Second batch of Penny Blue rum released

The Indian Ocean Company and Berry Bros. & Rudd Spirits have unveiled second batch of Penny Blue XO Rum. The single estate Mauritian rum is distilled at Medine, the oldest operational distillery on the island, dating back to 1926.

Doug McIvor from Berry Bros. & Rudd and Jean Francois Koenig, master distiller at Medine, picked 22 casks for maturation, choosing three particular types: Cognac, whisky and bourbon, each imparting its own flavour profile, which together deliver balance and complexity.

Penny Blue is a small batch vatted rum that is natural in colour and un-chill-filtered. All the production happens on the one single estate: from growing the sugar cane to distillation, maturation and bottling. There is no artificial sweetening involved in the process. By adding 10% of the award-winning Batch #001 launched in October 2013 this ensures some consistency to follow through from the initial release. The oldest rum in this batch is 11 years old, the youngest just 5 years old.

Doug McIvor explains: “Meticulously selecting the casks for maturation ensures each batch is distinct in character. The key is retaining a level of continuity in each batch to maintain the rich, smooth and fruity complexity that makes this single estate rum a real expression of intriguing complexity.”

Named after the world’s rarest stamp, printed in Mauritius in 1847, the Penny Blue immediately became a collectors’ item because of its inscription. A mistake by an engraver resulted in it reading “Post Office” rather than the usual “Post Paid”, of the thousands issued only 12 stamps are believed to be in existence today and trade for over US$1m when sold.

The second batch of 7,000 bottles will be available in the US, Europe and Mauritius. The recommended retail price is £40/€50/60$.

Penny Blue will be exclusively available through Berry Bros. & Rudd in the UK.

28 July 2014 - Felicity Murray The Drinks Report, editor