Jul 2012 Financial News

$.16m for a bottle of rum. Angostura celebrates T&T's 50th anniversary

Jul 13, 2012

LOCAL producer Angostura says it has created the world's most expensive blend of rum, "Legacy by Angostura" to celebrate the 50th anniversary of independence of Trinidad and Tobago.

One bottle of the luxury blend will be auctioned for charity on August 4 in Port of Spain, the company said in a statement yesterday.

With only 20 500ml bespoke decanters available worldwide, the bottle is valued at EU20,000 (about TT$160,000).

"Like all exceptional blends of spirits, the production of this rum involves just as much art as science and has been a labour of love for the Angostura Master Blenders who have fifty years experience between them. The project has taken six years of meticulous work with seven of the brand's most rare and precious rums making the final recipe," Angostura said.

The youngest rum is 17 years old and all of the rums in the blend have been aged in once used 200 litre American Oak bourbon casks on site at Angostura's distillery in Laventille.

Robert Wong, chief executive of Angostura said yesterday, "Complex, smooth and aromatic, "Legacy by Angostura" is the ultimate expression of Angostura rum. We set out to create the greatest sipping rum ever produced and we believe we have achieved something that is both unique and unequalled. Once these 20 bottles have been sold, no more of this liquid will be available, so it's a truly unique opportunity for a few select individuals."

The average drink of "Legacy by Angostura" will set the customer back EU$1,400.

"Not only is the rum of the highest standard in the world, the decanter, stopper and presentation box are also unique collectors' items. Angostura has engaged Asprey of London, jeweller to the Prince of Wales, to develop the twenty limited edition decanters, which each took over 56 hours to complete using ten different master craftsman," Angostura said.

The auction will be held on August 4 at 9 p.m. during Angostura's gala dinner and dance at the Hyatt Regency (Trinidad) in Port of Spain. Attendance is by invitation only and a donation of $1,000 is required to secure a place, the company said.


Source:
Trinidad Express
Friday July 13, 2012

http://www.trinidadexpress.com/business/__16m_for_a_bottle_of_rum-162309356.html