Rhum Bologne Reserve Speciale
Rhum Bologne Reserve Speciale is a rhum vieux agricole from Basse-Terre, Guadeloupe — a blend of rums aged a minimum of four years exclusively in French oak barrels that previously held cognac, bottled under the Guadeloupe PGI at 42% ABV (84 proof) in 1L. It's made at Distillerie Bologne, the 1887 estate of the Sargenton-Callard family, from the distillery's own black cane and red cane, with aging overseen by cellar master Frédéric David. It's available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 42% (84 proof)
- Size: 1L (US bottling)
- Style: rhum vieux agricole — Guadeloupe PGI
- Aging: minimum 4 years in French oak ex-cognac barrels
- Cane: black cane and red cane from the Bologne estate
- Distillery: Distillerie Bologne, Basse-Terre, Guadeloupe — plantation est. 1887; cellar master Frédéric David
Four Years in Cognac Wood on Basse-Terre
Agricole rhum starts where most rum doesn't: fresh-pressed sugarcane juice, not molasses. Bologne grows its own cane — including black cane, which the distillery is known for — and then gives the Réserve Spéciale a minimum of four years in French oak that previously held cognac, a second life that trades vanilla and dried-fruit depth into the cane spirit. The brand's own press kit calls out old gold with amber highlights, a vanilla-and-toast nose moving toward cinnamon and cocoa with Bologne's signature iodized touch, and a palate of dried fruits, candied fig, prune, dark chocolate and toffee with "perfectly melted woodiness." Explore more rum, or discover the range at Del Mesa.
Tasting Notes
Per the brand's February 2021 press kit (translated from French): eye — old gold with amber highlights, very present viscosity. Nose — intense, marked by vanilla, delicately toasted, evolving toward cinnamon and cocoa; a delicate iodized touch hovers over everything. Palate — a delicately spiced attack opening into dried fruits, candied fig, prune, dark chocolate and toffee notes with a touch of iodine; precise, balanced structure with perfectly melted woodiness and impressive persistence.
How to Enjoy
Neat in a tasting glass at room temperature — a rhum vieux rewards patience. A single cube is the most it needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is rhum agricole?
Rum distilled from fresh sugarcane juice rather than molasses — the signature style of the French Caribbean, including Guadeloupe.
How long is Bologne Réserve Spéciale aged?
A minimum of four years, exclusively in French oak barrels that previously held cognac.
Where is it made?
Distillerie Bologne in Basse-Terre, Guadeloupe — an 1887 estate of the Sargenton-Callard family.
What is the ABV?
42% ABV (84 proof).
Four years of cognac-wood depth on fresh cane spirit — the Bologne Réserve Spéciale is ready to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.