Cadenhead‘s T.D.L Trinidad Distillers Ltd. 2002

TDL 2002 is one of my absolute favorite styles. I tasted the Cadenhead against the class leader, the RdL 2002. The nose of the two rums is very similar. Both are characterized by juicy peach and fresh mint. The RdL is somewhat darker, woodier and more bitter, while the Cadenhead is fruitier, more acidic and brighter. It is somewhat reminiscent of the disappointing FRC, but more intense. The profile to the RdL is otherwise similar and all my markers are there: ginger, hops, almonds. The dark clove is missing, but there are very ripe bananas and mango. In the mouth the impression continues, while the RdL has the peach-mint note accompanied by tart grapefruit and some darker wood, the CH is much sweeter, fruitier, like the FRC with some sour esters. Tangerine juice, mango, hoppy pilsner, black tea, practically no wood. The CH is incredibly drinkable, the RdL is quite a bit more complex due to the additional tart flavors. The CH is by no means as thin and watery as the FRC. The finish, as with all 2002 TDLs to date, is simply wonderful. Very long, very intense, without excessive bitterness. Peach and mint iced tea. This is simply too delicious. A super rum. Not top class and a little too expensive, but a super rum.

Very fruity on the nose dominating the classic 2000s TDL profile. Also very nice on the plate with a nice range of tropic fruits and sweetness. The low(er) ABV in this bottling is noticeable, but is at a good spot as it is - on the palate as well as on the nose.

Very fresh, tropical fruit, especially banana. Great nose! Then slightly pungent in the mouth, furry, but good mouthfeel. Finish with caramel and plastic. I like it very much. Certainly not a pleasant sipper. Many thanks to Bonn, great sample!

#4770 09.07.2024 Relaxing with a few samples at home. Nose Fresh, light wood, light mint, light peach, light chocolate, apple. Palate Fresh, balanced, light wood, faint smoke, light peach, apple, faint vegetal, spice. Finish Medium long, light wood, fruits, pineapple, light mint, light chocolate. The empty glass has light caramel, herbs and berries to it.

Blue hour, the second: Blind crosstasting with the T.D.L 2002 from FRC (RX13557). Today, the differences between the two compared rums are quite big. One sweet and minty and later a little smoky, the other musty and chalky with poorly integrated alcohol. I liked the former much better. I thought it was the FRC that I had already tasted several times - and was wrong after the dissolution. I see the Cadenhead's as a solid 2002 T.D.L in the lower midfield, 85 points. Unfortunately, the difference on the nose and palate (and the smell of the emptied glass! 😊) means that I have to downgrade the FRC again, from 84 to 81 points.

This Cadenhead is a decent representative of the 2002 series. It has all the markers, although none stand out particularly. The alcohol is quite well integrated... it is good average and easy to drink. But I don't need a bottle of it.

Sehr ausgewogener und leckerer rum mit feiner pfirsichnote im Abgang!

Less mentholy-dirty on the nose than the RA 2002, but with more yellow fruit.

Nice menthol notes, but more on the astringent side, less fruity.

A lot of white fruits, pears and vanilla. I find it rather clean and easy. Not really complex but an easy sipper. The alcohol could be better integrated.

Coppery and spicy rum. The nose is herbs and green pepper. Mint in the mouth with some bark and evalyptus. Good but not amazing. Finish is longe with plastic and menthol as well as mint. Easy drinking, the age doesn’t quite come through but solid TDL