The Santa Teresa estate was founded in 1796, which this bottle references, however rum production began in 1930 with sugarcane from the property. As rums go, this excels. There are definite rum notes, but there is a lot of caramelized browned butter, resin, tobacco leaf and cinnamon, and an almost bitter, burned quality which is mitigated by the sweetness and honeyed notes. Added to this are dried fruit notes ofpeach and apricot. The finish is singular and pronounced, and it deviates from darker rums given its solera treatment. Solera – also known as fractional blending – is a process for ageing rum (or any spirit) by gradual blending rums of different ages with the result being that the finished product is a mixture of multiple years with the oldest adding depth of character and complexity. In this case some of the rums are up to 35 years old. With this method, age statements are not given, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Solera can and does impart more depth and maturity given that you have spirits from multiple decades present, and that can, if used judiciously, make a very effective spirit, as Santa Teresa has done here. At this price point, you are getting aged rums (in small portions) that make this a standout, one that drinks well above its price, and offers quite a bit of sophistication. A Platinum Award winner at the 2024 Critics Challenge International Wine & Spirits Competition. 96
Reviewed by Michael Cervin
Brand – Santa Teresa
Spirit Type – Rum
Other Designation – 1796 Solera Rum
Country of Origin – Venezuela
ABV – 40%
Bottle Size – 750ml
Price – $40
Score – 96
Date Reviewed – 7/29/2024