The Papalin project by The Tropical Dependant Bottler
The Papalin project by The Tropical Dependant Bottler
Over the past year, it's highly likely that you have come across one of the bottles from this enigmatic “Tropical Dependent bottler” at your preferred liquor store. Let's delve into the fascinating Papalin project by Velier.
As you may have guessed, the man behind the name "Tropical Dependant bottler" is a man who needs no introduction, Luca Gargano. In an interview from 2022, the owner of Velier said that one day, Richard Seale called him a “Dependant bottler” since he depends directly on distilleries. The Papalin project revolves around creating blends using rums exclusively produced and tropically aged at the distilleries of a single island. The name “Tropical Dependent bottler” seems to perfectly fit to this blend line.
As a tribute to the ancient rum blenders, Luca Gargano wanted to maintain the tradition of not specifying the distilleries on the labels, but only display the name of the island (as the old days of Myer’s and John Wray Nephew).
The name “Papalin” comes from one of Luca’s first blend in 2012. He made it up from a little song he used to sing to his daughter Emily, who was born around that time. During the anticipation of receiving their 2012 stock of 12-year-old Caroni, destined for bottling in Scotland, the company opted to embark on a unique venture. This marked the debut of the initial blended rum crafted by the Italian-imported Velier. They utilized some of their existing Caroni stock and incorporated various aged Cuban and Venezuelan rums from their warehouse to create an exceptional blend. The resulting blend was left to mature for an extra year, and bottled in November 2013. Although initially conceived as a distinct project, the name "Papalin" was later repurposed for the project that is now familiar to us today.
So far, there have been five releases in this collection: two from Jamaica, two from Haiti and as of the end of September 2023, at the Whisky Live event in Paris, Velier , introduced the newest member to the Papalin family: a captivating blend hailing from Reunion Island.
We eagerly anticipate the arrival of more in the future!
Let’s review the two references available in the US.
Papalin Jamaica 7 years old
Rum ID Card
Price range: $$($50-60)
ABV: 47%
Tradition: Rum (British) – Rum Distilled in JAMAICA
Gargano classification: Pure Single Rum - Aged
Ingredients: Molasses
Age: Blend of Rums, Minimum of 7 years old
Distilleries : Hampden Estate and Worthy Park
Distillation process: Only Pot Still
Casks: Ex-Bourbon and ex-Cherry
Ageing location: Jamaica – Hampden Estate and Worthy Park
Master blender : Luca Gargano
Sugar tests: 0 g/L
Score
Bottle: 9/10
Nose: 14.5/20
Mouth: 54/70
Total: 77.5/100
Context
As a self-proclaimed "tropical dependent bottler," Velier collaborates closely with distilleries to develop these blended products, conducting the aging process at their own facility. The first release within this line is Papalin Jamaica, a collaboration between Hampden Estate and Worthy Park distilleries, bottled at 47% ABV strength and aged for a minimum of 7 years at their respective distilleries (6000 bottles released). It is worth noting that a full proof version exists at 57.18% ABV, but only 1200 bottles were produced.
The type of cask or the ratio of Hampden/Worthy Park distillate used to create this blend is not disclosed on Velier’s website, but the information can be found through different media sources such as Must Have Malt or BienManger.com. The final product is made up of 80% Worthy Park, 10% Hampden HCLF aged in ex-bourbon casks, and 10% Hampden HCLF aged in ex-sherry casks.
The Bottle
The bottles within this collection exhibit the unique and easily identifiable visual characteristics of the dark Velier bottles. They display the country/island of origin and the age of the youngest rum. Additionally, they have the mentions "Only Pot Still" and "Original Vatted Rum." On the back of the bottle, the names of the two distilleries are mentioned, along with some context behind the name of this series: "Why The Tropical Dependant Bottler? Because we make blends of rums that are exclusively aged in the distilleries where they were produced." It is sober, elegant, and full of useful information. The only thing that is missing is the mention that the rum has no additives and no added sugar.
Into the glass
In the glass, the rum has a light golden color and moderately coats the glass (medium viscosity). The nose is rich and very pleasant, initially presenting overripe banana and tropical fruit notes. It also exhibits the typical Jamaican funk and delicious ester and pastry notes. In the second line, there are hints of orange peel, lemon zest, oak, and a subtle touch of vanilla.
The Mouth
On the palate, the rum is well-balanced with strong fruity and ester notes. We also find hints of vanilla and banana, although they are not as pronounced as in the aroma. The finish is quite long, featuring flavors of pineapple, raisins, dried fruits, sugar notes, and bitter almond. The overall impression is warm, savory, and indulgent, reminiscent of a pastry, without being overwhelming or too overpowering.
Conclusion
This rum is almost impossible not to like. In my opinion, the concept behind the papalin's project has been successfully achieved here: capturing the essence of Jamaican rum and introducing people to its delicious and rich characteristics. It's a very accessible rum made from two emblematic Jamaican distilleries. You get a lot for your money!
On the other hand, people with more advanced experience in Jamaican rum might be disappointed, stating that this rum is too polite. It lacks complexity, and all of Jamaica's distinctive characteristics fall within very consensual boundaries. It is an easy sipper without any major surprises, but it is arguably one of the finest introductions to Jamaican rum considering its price, overall quality, and taste.
For
Reasonable price
Great way to introduce people to Jamaican rum
Unadultered
Against
Not very complex
Papalin Haiti 4 years old
Rum ID Card
Price range: $$($60-80)
ABV: 53.1%
Tradition: Industrial Rum – Rum Distilled in HAITI
Gargano classification: Pure Single Rum - Aged
Ingredients: Sugar Cane Juice and Syrup
Age: Blend of Rums, Minimum of 4 years old
Distillery: Sajous, Vaval, Casimir, Distillerie de Port-au-Prince and Le Rocher
Distillation process: Only Pot Still
Casks: Ex-Bourbon, ex-Cognac, ex-Caroni , ex-Mount Gay and ex-whisky
Ageing location: Haiti – Distilerie de Port au prince
Master blender : Luca Gargano
Sugar tests: 0 g/L
Score
Bottle: 8/10
Nose: 14.5/20
Mouth: 60/70
Total: 82.5/100
Context
The Papalin Haiti 4 Years Old is a blend of 32 barrels from five prestigious distilleries in Haiti (Sajous, Vaval, Casimir, Distillerie de Port-au-Prince, and Le Rocher) and is exclusively aged in Haiti at Distillerie De Port-au-Prince, resulting in the production of 6000 bottles. The ratio of each rum is unknown. In 2012, during a landmark journey to Haiti, Luca Gargano and Daniele Biondi discovered the extraordinary quality of Clairin produced at these distilleries. Since that day, Velier has selected various producers from among the 500 to 600 distilleries in Haiti, offering the entire world the opportunity to savor the pure essence of Haitian Clairin. Each Clairin in this blend has been aged in different barrels, including casks from Caroni and Mount Gay rum, bourbon from Buffalo Trace, and even cognac. This unique combination of flavors is meant to give this rum a distinctly Haitian personality.
Of note, there also exists a second Papalin from Haiti released in 2023. A blend of seven casks from three Clairins producers Sajous, Vaval and Casimir aged in an ex-Oloroso sherry cask. This Papalin Haiti was distilled in 2017 only in pot still, aged for 6 years and bottled at cask strength with an ABV of 54,1%.
The Bottle
As the first Papalin from Jamaica, the bottle showcase the distinctive and easily recognizable visual traits associated with Velier bottles. The bottle prominently features the island of origin along with the age of the youngest rum, providing a clear and concise presentation of its provenance and aging. It contains the same information as the Jamaican blend, with the only omission being the mention of the specific distilleries of origin.
Into the glass
In the glass, the rum is gold and its viscosity is inviting, creating enticing legs as it clings to the sides of the glass. Upon nosing, the Papalin Haiti 4 Years is very pleasant, revealing fresh and floral notes at the beginning (grass, fresh sugar cane, rose) along with warm tropical notes (pineapple, vanilla, banana, spices). Additionally, there is the typical mineral scent in the background, reminiscent of the notes found in some Clairins.
The Mouth
The attack is warm, concentrated, and rich but smooth at the same time. It features warm cane notes, pastry, tobacco, grilled pineapple, and some mineral undertones. The overall impression is comforting, delicious, and well-balanced.
The finish is very pleasant with a quite long development of toasted notes and the distinctive Haitian funkiness present in some Clairins.
Conclusion
As a devoted fan of Clairin rum, this blend was a standout for me last year! I thoroughly enjoyed its balance and complexity, showcasing the profound Haitian character. Within this price range, it stands out as an excellent sipping rum.
For
Excellent rum with great value for money
Great representation of the Haitian terroir
Unadultered
Against
Didn’t find any