Austrian Empire Navy 1863 - Porto Cask Reserva

Overview: The Austrian Empire Navy 1863 - Porto Cask Reserva at a glance

• Barbados rum from the renowned Foursquare Distillery
• A blend of rums aged between 5 and 12 years
• Aged in American and French oak
• Finished for 3 to 4 months in ex-Port wine casks
• Historically inspired brand with roots dating back to 1863

Portrait: What makes the Austrian Empire Navy 1863 - Porto Cask Reserva special!

1863 is not merely a year on the label here. It represents a brief journey back into the history of Albert Michler, whose spirits company was founded in 1863 in Buchsdorf, Silesia—at that time part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The company made a name for itself as a supplier of spirits and overseas rum, among other things, and even supplied the Imperial and Royal Court as well as the Austro-Hungarian Navy.

Today, this historic concept lives on under the name Austrian Empire Navy. The brand blends the nostalgic charm of a bygone era with select rums from the Caribbean. However, for the Porto Cask Reserva, the journey does not lead back to Silesia, but first to Barbados—specifically, to the renowned Foursquare Distillery.

This bottling utilizes rums aged for between five and twelve years in American and French oak casks. That alone would make for a pretty impressive story. Yet, the makers evidently felt that a little extra cask adventure wouldn't hurt.

So, the rum spends another three to four months in former Port wine casks. The standard maturation process is thus transformed into a two-stage cask project: first oak, then Port wine. You could say the rum gets a little change of scenery for the grand finale.

The name "Navy" evokes Albert Michler’s historical ties to the naval and overseas rum trade, while the year 1863 commemorates the founding of the original company. Here, history meets Caribbean rum tradition—all without the need for a time machine.

The Austrian Empire Navy 1863 Porto Cask Reserva thus represents a blend of history, Barbados rum, and distinctive cask maturation. In short: founded in 1863, aged in Barbados, and finally finished in a port wine cask—this rum has evidently covered more ground than many a sailor.

Tasting Notes: This is how the Austrian Empire Navy 1863 - Porto Cask Reserva tastes like

• Nose: The nose reveals dark fruits, ripe berries, and delicate wood notes, accompanied by vanilla, caramel, and a hint of port wine. Subtle spicy nuances and a light floral touch round out the profile.
• Palate: On the palate, the rum is full-bodied and well-balanced. Notes of plum, raisin, and dark caramel meet vanilla and subtle spices. Maturation in ex-Port casks adds depth and a pleasantly fruity structure to the overall profile.
• Finish: The finish is long-lasting and warming, featuring spicy wood notes, dried fruits, and a hint of Port wine. A subtle sweetness lingers at the end, bringing the rum to a harmonious close.