Montebello 20 years old, by Excellence Rum

21 May 2023 | Interviews & Meetings
Montebello 20 years old, by Excellence Rum

Hello and thank you for giving us this interview on the occasion of the release of the bottled Montebello 20 years rum for Excellence Rhum. Can you tell us a bit about the history of this rum? Do you have many rums of this age in your cellars?

Hello. This 20-year-old rum is really special because it comes directly from the personal stock of the Marsolle family "La réserve Familiale". Occasionally, one or more barrels selected for their flavor profiles were drawn from and placed in demijohns in the family reserve. These demijohns are not intended for sale but symbolize a form of family heritage, creating a connection between generations and showcasing the father's expertise.

Due to the very specific request you made (agricultural molasses blend) and the absence of this juice in our cellars, Gregory Marsolle has exceptionally agreed to sell you a few liters of this family heirloom.

What type of barrel was used for this aging and under what conditions was it stored?

This juice has undergone a pretty traditional double aging process in our distillery. It started slowly with 12 years in Ex bourbon 220L barrels and ended with 8 years in Ex Cognac 350L barrels. Several casks of the same vintage were blended to cover the high angel's share endured in the metal container.

A 20-year-old Montebello rum is pretty rare. Who is this typically for?

Indeed, a 20-year aging is very rare at our distillery and also in Guadeloupe. We have only marketed two products since 1930 with an age statement equal to or older (Horizon and the 1982 vintage).

What is special about this very old rum?

To start, it's one of the last rums from our distillery to be a part of a very old tradition: the Molasses/Agricole blend. Alain Marsolle, former cellar master, used to select molasses rum barrels to blend them with our juices and finish aging them at Montebello. It's made up of 20% molasses rum and 80% agricole rum. This rum is also the result of the work of the 3rd generation of the family: Alain Marsolle.

Montebello distillery
Montebello distillery
See of the warehouse of Montebello
See of the warehouse of Montebello

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Interview by

Matthieu Lange
Spirits Advisor