Over-Proofed, Yet Balanced Expression Spends Extra Time in American Oak Bourbon Barrels & Delivers a Warm and Layered Finish of Spice and Sweet.
Papa’s Pilar®, the award-winning, premium sipping rum inspired by Ernest Hemingway, will release 2,000 cases of a new 95-proof Bourbon Barrel Finished Dark Rum in select markets. The team of Master Blenders created this limited-edition expression of Papa’s Pilar Dark Rum, which, after solera aging in American Oak bourbon barrels, Port Wine casks, and Spanish Sherry Casks, spent additional time in Bourbon barrels allowing for a complex interaction between rum, and the once used Bourbon-soaked staves.
“In our quest to get rum back to its roots, we further aged Papa’s Pilar Dark rum in bourbon oak barrels, which adds a spicy yet sweet finish on the back of the palate. The flavor is magnitudes more complex and the longer we age, the more the sweetness drops. Each sip reveals a new discovery.” – RON CALL, HEAD OF RUM PRODUCTION
While the brand has previously released Dark rum further aged in Bourbon barrels, this limited-edition boasts a higher proof, a demand coming directly from the markets they service.
“Higher proof is not just on trend—it’s what consumers, bartenders and even distributors are asking for, and with rum, 95 proof is the perfect response. While common with whiskey, not many folks are over-proofing with rum. Prior releases for the 86-proof version of this release have received Double Gold and Gold awards and we’re excited to bring this new higher-proof version to our most valued customers.” – BILL MCGOUGH, CHIEF SALES OFFICER, MAHALO SPIRITS
Papa’s Pilar Dark (flagship) is a bold and complex sipping rum, which is both pot and column distilled and boasts hand-selected rums up to 23 years old, and a long, velvety finish. At 86-proof, it is comprised of rums that are hand-selected from ports-of-call in the Caribbean, Central America and the U.S.A. for their age, character and maturity. While the expression won a “Double Gold” Medal at the 2013 San Francisco World Spirits Competition upon launching, and in 2015 by The Fifty Best, it has since been named the “Best Rum in America” by the Caribbean Journal three years in a row.
Papa’s Pilar is meant to rekindle a sense of adventure in us all. “Papa” as Ernest Hemingway was known, lived an epic life full of perpetual motion, and Papa’s Pilar was crafted to accompany rum enthusiasts as they sink their teeth into life. Named for his muse and one true constant, Pilar is the vessel that allowed America’s literary giant to reach beyond the shoreline, feast on life and remind us to never be a spectator.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Complex notes of vanilla, coffee beans and honey, with hints of toasted almond
Taste: Full viscosity and a warm mouthfeel with almond, pecan, and dried apricot balanced with hints of bourbon and oak
Finish: Growing spice with a smooth sweetness and everlasting length
Papa’s Pilar was developed in conjunction with Ernest Hemingway’s estate. The Hemingway family donates a portion of their profits from Papa’s Pilar Rum to charity. The brand works with local charitable foundations and causes dear to Hemingway and his heirs.
Every aspect of Papa’s Pilar is thoughtful and purposeful. The distinct bottle evokes Papa’s exploits through a form factor reminiscent of an iconic WWII canteen. A special red cap and necker help to distinguish the Bourbon Barrel Finish from the Flagship Dark Rum. The etched compass closure reflects that same sense of adventure on either land or sea. The lion heads represent nobility while the Rooster on the Medallion pays homage to Key West, where Hemingway and his boat Pilar once resided and remain celebrated fixtures within the community.
Papa’s Pilar opened a distillery and experience center in Key West, Florida, in 2017, further honoring Hemingway’s contribution to the classic spirit of the city in which he once lived. The facility is a destination that serves as an innovation hub for the brand and an asset for the city of Key West.
Papa’s Pilar Bourbon Barrel Finished Dark Rum is available beginning this month in select markets, including AZ, CA, FL, GA, IN, KY, LA, MI, MO, NV, SC, TN, TX, and WA in 750ml bottles for a suggested retail price of $44.99-$46.99, which varies by market.