Nobilis T.D.L No. 27 2001 21yr 65,9%

"An incredibly strong rum. A lot of power in it. At first I had a strong taste of gorgonzola in my mouth. Definitely not for the sober palate. I liked the 2003 vintages better because the (yellow) fruit is more present. It is simply too strong and too brute in taste for me. It works better for me with water."

"Of the dirty TDLs, 2001 is the most prominent vintage. The 2001s are the dirtiest, 2002 is fresher and 2003 is yellow fruitier. In crosstasting, I tried the RA, TCRL, Nobilis, Plantation Antipodes and the new Rasta Morris. The rums are incredibly similar - esp. the Nobilis and RM are barely distinguishable. The RA stands out because of the dilution, the Plantation is clearly marked by the cognac barrel - it moves it closer to the 2003s - and the TCRL is the freshest, with an unusual herbal note. The TCRL is somewhat reminiscent of the 2002s.The Nobilis is the dirtiest of my samples with the RM. In addition to the typical menthol and mint notes, there is tar, wood, toasty caramel, tobacco and some coffee. The yellow fruits (overripe peach) are quite far in the background but there. If I had to distinguish the Nobilis from the RM, I would point to the smell of damp cellar (musty, cardboard) in the Nobilis versus a wood-paneled man's room. A difference that is probably mostly imaginary. Both are even more wood driven than the other two. Maybe these rums shouldn't age much. For me, on the same level as the RM. Very, very good."

"Auch wenn es nicht ganz mein Profil ist, so ist dies doch einer der besserer TDLs aus den frühen 2000ern. Minze/Menthol/Eukalyptus fügen sich hier auch schön ein sind aber trotzdem im Vordergrund. Wer also auf die mentholigen Noten steht, der wird hier fûndig und glücklich."

"Wow… this is really an amazing rum! I adore those T.D.L’s from the early 2000 with this lovely minty note. Reminds me of fisherman’s friend: If they are too strong, you are too weak😜😜 The alcohol and wood is integrated very well"

"Wieder mal ein typischer, exzellenter Vertreter der TDL 2001 mit der so prägnanten Minznote, die nicht zu sehr hinaussticht. Zugleich schöne Fassnoten, leicht rauchiger Touch."

"The nose is amazing n this one. Most mint I had in one of the 2000ish TDLs so far. Yet this is also complex providing a profile akin to a well made Queens Park Swizzle. Intense on the palate. Mint is much less present. The bottling shows quite some dirt and smoke alongside the mint and fruity notes. Excellent."

"A T.D.L 2001 that stands out for its balance and exuberance. The nose is impressive, at once empyreumatic like a Caroni, medicinal and fruity like a T.D.L., but with an elegance beyond compare. The nose exudes strength. Woodiness, tobacco and spices join forces to make a place for themselves in this compelling, divisive profile. The attack on the palate is powerful, intense and yet highly aromatic. Menthol, eucalyptus and aromatic herbs defy empyeumatic notes of tar, rubber, smoke and oak that pull on spice to take control of the palate. Dried fruit, caramel and dark chocolate are more discreet, ambushing the palate. The finish lingers between the medicinal side (menthol, eucalyptus, aromatic herbs) and the empyreumatic aromas (smoke, tar, rubber) of the other. Behind the spices lies a less pronounced form of bitterness than usual, made up of licorice and leather. The fruit is very subtle, but adds a touch of deliciousness to this most intense profile. A rum that stands out from the ordinary, complex, balanced, powerful but with impeccable mastery: great art."

"Super fresh, very dry and intense tdl. Less mint but some eucalyptus, some bitter orange, and a lot of smoky wood but no wonder after a whole 16y tropical aging. Horny part! Could blind almost also pass as tropical uitvlugt because of the light pencil note. Very freaky!"

"The third in today's tasting. It is very similar to the Plantation, but a bit more intense! Also an excellent TDL. The 2001s are simply top!"

"What can one say about this bottling. A 2001 T.D.L. I really believe that old Caroni barrels have been filled up with this stuff or have been unintentionally blended. Caroni "dirt" meets menthol/mint from T.D.L. Awesome schxxx."

"Magnificent round nose with a lot of red and black fruits 😍 Mouth is a bit sharper and less balanced but more funky on the other hand. A very good rum overall. 2001 vintage is definitely better than 2002 at TDL 🔥"