El Dorado 2002 Versailles: A Demerara Rum from a Legendary Wooden Pot Still
A piece of Guyanese rum history
Some rums are about the blend. El Dorado 2002 Versailles is about the still. It is a vintage Demerara rum from Guyana, created around one of the most historically significant stills in the world of rum: the legendary Versailles wooden pot still.
What is the Versailles still?
The Versailles still is a unique single wooden pot still. Its history goes back to the former Versailles Estate in Guyana, and today it is part of the collection of heritage stills preserved by Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL).
The wooden construction contributes to a powerful and individual distillate, which makes Versailles releases especially interesting for serious rum enthusiasts.
What is the Rare Collection?
El Dorado is best known for its blends, which combine different marques and stills. The Rare Collection takes the opposite approach. It was created to showcase the individual stills and marques behind Guyana’s Demerara rum tradition.
These releases give a look at components that would normally form part of more complex El Dorado blends. For collectors and experienced rum drinkers, that makes the 2002 Versailles much more than another aged rum.
Tasting notes
Aroma: Deep and expressive, with layers of dark fruit, molasses, caramel and spice, plus mature oak and deeper earthy and woody notes.
Palate: Full-bodied and structured. Dried and dark fruits combine with a liquorice-like richness, spice, caramelised notes and pronounced oak.
Finish: Long, warming and complex, with lingering dark fruit, spice and wood.
How to enjoy it
Serve it neat in a tasting glass, and give it enough time to open and develop. Try a few sips over several minutes: the aromas and flavours often change as the rum warms in the glass.
At a glance
| Brand | El Dorado |
| Collection | Rare Collection |
| Producer | Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) |
| Origin | Guyana |
| Vintage | 2002 |
| Still | Versailles single wooden pot still |
| Type | Demerara rum |
| Style | Full-bodied, dark fruit, spicy, woody |
Who is it for?
- Pot still fans who love full-bodied, characterful Demerara rum
- Collectors following El Dorado’s Rare Collection
- Whisky drinkers curious about rum with depth, spice and oak
- Gift buyers looking for a rum with real history
Where to buy
El Dorado 2002 Versailles Rare Collection is available at BestWhisky.be for €168,00, tax included. You can also browse more El Dorado Demerara rum and our full rum collection.
Please enjoy responsibly. Not for sale to persons under 18.
