The rum, a 10-year-aged edition of which only 500 bottles are available, was created through a partnership between Boplaas, recipient of multiple international awards, and Springbok rugby hero André Esterhuizen.
The launch event was held at Boplaas's tasting room in Hartenbos, a region that André is very fond of and where he regularly vacations. It is also just a short distance from Boplaas's vineyards and barrel cellar in Calitzdorp.
The creation of this special rum is thanks to a perfect combination of circumstances. The Nel family of Boplaas are avid rugby supporters with quite a few friends in the national team. Master distiller Daniel Nel also occasionally releases a rum within the Boplaas range that showcases the exceptional qualities of unusual wood aging. André, on the other hand, not only represents the national team and captain the Sharks of KwaZulu-Natal, but is also a major rum enthusiast.
According to Esterhuizen, he has had the opportunity to taste some of the world's best rums during his rugby career. Nevertheless, Boplaas remained a favorite of his—not only because of the long family history behind the brand, but also because of the Nels' high premium on quality, which ensures their products are world-class.
"Adding a new premium rum to the Boplaas portfolio is always a proud milestone for us, but being able to do it in partnership with a national icon like André Esterhuizen has made this project truly extraordinary," says Daniel.
"André shares our deep passion for craftsmanship and patience, which was clear from day one. Together we embarked on a meticulous journey until we found the absolute perfect expression. The liquid we have now bottled, I hope, is proof of that dedication – blending the strong, uncompromising character André is known for on the rugby field with the refined, rich complexity that defines Boplaas products. We cannot wait for rum enthusiasts and South Africans to experience it."
The Boplaas 1880 10-year-aged André Esterhuizen Rum displays its luxurious colours in a rich tapestry of flavours and aromas typical of top-class rums. It hints at sun-dried peaches, vanilla, and roasted nuts, delivering a satisfying taste that lingers on the tongue with a long finish.
These characteristics develop completely naturally, reflecting the influence of various casks used throughout its development over the years. The rum initially spent five years in bourbon casks. It then rested for a further five years in Boplaas's own tawny port casks.
What makes the rum even more unique is where it is aged. The warm Little Karoo climate, with its large temperature fluctuations during the day and low humidity, allows for faster aging and a more concentrated profile. This means that even though the rum is 10 years old, it takes on the aroma and flavour profile of much older rums.
Furthermore, the rum's alcohol strength differs from common examples
Where most rums are diluted with water to achieve the conventional alcohol content of 43% before bottling, the Boplaas André Esterhuizen Rum is bottled—as is the worldwide practice with exceptional releases – at the strength it comes straight out of the cask. This ensures that the rum undergoes no disruption to its natural flavour, which makes this type of spirit a favourite among connoisseurs. Boplaas André Esterhuizen Rum is a single-cask rum with an alcohol level of 60%.
The rum can be enjoyed neat, with a splash of water or ice, but it is also very versatile. At the launch event in Hartenbos, guests were able to experience this exact characteristic of the rum firsthand, as it was served in cocktails and mixed drinks.
The Boplaas André Esterhuizen Rum is available at Boplaas's tasting rooms in Calitzdorp, George and Hartenbos, as well as online at boplaas.co.za. The price is R1,200 per bottle and it comes packaged in a luxury wooden box. Get in contact with us if you would like to order a signed bottle.
For more information, email us at admin@boplaas.co.za, phone 044 213 3326 or visit boplaas.co.za. Boplaas is also on Facebook en Instagram.