The House of Angostura is best known for its aromatic bitters — those small bottles with the oversized label that sit on every cocktail bar in the world. But Angostura has been producing rum in Trinidad since 1947, and their range includes some genuinely excellent expressions. The 1919 is their premium aged offering, named to commemorate the year a warehouse fire destroyed a significant portion of their rum stocks — a catastrophe that, paradoxically, led to the creation of a new blend from the surviving barrels.
The 1919 is a blend of column still rums aged for a minimum of eight years in charred American oak bourbon barrels. The tropical Trinidadian climate — hot, humid, and subject to significant temperature variation — accelerates the ageing process, and the eight years in barrel produce a rum of considerable depth and complexity. The blend is finished with a period in ex-bourbon barrels for additional smoothness.
On the Nose
The nose is warm and inviting — rich caramel and vanilla provide an immediate welcome, followed by butterscotch and toffee. There is a pleasant oakiness, with notes of toasted wood and a hint of coconut. Dark chocolate and coffee add depth, while a gentle tropical fruit character — banana and a hint of mango — provides brightness. Warm spices are present throughout, particularly cinnamon and nutmeg, with a subtle allspice note that is quintessentially Trinidadian. A hint of honey rounds out a nose that is thoroughly appealing.
The Palate
On the palate, Angostura 1919 is smooth and full-flavoured. The entry is sweet and rich, with caramel, vanilla, and butterscotch leading. The charred oak contributes a pleasant smokiness and a gentle tannic structure, while dark chocolate and coffee add complexity. Brown sugar and molasses provide a rich sweetness, balanced by the oak's drying influence. The mouthfeel is medium to full-bodied, with a smooth, rounded texture. Warm spices — cinnamon, allspice, and a touch of nutmeg — build through the mid-palate, adding warmth and depth.
The Finish
The finish is long and satisfying, with lingering caramel, dark chocolate, and a persistent warmth. The oak continues to assert itself with vanilla and a gentle dryness, while the spices provide a final layer of complexity. There is a hint of brown sugar and a closing note of coffee that rounds things off beautifully. It is a finish that speaks well of the eight years in barrel.
Angostura 1919 is excellent neat or on the rocks, where its rich character can be fully appreciated. It also makes an outstanding base for a rum Old Fashioned, the caramel and spice notes complementing Angostura's own bitters with a pleasing synergy. For those exploring Trinidadian rum, this is an essential reference point.
