Takamaka Rum Zenn

Volume: 0.7 litres | Alcohol content: 40% | Chill filtration: No

Special Features:

Takamaka Zenn gains its oak influence without conventional cask maturation. For this rum in the Seychelles Series, pot-still and column-still distillates are treated with fine pieces of oak from former bourbon casks. The process uses hydrodynamic cavitation, a mechanical technique that supports flavour development and helps round out the spirit. Takamaka calls this production method Pressed Rum.

After treatment, the blend rests in large stainless steel tanks. Zenn therefore remains an unaged rum, even though oak contributes to its character. Vanilla, fruity sweetness and mild spice notes accompany the oak influence. Bottled at 40% alcohol in a 0.7-litre bottle, it is particularly suited to cocktails, adding extra depth of flavour.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: Oak-led sweetness comes to the fore on the nose, accompanied by gentle vanilla and fruity notes.
• Palate: The sweetness feels rounded on the palate. Vanilla and oak combine with mild spice.
• Finish: Soft oak notes and warming spice linger on the finish.

Distillery/Bottler:

Takamaka is made by Trois Frères Distillery on the La Plaine St Andre estate on Mahé’s east coast. Its beginnings lie in experiments carried out by Bernard d’Offay and his father Robert in 2000. As suitable equipment was difficult to obtain in the Seychelles, they initially improvised, even using the swimming pool to cool their condenser. Together with Bernard’s older brother Richard, they opened the distillery in February 2002.

The distillery processes both locally grown sugar cane and molasses imported from the Indian Ocean region. For its molasses rums, it dilutes the raw material with its own spring water and ferments it for three and a half days before distillation in a multi-column system. Alongside cask ageing, Takamaka explores treatments involving wood and pressure. This additional tool for shaping flavour forms the basis of Zenn’s Pressed Rum approach.

Facts: