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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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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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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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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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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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Plantation Xaymaca Special Dry
Distiller Score 88
The nose on Plantation Xaymaca Special Dry greets you with an intense mix of both sweet and savory--almost animal--aroma. There's a coppery backnote along with toasted sugar, coconut, and orange peel. The amber rum feels medium full on your palate and shows a bit more fruit like banana along with a gentle smoke note in addition to aroma notes. There is some funk to be found but isn't quite a George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic level rum. The price is right for cocktails, but don't be afraid to just add a few (good) ice cubes to your glass and call it a day. Rum heads should run to their local liquor stores to snag a bottle for their home bars. And if you're new to the category and think all rums taste sweet, think again.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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The Real McCoy 3 Year Rum
Distiller Score 91
The perfectly clear rum bursts forth from the glass with aromas of fresh and candied fruit including banana, mango and raspberry. Beyond the fruit is a bit of vanilla and floral notes. The rum enters with a pleasant mix of the aforementioned sweet fruit backed by vanilla and cream, and balanced by a good amount of spice in the form of black pepper and nutmeg, with a hint of cardamom. Subsequent sips yield more Chantilly cream and even more fruit including a bit of strawberry. The finish is quite long and despite a bit of saccharin on the finish, is delightful. A fine white rum suitable for sipping over ice.
Reviewed by Josh Miller
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Rum Bar White Overproof Rum
Distiller Score 88
In the glass, the White Overproof is brilliantly clear, as you’d expect. The nose is quite strong from the moment you open the bottle, bringing forth the traditional Jamaican “funk” of overripe bananas. In time, crisp apple notes and just a hint of leather appear through the ethanol vapors. The palate is dry, bracing, and very fruit-forward, turning grassy toward the end. This rum, at 126 proof, is obviously not intended as a fireside sipper, but rather is a vehicle for adding a wallop of hogo and alcohol to tropical cocktails. In that regard, it does bang up job.
Reviewed by Matt Pietrek
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Havana Club Añejo Reserva Rum
Distiller Score 85
The nose is overtly fruity, showing bitter orange and lemon custard above rum-soaked raisins and dates. The rum enters with a noticeable smoothness that borders on watery, but there is enough pepper and cinnamon to keep things interesting. Subsequent sips provide more spice along with ample vanilla and a bit of toffee, coffee, and a bit of tobacco. There is an implied sweetness, but the finish is extremely dry with a woody note that manages to coat the palate after several sips. Balanced and approachable, Havana Club Añejo Reserva is an excellent value that could easily find a home in most bars.
Reviewed by Josh Miller
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The Real McCoy 5 Year Rum
Distiller Score 90
The golden rum provides a host of pleasant aromas including ripe fruit and freshly baked sweets. The fruits include banana, mango and kiwi, and the sweets are represented by cream puffs and toffee candies. Also here is a dose of spice including mixed pepper and cardamom. The rum enters with a nearly simultaneous presentation of fruit, spice and sweets. The mid-palate is hit with the oaky tannins and the sweetness, while the upper palate receives the spice and bright fruits. The kiwi and mango noted upon nosing are here, and are now amped up even further by a melange of citrus zests--principally lemon and orange. Subsequent sips provide more oak and vanilla with caramel and the toffee. There is the slightest bit of leather and tobacco as well, and as the long finish fades, the tannins and sweetness fall away gracefully. A delightful rum with complexity beyond its years.
Reviewed by Josh Miller
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Flor de Caña Extra Seco 4 Rum
Distiller Score 85
This Extra Seco from Flor de Caña shows a sugar sweetness on the nose along with a light grassy note that sugarcane spirits can bring, even in a molasses-based rum. The rum is light, but not too light and clean, but not neutral. You still know that you are drinking a rum, not a vodka, and that is important. This rum really wants to be in your daiquiri.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Ron Abuelo 7 Años
Distiller Score 86
The 7 Años opens with a slight sweetness on the nose, followed by light aromas that conjure white flowers and dry grass. Aromatic hints of coconut and hazelnut announce a palate that starts with some heat and evolves into a blend of caramel and vanilla. The medium-long finish introduces some cedar and spice before tapering off into burnished leather.
Reviewed by Ron Bechtol