The Secret Behind Tres Hombres Rum’s Unique Flavor
Tres Hombres is more than just a sailing ship: it’s a floating aging cellar! This motorless vessel, which has been transporting exceptional rums for over a decade, plays a crucial role in the maturation of each batch of Tres Hombres Rum. While many rums are aged only on land, Tres Hombres Rum undergoes a second aging at sea, a process that enhances its depth, complexity, and character and really makes it one of a kind!
Reused Barrels: The Foundation of Flavor
Before the real journey to the islands begins, Tres Hombres makes a stop in France (and sometimes Spain or Portugal) in order to be loaded with hand-selected reused barrels that have previously contained other spirits or wines like sherry, port, bourbon, or red wine to name a few.
These barrels are carefully chosen for their ability to infuse the rum with unique aromas. Once in the ship’s cargo hold, they are filled with high-quality rum, ready to embark on a transformation unlike any other.
By using barrels that have already matured other spirits, Tres Hombres not only enhances the flavors of the rum but also embraces sustainable aging practices. Each voyage is a commitment to eco-friendly craftsmanship and the preservation of traditional rum-making techniques.
Not to forget that all of the Tres Hombres Rums are aged in oak barrels, as well on land as at sea. Among other advantages, this enhances the flavours, and of course prevents us from absorbing microplastics due to the rum sitting for too long in plastic barrels.
Aged by the Rhythm of the Ocean
Unlike static barrels in traditional warehouses, the barrels aboard Tres Hombres are constantly in motion, rocked by the waves of the Atlantic. This continuous agitation accelerates the interaction between the rum and the wood, intensifying the exchange of tannins, sugars, and previous cask aromas.
Moreover, the salty sea air infuses the barrels, adding a subtle maritime character that cannot be replicated on land. This natural, non-mechanical aging process is what makes Tres Hombres Rum truly unique.
No Two Editions Are Ever the Same
One of the most exciting aspects of Tres Hombres Rum is that every edition is one of a kind. Even when sourcing the same base rum year after year, no two batches will ever taste identical. The differences in barrel selection, the time spent on board, the route taken, the climate conditions at sea and the alcohol percentage when watered down at the moment of the blending all contribute to an ever-changing final product.
This makes Tres Hombres Rum not just a drink, but a collector’s item, perfect for those who appreciate craftsmanship, sustainability, and truly artisanal spirits.
Experience the Taste of the Ocean
Each bottle of Tres Hombres Rum carries the soul of the sea, the passion of traditional sailing, and the heritage of barrel-aging excellence. If you want to taste a rum that has truly traveled the world, don’t wait too long and get your bottle before your favourite rum is gone forever!
Discover our entire rum selection right here! 😉
Here are some sources if you'd like to explore the scientific principles behind the methods discussed in this blog:
https://www.foodrepublic.com/1460377/why-distilleries-aging-liquor-underwater/ (article that explains the impact on ocean aged liquor vs liquor that has only aged on land)
https://www.chromatographyonline.com/view/advances-ageing-chemistry-distilled-spirits-matured-oak-barrels-0 (scientific article about wood ageing liquors in oak barrels)
https://www.rockymountainbarrelcompany.com/benefits-aging-spirits-wine-barrels/ (article that explains the advantages of ageing your spirits in wine barrels)