SWELL DE SPIRITS - Constantia Eastern Tales No. 3 - New Yarmouth 2009 - 61.2%
Rated 90/100 by Whisky Fun (Serge Valentin)
Swell de Spirits is an independent, family-run, and passionate bottler based in Pessac, France. Founded in 2021 by Michael Barbaria and Kelly, this label stands out for its sharp and high-quality selection. They offer a wide range of limited editions including exceptional rums, whiskies, armagnacs, and cognacs from the best distilleries worldwide, thus providing their customers with a unique and refined tasting experience.
Eastern Tales No. 3 “The Heron” is the third exclusive batch of this prestigious series specially created for our Constantia gourmet restaurant, inaugurated on September 6, 2024, in Bordeaux. The Heron, a powerful symbol of purity, serenity, and prosperity, is a major figure in ancient Chinese culture, often depicted in traditional art – paintings, ceramics, poetry – expressing wishes for happiness, success, and abundance.
This exceptional Jamaican rum comes from the renowned New Yarmouth Distillery. It is a rare and sought-after vintage, the 2009, known for its exceptionally high ester content, which gives it an exhilarating aromatic intensity. Aged for 15 years in ex-Bourbon barrels, it was bottled at cask strength in June 2024 at a powerful concentration of 61.2%. The production is ultra-limited to only 200 bottles, guaranteeing a rare gem for collectors and connoisseurs.
Tasting note by Fabien:
For this third installment of this exclusive series, we invite you to rediscover Jamaica through this exceptional rum, one of my greatest favorites of the year :) The 2009 vintage from New Yarmouth is among my favorites, notably thanks to its exceptional ester level, which offers a very pleasant aromatic complexity and intense gustatory pleasure. Its richness delicately recalls the iconic TDL productions of the early 2000s, in a distinct and modern style. A rum to enjoy without moderation!
Tasting note by Serge Valentin on April 20, 2025:
New Yarmouth 2009/2024 (61.2%, Swell de Spirits, Eastern Tales, Constantia Bordeaux, Jamaica, bourbon, 200 bottles) – Swell de Spirits continues with its original and surprising labeling. This rum, unlike the previous one, shows nothing Japanese, which adds a pleasantly offbeat touch. Color: straw. Nose: very rich in esters, notes of carbon, two-stroke moped essence, green olives, and oil paint (more complex than watercolor – let’s forget that). With a little water: olive oil, sage, lime juice, oregano, shallots, white wine vinegar, tarragon… Palate (neat): crushed green olives with chili, green pepper, and diesel. A very characteristic aromatic profile. With water: lively, pleasantly lemony, and above all rich in olive flavors, the cane syrup perfectly balances everything. Finish: long, perfectly balanced, and remarkably drinkable. The persistent salinity is absolutely delicious. Comment: hard to resist this unique expression, long live Jamaica! SGP:562 - 90 points.
Clos des Spiritueux is proud to offer you this rare gem, embodying the excellence and authenticity of exceptional Jamaican rum. Ideal for enthusiasts, collectors, and passionate connoisseurs seeking intense and refined flavors, this New Yarmouth 2009 vintage is an essential reference in the world of premium rum.
