Bacardi Reserva Ocho Sevillian Orange Cask Finish Review: A New Favorite Sipping Rum

Bacardi Reserva Ocho Sevillian Orange Cask Finish: Review and Tasting Notes

Bacardi’s sipping rums haven’t typically made it to the top of our list, but their recent release, Bacardi Reserva Ocho Sevillian Orange Cask Finish, changed our perspective. This rum, part of Bacardi’s exclusive cask series that began in 2021, has us revisiting Bacardi with newfound appreciation. Terry was particularly excited to sample this edition, expecting it to be sweeter and smoother than previous Bacardi offerings. Did it live up to her hopes?

Bacardi’s Exclusive Cask Series

The cask series from Bacardi began in 2021, starting with the Bacardi Reserva Ocho Sherry Cask Finish, followed by the Reserva Ocho Rye Cask Finish in 2022, which catered to whisky and rye fans. This series is set to release a new addition each August through 2025, each building on the original Bacardi Reserva Ocho, a rum inspired by an 1862 family recipe.

The Sevillian Orange Twist

Bacardi Reserva Ocho Sevillian Orange Cask Finish is aged for 8-12 years in American oak barrels under the Caribbean sun, blended, and then shipped to Seville, Spain. There, it rests for an additional 3-6 months in Vino de Naranja (orange wine) casks. These casks bring forth the flavor of Seville’s famous bitter oranges, creating a rum that Bacardi says is “Inspired by tradition, yet infused with innovation.”

Tasting Notes

The rum’s amber color coats the glass with long, slow lacing, giving a glimpse of its richness. On the nose, the aroma hints at orange, vanilla, and brown sugar. The first sip fills the palate with sweet, syrupy notes of orange and vanilla, balanced by a mild hint of alcohol warmth. As the finish unfolds, robust orange and tropical fruit flavors emerge, ending on a satisfying note of toasted marshmallow. A second sip reveals even more vanilla and orange peel, making the finish last even longer. Terry found herself imagining this rum in an Old Fashion cocktail.

Old Fashion Cocktail Recipe

This rum shines in an Old Fashion, creating a cozy, classic feel.

Recipe:

• 2 oz Bacardi Reserva Ocho Sevillian Orange Cask Finish
• 1 tsp Simple Syrup (adjust for sweetness)
• 2 dashes Fee Brothers West Indian Orange Bitters

Review: We’ve been experimenting with different rums in Old Fashions, and this one really stood out. Clint found it a bit sweet and suggested reducing the simple syrup. Terry enjoyed it as is, declaring it one of her new favorites.

Overall Impression

Bacardi Reserva Ocho Sevillian Orange Cask Finish is now our favorite Bacardi sipping rum. Smooth and flavorful, it’s an ideal rum to enjoy on its own or to share with friends, experienced or new to rum. At $34 a bottle, it’s worth every penny.

Rating

• Sipping: 4 out of 5
• Old Fashion: 4.5 out of 5

About Clint and Terry: With over 33 years of marriage and countless rum tastings, Clint and Terry often don’t agree on flavor profiles. Perhaps it’s the difference in taste buds—or perhaps one of them is just wrong!

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