Reviews

Has that Jamaican funk aroma, along with tropical fruits and cinnamon. Tastes of hogo, naturally, front and center. Includes tropical fruits, particularly overripe banana, cinnamon. Definite alcohol burn. Finish is a combination of overripe banana & artificial banana flavor. Since the alcohol heat is a bit much, I dud a scotch trick and added two drops of water. That brought out new aromas of caramel, whiffs of marshmallow & cinnamon. Flavors remained similar, particularly [fermented?] banana, but the heat is tempered. Naturally, this goes great as a mixer if you're looking for a Jamaican flair. Rating based on neat sipping.

I know it rests in ex-bourbon casks but the aroma smells like it was in sherry casks. It takes a few whiffs and a little prodding to get the tinge of bourbon. Sipping must be done in veeery small doses, otherwise the undesirable burn of alcohol simply ruins the experience. Anyway, flavors are, yes, bourbon but also a sweetness of sherry, with backend floral notes and red fruits, particularly in the retro-hale. The higher proof adds spiciness. However, I think those with more refined taste buds will enjoy this rum. Works quite well for a tasty extra kick as a mixer. Rating based on neat sipping. I'm not a fan of higher-proof liquors; the flavors, aromas, and overall experience is ruined. Thus is why I've rated this so low.

That first whiff of the bottle: tequila. Not strong, but undeniably present. A more forgiving second smelling gives aromas of candied orange and soft caramel candy. Flavors almost mimic the smells. I get a flip-flop of tequila, candied orange, and orange peel citrus. Additional sips have more oranginess than tequila-ness. ¿Si? I get a little caramel in the finish. Has a bit of alcohol spiciness across the sipping experience. Actually goes well for mixing, having that orangie sweetness. While not a bad rum, I sometimes need to be in the mood for it, much like a rum with heavy bourbon taste. I want "rum", not bourbon or tequila. Rating based on neat sipping.

-= Oregon Oak Rested =- Aroma of maple syrup with some light brown sugar and wafts of vanilla. Definitely sweet smelling, like it's a soft, smooth caramel candy. Flavor: "Spicy caramel" is my first impression. Definitely on the sweet side of rums. I get vanilla-ish caramel in the retro-hale. A bit too much proof for smooth, enjoyable sipping for me. Works best as a mixer, particularly if sweetness is desired. Vanilla has a little more presence when mixed. This has the characteristics of a younger rum. This is a $35/bottle rum to me; it is a more reasonable asking price for what it delivers. Rating based on neat sipping.

What's "hogo" you ask? This! In aromas and flavors. Aromas of petroleum distillates and tropical fruit esters -- think along the lines of ripe bananas and acetone (fingernail polish remover if you're my wife reading this, LOL). It has that funky flavor we think of with Jamaican hogo. Sweetness is subtle, so if looking for a sweet mixer you'll need to add some form of sugar to it. It has that young rum taste. A small ice cube brings out the banana aroma and tones down the hogo. However, the hogo flavor appears more pronounced. Want a memorable mixer? This will cover it. Wake up your rum palette? Take a sip. Are you a scotch fan and exploring rum? Think of this as the peat whisky version of rum in that it's boldly different...a marmite rum if you will. (No, it's not smoky.) I like the labeling, reminds me of American-traditional tattoos. Rating based on neat sipping.

Aroma is light brown sugar and dark cherry fruitiness. Hard to pin down the flavors. Overripe tropical fruits, mostly. Side-by-side with the 12yr version, this is initially the harsher one. A couple or three sips in it becomes okay. Its youth is apparent in the taste and mouth-feel, much like a less-aged whiskey. I think this is best used as a mixer versus a sipper. Rating based on neat sipping.

Brown sugar and light molasses are the strongest aromas -- maybe some dark cherry, too. It has a richness about it. I like! Mild cinnamon burn; I'm glad it's not a higher proof. There's sweetness but it's not sugary. Just a couple drops of water help to smooth out the burn and bring forth a little floral aroma. Light caramel, mild orange zest, and a hint of fine tobacco are the flavors i can discern. At times it tastes like it was aged in Dalmore Cigar Malt scotch barrels! It's definitely a good sipper but also works well as a mixer. Rating based on neat sipping.

Funky floral aroma, maple syrup, and mild sweetbread from the bottle. Taste...too strong so it has that strong spicy sting of alcohol. Some funk and ripe tropical fruits in the retro-hale. Definitely needs to be in a cocktail to smooth out its harshness. BTDT. Added a healthy dose of water (groan), and I'm smelling honey. However, it does cool down the alcohol heat. Flavor becomes more of a over-ripe tropical fruit. Ratings based on neat sipping.