This is a bottle that makes you think you're in for something really special. A uniquely numbered square bottle with rounded shoulders and a big black wooden cork that distinguishes it from a crowd of other bottles.  The box itself, that Angostura 1919 came in, is quite refined too with its embossed flower pattern on the front. Before opening the bottle and pouring the rum in a glass I can already see that the clarity of Angostura 1919 is spectacular! You can clearly see through the golden liquid when looking through the bottle.

After removing the magnificent cork the room is slowly filled with a deliciously intoxicating scent of vanilla and caramel. In the glass Angostura 1919 is a pale gold with thin legs that soon sink back down the sides of the glass merging back into the rest of the rum. Once settled in the glass the clarity is even more exceptional than it was in the bottle.

Vanilla and caramel are still detectable in the aroma but pouring into the glass seems to have awakened the rum and it now unleashes other scents. Now floral tones are more apparent and there seems to be a smell I can't quite put finger on and believe it or not, tar. After warming the glass properly, aromas of caramel and burnt sugar come to life and are a lot more distinctive.

As I take a sip my mouth is filled with complex flavours and floral tones accompanied by a pleasantly gentle burning sensation. The floral tones are a little attacking, but other flavours are well balanced. The taste is quite similar to the aroma. Angostura 1919 is smooth but it isn't quite as smooth or sweet as the initial aroma lets you assume after opening the bottle.

Dominating floral tones all over the mouth with hints of vanilla and buttery caramel in the palate remain as a rather pleasant aftertaste which becomes even more pleasant after the floral tones weaken leaving vanilla and caramel lingering in the palate for a little while longer.

Although the initial aroma coming from the bottle is almost divine, it takes some time to become acquainted to the taste. This is perhaps because of the strong floral tones that push other flavours aside, but the aftertaste compensates for this as the floral tones weaken. After getting used to the taste with each sip I begin to appreciate the flavour of Angostura 1919 more and more.

Country: Trinidad
Aged: 8 Years
Bottle No: 18212
www.angostura.com

Talk about Angostura 1919 Premium Rum in the forums.

Read Scott's Angostura 1919 review.