El Dorado Versailles Single Still Rum 2009
El Dorado Versailles Single Still Rum 2009 is an 80-proof (40% ABV) 12-year-old Demerara rum from Guyana, distilled in 2009 on the historic Versailles wooden single pot still and aged 12 years in ex-bourbon casks. One of El Dorado's Rare Single Still releases, it showcases a still built in 1890 from greenheart wood — the only operational still of its kind in the world. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 40% (80 proof)
- Size: 750mL
- Age: 12 years (distilled 2009)
- Origin: Demerara Distillers Ltd., Diamond Distillery, Guyana
- Production: Versailles wooden single pot still (1890, greenheart); ex-bourbon cask aging; caramel-colored before barreling per REV marque tradition
A Still That Survived Three Centuries
The Versailles still began life in 1890 at Plantation Versailles, built from greenheart wood — a timber so dense it was said to outlast iron. It moved to Enmore Estate, then Uitvlugt, and finally to Diamond Distillery, the last distillery standing in Guyana, where it remains the only operational wooden single pot still on earth. El Dorado's Rare Single Still Series (launched 2016) exists to show what these heritage stills taste like on their own: the Versailles marque is the elegant one — chocolate-forward and cedar-rich, with the deep molasses character of Demerara distillate. Caramel coloring follows the tradition of the original Plantation Versailles REV marque, added before barreling. Explore the El Dorado collection, more rum, and Del Mesa's aged rum shelf.
Tasting Notes
Chocolate and cedar lead, with vanilla, dried fruit, and deep molasses through the middle; a long, warming finish of toasted oak and Demerara sugar.
How to Enjoy
Neat in a Glencairn or over one large cube — this is a collector's rum built for slow contemplation. It also elevates a rum Old Fashioned beyond recognition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Versailles still?
A wooden single pot still built in 1890 from greenheart wood at Plantation Versailles, now at Diamond Distillery in Guyana — the only operational still of its kind in the world.
How old is El Dorado Versailles 2009?
It was distilled in 2009 and aged 12 years in ex-bourbon casks.
What proof is it?
40% ABV (80 proof). A cask-strength 56.2% edition also exists, but this listing is the 40% edition.
Twelve years of Demerara history in a bottle — buy El Dorado Versailles Single Still Rum 2009 online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.