Originating in Trinidad & Tobago, Agnostura is known for its bitters, which Johan Sieger developed in 1824. The company began producing rums in 1947 and currently has a very wide range of different rums. In addition to the Trinidad & Tobago distillery, Angostura also owns distilleries in the United States, Canada, Suriname and the Bahamas.

The name Angostura 1919 is associated with a story about a 1932 fire in the Trinidad government rum warehouse. After the fire, hundreds of charred oak barrels were found, the oldest of which had been distilled 13 years earlier, in 1919.

The mash made from molasses is distilled in a multi-column continous still and matured in ex-Bourbon barrels. Agnostura 1919 is a blend of distillates aged 5-14 years. A 70 cl bottle cost €24.99 on the grocery store’s discount shelf.

The rum is golden yellow in color, similar to lager beer. The aroma is sweet and fruity. The aroma has vanilla, honey and toffee. Mango, papaya or some other exotic fruits. The mouthfeel is slightly thick, and has a decent alcohol bite at the beginning. After the initial kick, a smooth, sweet and pleasantly nuanced aroma spreads into the palate. The taste has roasted sugar, vanilla, nuts and dried fruits. The aftertaste includes the wooden aroma of the oak barrel and a very light bitterness. The taste is balanced and full-bodied, although the alcohol kicks in the background. So 1919 does not belong to the softest brown spirits. Although the taste is sweet, it leans more towards the dry side compared to many dark rums sweetened with sugar.

1919 is a bit sharp when sipped neat, it needs a splash of water or a cube of ice in the glass. Anuyhow, for cocktails 1919 suits very well, giving the drinks the necessary depth and pleasant exotic nuances.

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