2 Masters Hardy Summer Blend 1976 and 1978

Dictador rum single vintage casks 1976 and 1978 finished in Sherry casks and then shipped to Hardy in Cognac, where it was further carefully blended by Master Bouilly who used his Chauffe légère 350 liters oak cask from 1954 for the process. The rum spent at least 7 months in Cognac cask and due to the taste profile was called ÉTÉ which means SUMMER.
Bottled at 41%.

Nose: Immediate vanilla, fudge and butterscotch, but a character reminiscent of a great Cognac as well with some dried figs and apricots, then pencil shavings and hints of damp earth. Very complex.

Palate: This heady tipple coats the palate with an impressive array of flavonoids including an overlay of nutmeg on milk chocolate, toffee, sea-salt caramel and a beautiful softness without the sweetness, a great marriage. There is a rise on the mid-palate before it fades slowly into a minute-long supple and silky finisz that is pierced only by flashes of oak, pure rum character and raisins.

Color: A deep mahogany with flashes of gold and bronze out to the rim, showing immense viscosity with long painted legs in the glass.