Review: La Maison & Velier Transcontinental Rum Line, 2024 Releases
La Maison & Velier’s Transcontinental Rum Line (aka TCRL) is back with new editions, and unlike the 2023 bottlings, these are not single cask releases. (Many of these releases are presented at a much lower proof, too — and they’re priced more affordably as a result.) While not single cask releases, they are still vintage dated and, as such, limited in nature.
As a reminder, these are named because they are created in two parts of the world: Initially aged in the tropics, then transported to Europe before bottling (some featuring additional overseas aging). As usual, availability is extremely variable so you’ll need to shop around to find them.
Here’s all the details (and our thoughts) for your rum-sipping pleasure. All are 700ml bottles.
Transcontinental Rum Line Panama 2015 – Molasses rum distilled on a column still, aged 6 years in Panama in American oak and bottled in France. Fresh and very tropical on the nose, heavy on overripe pineapple and touched with a light slick of baking spices to back it up. Ample vanilla, caramel, and some light, golden raisin notes emerge quickly. The palate is sweet but refreshing, again quite tropical while showcasing some citrus in the mix, almost lemony on the finish. Lively with a hint of almond and mocha on the finish, this feels tailor-made for a mai tai. 86 proof. A / $50
Transcontinental Rum Line Mauritius 2017 – Column-distilled molasses, aged 3 years in Mauritius. Heavily spiced on the nose, and rather laden with wood, giving it a dusky aromatic profile. A toasty attack on the palate quickly gives way to a funkier character, vegetal and green, with a distinctly savory edge. If not for the coconut- and sesame-infused sweetness, one might be confused whether this was a rum at all. Mint emerges later alongside some well-browed butter, but the finish is very drying and tannic. An oddball, but not unenjoyable, experience. 100 proof. B / $55
Transcontinental Rum Line Barbados 2015 – A blend of pot and Coffey still molasses rum, aged 5 years in Barbados and 1 in Europe. Balanced and well-rounded, this rum props up ample, buttery sweetness on both nose and palate, showcasing a healthy vanilla cream quality, chocolate sauce, and a finish that evokes raisins and spice. Surprisingly tame at 55% abv, perhaps too easygoing, even, with a bit of a cinnamon roll quality to round things out on the finish. 110 proof. A- / $70
Transcontinental Rum Line Australia 2014 – Pot still molasses rum, aged in bourbon barrels for 5 years and finished in a Cognac foudre in France for 2 more years. Rich and dusky on the nose, the top-note aromas evoke incense and seductive florals matched with austere notes of old libraries, wood paneling, and oiled leather. It’s quite a combination, alternately nutty and spicy, inviting you right in. The palate features a fruitier component, raisins and figs mingling with the enduring notes of jasmine and dried flowers. It’s a bit biting, however, on the finish, where a significant tannin dominates amidst ample notes of wood polish and some eucalyptus. 96 proof. B+ / $55
Transcontinental Rum Line Jamaica 2016 – Classic Jamaican pot distillate of molasses. Aged 4 years in Jamaica, then 1 more year in Europe. Bottled at cask strength. Aggressive hogo, as expected, pours on aromas of overripe pineapple, burnt peaches, and brown banana — with plenty of heat to back it up. The only rum in this collection I really saw as needing of water, a few drops helps tame a scorched palate, and calm any industrial flavors, allowing all that tropical fruit to shine — especially the pineapple. A light note of peppermint late in the game spices up the finish and works well alongside lingering notes of espresso. 114.36 proof. A- / $70
Transcontinental Rum Line High Seas – TRCL’s first multi-island blend, including tropically aged rum from Panama, unaged high-ester stock from Jamaica, and unaged high-ester grand arome from Martinique. The minimal use of wood here lets all that ultra-fruity high-ester rum shine, and the blend is on point. Big banana and green apple notes on the nose roll right into a fruit medley on the palate, a mix of banana, cherry, and apple laced with coconut, coffee, and allspice. Touch of hogo on the finish, but nothing you can’t handle. Immersive, balanced, and versatile. One of my favorites of this batch, and a great value. 90 proof. A / $35
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