The legend returns. The rum that has been one of the most popular in the Czech Republic for quite some time, strikes back. On January 30th, 2019, Bumbu announced a new bottle. Welcome Bumbu XO.
Bumbu XO is a Panamanian rum distilled with local spring water, aged for 18 years in American white oak bourbon barrels and finished in sherry casks from Spanish Andalusia. It is produced, using only local sugar cane and spring water, in a distillery with 120 years of history. It should have been available with 35 % and 45 % alcohol content. However, I own a 40 % bottle.
The Bottle
The bottle is a beauty. Dark and matte, not letting any light go through. It keeps the shape of its predecessor and its symbols. That’s why the dark bottle is illuminated by the bright silver cross.
The Taste and Colour
The retailer advertises caramel, oak wood notes, vanilla, a bit of orange peel and pepper and coffee in the end. I taste citruses and confirm the pepper and coffee. And sherry finish.
The colour of this rum is darker, mahogany.
Bumbu vs Bumbu XO
Bumbu XO is certainly not overly sweet like its elixir-like predecessor, no banana and other newbie-friendly notes. It is way stronger and the sherry-cask finish is quite pronounced. The taste is more complex, less sweet and stronger.
The Price
In the USA, the price varies between $39.99 a $44.99, in Britain between 44.99 a 49.99 pounds. In the Czech Republic, the price is around CZK 1200.
