Bacardi rum today announced it is expanding its premium portfolio range with the launch of a limited-edition Bacardi Reserva Ocho Sherry Cask Finish. 

It is the first expression of a five-year collection that will see Bacardi unveil a new cask finish offering annually through 2025, with the cask finish changing each year based on the type of barrel used for the additional aging.

Bacardi

“We could not be more thrilled for the launch of Bacardi Reserva Ocho Sherry Cask Finish to add to our Premium portfolio for a limited time,” said Lisa Pfenning, Vice President, Bacardi, North America. 

“This is our first innovation for the Premium range since the portfolio first launched in 2018, and we are excited to introduce four more innovations over the course of the next four years.”

Each of the Premium rums from the Bacardi Reserva Cask Finish series will begin with a base of Bacardi Reserva Ocho, aged under the Caribbean sun, and then finished for several additional months in a unique barrel that will change year to year. 

The finishing process differs from the aging process by increasing the complexity of the spirit – in this case, adding subtle notes of chocolate and almond, which are not typically found in Bacardi Reserva Ocho.

Bacardi

This year’s inaugural release has been aged in American oak barrels for eight to 12 years and finished in an Oloroso sherry cask for just over two months, allowing the blend to take on a sweet, smooth velvety texture with notes of caramel, vanilla, and orange, along with hints of walnuts and almonds. 

The result is a deep mahogany flavor that gives off the aroma of dried fruits, raisins, walnuts, and almonds. This luxurious libation is best enjoyed neat in a room temperature tasting glass to bring out the full flavors of the finish.

“We have seen an increased popularity in Premium rums throughout the years, namely sipping rums, and we hope our rum enthusiasts will appreciate the care and craftsmanship that has gone into blending the Reserva Cask Finish series – which will add new layers of beautiful and bold flavors to our smooth aged rums,” added Pfening.