Old St. Croix XO Haakon Royal Reserve

Profile: The Old St. Croix XO Haakon Royal Reserve at a glance

• A.H. Riise becomes Old St. Croix!
• Old St. Croix XO Haakon Royal Reserve - royal indulgence with history (and a touch of seafaring charm)
• Bottled in small batches - named after King Haakon VII of Norway
• Produced on St. Croix - the historical home of A.H. Riise
• Mature under tropical conditions - for exceptional intensity
• Traditional recipe - preserved for over 175 years
• Allergy advice: may contain traces of walnuts

Portrait: What makes the Old St. Croix XO Haakon Royal Reserve special

Once upon a time in the Caribbean - more precisely on the sunny island of St. Croix, where palm trees sway, waves crash, and history matures in barrels. There, over 175 years ago, began the success story of a brand that once conquered the world of spirits under the venerable name A.H. Riise. Today she sails under a new flag: Old St. Croix – the same time-honored compass, only with a freshly polished nameplate. The XO Haakon Royal Reserve is a tribute to the royal connection between Denmark and the former West Indies. The name itself pays homage to His Majesty King Haakon VII, a man of style, poise, and—so the rumor goes—good taste in Caribbean joie de vivre.

While some bottles simply sit on the shelf, this one carries stories within it: of colonial trading ships, adventurous apothecaries (yes, A.H. Riise really did start out as an apothecary!), and the not entirely selfless urge to make something more enjoyable from sugarcane than just medicine.

Old St. Croix remains true to the spirit of this pioneering era: ancient recipes, venerable craftsmanship, and a touch of Nordic precision.
The result? A drop that breathes tradition yet doesn't remain in a museum. Whether for your home bar, as a gift for a discerning father-in-law, or simply as a bottle adventure with a royal pedigree, the Old St. Croix XO Haakon Royal Reserve is ready to set sail. And the best part: no tall tales, but real history in every bottle.

Tasting Notes: This is how the Old St. Croix XO Haakon Royal Reserve tastes like

• Nose: The Old St. Croix XO Haakon Royal Reserve opens with a highly aromatic bouquet, immediately reminiscent of ripe vanilla beans. These are joined by fresh aromas of juicy oranges and the delicate, warm scent of sugarcane. An intense, inviting opening that promises both tropical richness and elegant depth.

• Palate: On the palate, the Haakon Royal Reserve presents itself as rich and sumptuous. The vanilla and sugarcane aromas reappear prominently, accompanied by ripe oranges that contribute a gentle fruitiness. Subtle nutty nuances add further complexity and warmth to the flavor. A harmonious interplay that displays both richness and balance.

• Finish: The finish is long and remarkably smooth. The previously perceived flavor notes – vanilla, sugarcane, orange, and nut – linger elegantly and remain present for a long time. A persistent, silky aftertaste that impressively rounds off the character of this Old St. Croix XO.