What's the deal with El Dorado 15 %?

Mm, the black box, i haven't seen it anywhere near, yet. Besides, new releases always arrive late in my locale (in some cases, this is a godsend, because thanks to that, i was able to find myself old Mount Gay XO and old Chairman's Reserve 1931). 40% seemed to me slightly sweeter and milder; 43% is "better" for my tastes and its aftertaste, especially (lingers more, keeps flavor in your mouth).

ElD is always a mystery, they keep their secrets. They have new packaging, also in Europe, but still with 43%. I think there is no market with supply of two versions. Each market gets its own version. EU 43% and US 40%. Was the 40% ElD as sweet as the old version? https://www.weisshaus.de/details/el-dorado-rum-15-yo-43-vol.-0-70l

They served me the 40% at a local bar, some months ago (before the second wave). Didn't like it much, to be honest. This one though, the 43%, feels a bit heavier, more full bodied and its bite, although meek, is still there! I couldn't find any info on that matter specifically and reviews, both in my country and from abroad (like in the whiskeyexchange), mention the two different versions, but little else... And it is not clarified whether 43 is discontinued, old/special release, area exclusive, or whatever else. Me just being curious, that's all! 43% is nice, though.

I think the 40% is the 0.75l version for US market. I never saw a 0.7l bottle with 40% in Europe (except the 12y, it's always at 40%). Maybe the taxes on alcohol are higher in the US and ElD decided to reduce the abv. I saw that 40% bottle once at the airpot in Trinidad. On their website they show also the 40% US bottle: https://theeldoradorum.com/blended-rums/15-year-old I would also prefer the 43% version. Would be interesting to try it out, but I think it's the same but more diluted juice.