coats the entire mouth with its richness.
Aftertaste
At first, buttery rancio, then a very warming and lush wave of smooth toffee spread all across the mouth and nose while the rum keeps glowing in the chest and throat. The finish leaves you calm and satisfied like a long and comforting hug from a loved one.
Final thoughts
I could imagine sipping a rum like this after a nice and filling steak dinner, served alongside with some fine dark chocolate to compliment the rich flavours and aromas of the rum.
Like the 10 year old, this rum might also pair well with a cigar, albeit a more robust one than the medium bodied cigar I recommended for the 10 year old Los Valientes.
Ron Los Valientes 15 Años Añejo Especial is everything the first aromas from the nose of the bottle promise and more.
Details at a Glance
 | Details at a GlanceCountry: Mexico |  | ||
Other rum reviews:
Ron Los Valientes 10 Años
Ron Los Valientes 20 Años Añejo Reserva Especial
