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A legendary Dominican rum, the benchmark for a premium dynasty, is now available at an unprecedented price. We explore the spirit that started it all.
In the world of premium spirits, few stories are as compelling as that of an original icon—the one that set the standard and became a legend in its own right. Since September, Swedish connoisseurs have a unique opportunity to experience such a legend as Ron Barceló introduces its most iconic expression, Barceló Imperial, to the Swedish market.
This is the rum that, for decades, has been the gold standard for the celebrated Dominican producer. Launching on September 1, 2025, through Systembolaget’s ordering range, Barceló Imperial arrives not with the expected premium price tag, but with a remarkably accessible launch price of 399 kr, making it a truly exclusive rum for the discerning yet price-conscious enthusiast.
With Barceló Imperial, the story comes full circle. This is where the narrative of Barceló’s premium segment begins—and continues. It is the first and most definitive release in the award-winning Imperial series, a rum of exceptional dignity and balance whose foundational quality continues to influence every new interpretation in the family.
Mattias Skoog, Product & Trade Marketing Manager at Hermansson & Co, is enthusiastic about the launch. “To introduce the original in the Imperial series at this price feels completely unique,” he notes. “We know that Swedes appreciate quality and character, and with this, they are getting exceptional value. This is Barceló at its most classic, the bottle by which all others in the series are judged.”
A Taste of Imperial Class
So, what makes the original so special? It begins at the source. Unlike many rums that use molasses, Barceló Imperial is crafted from 100% fresh-pressed Dominican sugarcane juice, resulting in a cleaner, more vibrant spirit. The rum is then aged for up to a decade in carefully selected American oak barrels, a process that imparts a remarkable complexity and smoothness rarely found at this price point.
The result is a masterclass in balance. Pouring a deep, alluring amber, the rum immediately greets the nose with sophisticated aromas of dried fruit, creamy vanilla, and a subtle toasted character. The first sip confirms its pedigree. The palate is a rich tapestry of flavours, weaving together notes of vanilla and caramelized fruit with the satisfying depth of roasted nuts, gentle oak, a whisper of tobacco, and a complex blend of spices. The experience culminates in a long, warm, and exceptionally elegant finish that lingers gracefully.
While it is sublime when enjoyed neat or with a single ice cube, its robust character also makes it an outstanding base for cocktails where the rum is allowed to take centre stage, lending profound depth to the final drink.
A Legacy of Quality and Sustainability
The story of Ron Barceló began in 1929 when Spaniard Julián Barceló arrived in the Dominican Republic with a single ambition: to create the world’s finest rum. Nearly a century later, his legacy endures. Ron Barceló is now one of the world’s largest rum exporters, with a presence in over 50 countries, but its success hasn’t come at the expense of its principles.
The company is an industry leader in sustainable production. It was the first rum producer to become certified Carbon Neutral, a commitment that covers the entire process from the sugarcane field to the final bottle. This dedication to the environment, combined with the ACR (Authentic Caribbean Rum) seal guaranteeing its origin and methods, proves that heritage and modernity can go hand in hand.
Barceló Imperial is more than just a rum; it’s the beginning of a story, a taste of history, and the benchmark of quality. For both seasoned rum lovers and the newly curious, its arrival in Sweden is an unmissable chance to own the original at a remarkably low price. Cheers!
The Review: At a Glance
- Colour: Deep, radiant amber.
- Aroma: Inviting notes of dried fruits, vanilla, and a light, roasted character.
- Palate: A complex and rounded profile featuring vanilla, caramelized fruits, toasted nuts, oak, tobacco, and warm spices.
- Finish: Long, smooth, and elegantly warm.
The Details
- Name: Barceló Imperial
- Price: 399 kr
- Systembolaget Art. No: 87067
- Origin: Dominican Republic
- Volume: 700 ml
- Alcohol: 38% ABV
- Availability: Now available in the Systembolaget ordering range
