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J. Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum
Distiller Score 89
Wray & Nephew displays rich aromas of overripe bananas, molasses, walnuts, and white cake, with a notable signature funk that rum aficionados refer to as “hogo”.Considering that Wray is 126 proof, it is not advisable to drink this straight, though many are not deterred. After adding a dash of water, bold flavors of clove, caramelized bananas, candied walnuts, grilled pineapple, and hogo dominate your palate and transport you to the islands of Jamaica. The finish is warm and lingering with lots of rich overripe fruit, (and perhaps, if you’ve been, memories of long and wild nights on holiday to the islands).
Reviewed by Ryan Conklin
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Land Legs Rum
Distiller Score 90
There's a rich complexity in the nose of this rum: confectioners sugar, white pepper, lemon peel, and more. But the hint of lightly smoky pineapple is what makes the aroma so inviting. The palate is no less complex, with more sugar, smoke, and spicy heat. The finish is long with a welcome, balancing heat and an earthy minerality. This is a very fine American light rum that would make an unforgettable daiquiri, but stands on its own neat.
Reviewed by Paul Belbusti
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Hamilton Jamaican Pot Still Black Rum
Distiller Score 85
The nose is extremely grassy despite the molasses base, suggesting a freshness unique among Jamaican black rums. A good bit of butter and custard appears before giving way to melon and lemon zest. There is also a bit of smoke here with hints of pepper. The rum enters with a burst of fruity esters represented by the melon and citrus, which is now reminiscent of Seville orange. The smoke noticed on nosing is now far more apparent, and it is coupled with tannic bitterness and fresh-cut grass. Beyond that is a bit of caramel and black pepper. Despite the color, the mouthfeel is not slick or heavy, and the long finish is dominated by the grassy elements and smoke. Perfect for the tropical mixology set.
Reviewed by Josh Miller
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Flor de Caña Gran Reserva 7 Rum
Distiller Score 85
In the bottle, the Gran Reserva exhibits a dark copper hue. Nosing reveals mild aromas of cola and wood, with none of the lighter fruit elements present in most rums. The initial flavor brings to mind the oak cask where it aged, but in time yields to dark roasted coffee with a hint of chocolate. There’s a brief, very slight hint of sweetness, but that quickly turns to a very dry, roasty finish that goes on seemingly forever. The mouthfeel and flavor point to zero sugar added post-distillation--a bonus. If you’re looking for a sweet, sherry cask (or similar) finished offering like the Plantation line, this isn’t your rum. But if your target is a solidly crafted, Spanish-style rum, this is a very respectable choice.
Reviewed by Matt Pietrek
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Rum Fire White Overproof
Distiller Score 87
The nose has the traditional fruity, overripe-banana tones you’d expect from a Jamaican rum. But there’s also something more here, a strong citrus note somewhat like grapefruit. It’s not a sipping rum, but if you insist, you’ll get the initial blast of heat, followed by a wallop of flavor best described as raw, unfiltered, and slightly on the edge; more savory than fruity. If Wray & Nephew Overproof is a purebred Dalmatian, Rum Fire is a junkyard pit-bull. The finish leaves your taste-buds whenever it’s damn ready and not a moment sooner.
Reviewed by Matt Pietrek
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Santa Teresa Añejo Gran Reserva Rum
Distiller Score 88
Moderately sweet and overall very easy on the palate this rum simply put over-delivers. The nose presents Santa Teresa's tell-tale orange zest aromas along with peach, licorice root and a hint of vanilla. These flavors continue on the palate with Demerara sugar, honeysuckle and five-spice powder. This soft and easy rum just might take over your home bar!
Reviewed by Omari Wheat
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Old Sam Demerara Rum
Distiller Score 87
In the glass, the Old Sam carries a dark reddish-brown hue. The nose is bold--brown sugar and raisins, classic DDL (Demerara Distillers Limited). It enters the palate with bombast, rich, oily, moderately sweet, and slightly smoky. The finish is long and slightly bitter (possibly from a large dose of coloring). Even at only 80 proof, this rum can stand up for itself in strongly-flavored cocktails. This rum is the spiritual siblings of other DDL rums such as Lemon Hart 80 proof and Hamilton Demerara Rum.
Reviewed by Matt Pietrek
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Brugal Añejo Rum
Distiller Score 85
This rum has a smoky oak and vanilla-laden aroma with hints of spice nipping around the edges. the promise of strong oak notes and vanilla are discovered on the palate. The spices manifest in subtle baking spice notes accenting the other flavors but never dominating. When the char notes come into play they bring a subtle hint of dark chocolate that fades as the oak tannins dominate into the dry finish.
Reviewed by Paul Senft
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Skipper Demerara Rum
Distiller Score 85
With a strong aroma emitting from the glass, you will find dark caramel, roasted coffee, and a fair amount of rum funk. Metallic aromas are found as well. The rum is sweet initially and creamy, but as you swallow turns bitter and spicy. There's a little orange peel and the rum has a nice brightness that makes it pop instead of being too lethargic and rich. Try this rum in a winter drink like the Tom & Jerry.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Plantation Original Dark Rum
Distiller Score 89
Light smoke on the nose, with banana, orange peel and allspice. The secondary aging in cognac barrels imparts a touch of hogo, or “funk” that’s noticeable on the rich and velvety palate, along with dried fruit, vanilla and clove. The finish lingers with more hints of smoke, candied fruit and holiday spices.
Reviewed by Daniel Djang
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Petty's Island White Rum
Distiller Score 92
Despite its molasses base, the nose is very aromatic in a grassy cane sense and is nicely accented by white pepper. There's a modest bite to the palate, yet it's balanced by vanilla, brown spice and fresher, floral grassiness. Caramel emerges on the finish of this very elegant spirit. Sip over ice or use in classic cocktails.
Reviewed by Ron Bechtol
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Plantation Barbados 5 Year Rum
Distiller Score 91
Upfront, the nose immediately offers butterscotch, as well as caramel and toffee. There are additional tropical notes of pineapple, banana and coconut. The palate is reminiscent of crème brûlée - sweet, creamy with notes of caramelized sugar, vanilla and other baking spices. More tropical fruit on the medium finish, with hints of orange peel and oak.
Reviewed by Daniel Djang