Brugal, Coleccion Visionaria Edicion 01, the novelty from the Dominican Republic

11 November 2023 | Discover
Brugal, Coleccion Visionaria Edicion 01, the novelty from the Dominican Republic

On Monday, October 16, Brugal introduced its Coleccion Visionaria 01 rum to the press at a prestigious hotel in the 8th district of Paris. The brand pulled out all the stops. Representatives from major national newspapers were seated for a dinner centered around the flavors of Ron Brugal. On the white walls of the room, the brand projected images of the Dominican Republic to give the evening an immersive feel.

Brugal, from the Bar to Tasting

If Ron Brugal 1888, the flagship rum of the brand, has been present in France for several years, its official launch took place last June. This event was meant to showcase to the French rum scene the ambitions of the brand from the Dominican Republic.

Today, Ron Brugal 1888 is featured in several Parisian bars, either for tasting or at the bar. More importantly, in just a few months, it has been included in over 10 "Cocktail Menus". This means that more than 10 Parisian bars feature one or more cocktails made with Ron Brugal 1888.

The Ron Coleccion Visionaria, the subject of this article, is aimed at tasting. If applicable, we will therefore find it in establishments that offer pure rums to customers.

An Upgrade in Quality

Leonard Gonzalez, ambassador of the Coleccion Visionaria, summarizes the range as follows: "This is the first edition of a series of four rums that will be released in the coming years. The main idea is to use emblematic products of the Dominican terroir to integrate them into our universe." The first installment is released this year. While Brugal 1888 pertains to both tasting and the world of mixology, the Ron Coleccion Visionaria inaugurates a "high-end" series. The idea is to highlight the know-how and especially the products of the Dominican terroir. Thus, cocoa has been used to create this vintage. The care given to the packaging accompanies the upgrade in quality of Ron Brugal.

The Story of a net

All Brugal bottles are decorated with a net. This has been stylized for the "Coleccion Visionaria 01". Leonard Gonzalez reminds us of its origin: "It was around this time that 'Don Juan,' the youngest son of Andres Brugal, was on a business trip in the Indies. He noticed that all valuable products there are surrounded by a net. Considering that our rums are also valuable products, he decided upon his return to the Dominican Republic, with the family's approval, to incorporate this net into all Brugal rums, which is now part of our heritage."

Leonard Gonzalez, Ambassador of Ron Brugal
Leonard Gonzalez, Ambassador of Ron Brugal
Members of the Brugal Family
Members of the Brugal Family
The Mixologist of the Brugal Evening
The Mixologist of the Brugal Evening
Coleccion Visionaria 01

This rum is based on Brugal 1888 and has undergone double maturation, meaning it was aged successively in two different barrels for a minimum of 10 years. The first barrel, made of American white oak, previously contained ex-bourbon. The second, made from European oak, previously held Sherry Oloroso.

After this aging process, the rum is transferred into a French oak barrel for six months. Léonard Gonzalez explains the process: "We roast it, incorporating dried cocoa beans from San Francisco de Macoris, a region known for its high-quality cocoa, into the fire. The goal is to extract the flavors from the cocoa beans and incorporate them into the barrel."

This batch contains no added sugar and is 45% ABV.

Upon tasting, the attack is very similar to Ron Brugal 1888, with notes of dried fruits, tobacco, wood, and orange zest. The blend asserts itself through the very present cocoa. The strength of the rum reveals itself mid-palate, and the round cocoa becomes smokier. The long finish is marked by a drier cocoa. It is a very pleasant rum that evolves in the mouth to gain complexity. "The color is a deep natural amber," notes the ambassador of Ron Brugal.

Léonard Gonzalez "advises pairing the Coleccion Visionaria with a square of dark chocolate (Dominican preferred) to enhance the tasting experience!"

Brugal 1888 Decor
Brugal 1888 Decor
The meal, surrounded by images of the Dominican Republic
The meal, surrounded by images of the Dominican Republic
The Master Rum Maker, Jassil Villanueva
The Master Rum Maker, Jassil Villanueva
The Maestra Ronera, Jassil Villanueva

The Master of the Cellar, Jassil Villanueva, with whom we had the opportunity to speak on the sidelines of the evening, believes that Brugal should highlight "what identifies us as Dominicans," in her words. Cocoa is one of the country's most exported products while being deeply rooted in popular culture.

On a more personal note, cocoa brings to mind the scents of the Dominican countryside where she used to visit as a young girl. When asked if it is a duty to make a product that is 100% Dominican, she clearly responds "no," with a look of surprise on her face. For her, it is not a duty but rather an obvious choice. Thus, the entire terroir of the island is, and will be, called upon for this Coleccion Visionaria.

And the Menu ?

Built around Ron Brugal, we were treated to a carpaccio of Bonito (fish) paired with a Brugal Milk Punch cocktail, made with clarified milk. Brugal 1888, enhanced the main course, a Gilt-head bream with red beans and avocado. Finally, the chocolate dessert was based on the spirit of the Brugal Coleccion Visionaria.

Brugal 2024 ron
See you in 2024!

Next year, Brugal will officially launch the luxurious Andres Brugal carafe in France. The Ron Brugal Coleccion Visionaria 02 will also be released. Lastly, a new bottle in the permanent range will come out, but the secret is still well kept.

To continue reading, I suggest that you...

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Written by

Matthieu Lange
Matthieu Lange
Spirits Advisor