Overview
Brand: Shakara
Origin: Undisclosed Distillery, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
Still: Column
Age: 15 years
Finish: ex-Bourbon
ABV: 46.2%
I was pleasently surprised to see a blue Shakara label on day while perusing Instagram, adorned with the numbers "15" at the bottom. Having enjoyed its younger sibling in the past, I'm keen to sample this newer, older expression, and today we get that chance.
Shakara 15 year follows the 12 year's production details closely: both are molasses-based, column-distilled rums produced at an undisclosed distillery in the Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. This go-around, the rums used in the blend aged for 15 years at origin in tropical conditions, and was bottled at a slightly higher 46.2% ABV.
For transparency, this bottle was provided to me by a brand representative, with no obligation other than to enjoy the rum.
Appearance
Orange-brown, medium viscosity
Nose
Almond butter, vanilla, pastry dough, brandied black cherry, stained wood, brown sugar
Palate
Vanilla, brown sugar, sea salt, butterscotch, sesame candy, hint of rice vinegar
Finish
Short, thin, slightly bitter; oak, rice vinegar, burnt sugar, star anise, clove
Rating: 6/10
Summary
This 15 year Shakara is a good rum, and a good addition to the Thai contingent of La Maison & Velier's expansive portfolio. The overall "shape" is a little asymmetrical, almost like a body builder that skipped leg day. Hear me out…
Nosing this sample, I would fault no one for thinking this was a Foursquare ECS release: it's thick, full, and hits notes you may expect, such as pastry dough, vanilla, black cherry, and brown sugar. Taking a sip, I notice that the body is thinner than the nose suggests, but plenty enjoyable with the addition of sesame candy and a hint of rice vinegar. The finish tapers out quickly, and leans into more bitter and earthen notes like clove, rice vinegar and burnt sugar.
I think the aging may need to be dialed in a bit to really get the most out of this rum, but it's a good start.