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Ron Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva Rum
Distiller Score 94
If someone says to you “I want a rum that really tastes like something,” this would be one of the ones to present. It’s bold, dark, fruity and full bodied. Sugary honey and butterscotch are accented with sage and thyme notes and a hint of citrus peel. Both sweet and hot spices give it a pleasing warmth that never ignites into a full burn, just creates a nice tingle. Simply one of the best bang for buck sipping rums available.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster
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Denizen Merchant's Reserve 8 Year Rum
Distiller Score 90
At the risk of not being considered a “crowd pleaser”, Merchant's Reserve pulls no punches. Pronounced notes of petrol, iodine, cinnamon, pear, and a hint of grass and fresh herbs. The taste is equally earthy and intense with flavors like leather, tobacco, sweet potato, and smoke. There is nothing boring or mediocre about this rum, it is a must have for top quality cocktails.
Reviewed by Omari Wheat
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Hamilton Saint Lucian Pot Still Rum 2006
Distiller Score 94
The aroma of the rum begins with a strong molasses funk that dominates until the glass is allowed to breathe and release the vapors. After this happens you'll notice sweetgrass, vanilla bean, fresh-cut banana, and smoky oak. Sipping the rum delivers an oak tannin forward profile with initial notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and dried tobacco leaf. As these notes subside, there is a light orange acidic note, with sugary pears, and apple pie flavors that swirl before transitioning into a mineral rich finish.
Reviewed by Paul Senft
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Appleton Estate Reserve Blend
Distiller Score 88
The “Jamaica funk” is unmistakable. Ripe banana, orange peel, magic marker and welded metal round out the aromas. The palate is very similar with the addition of caramel, rubber and iodine. This rum is classic, soft and with a pleasant kick on the finish.
Reviewed by Omari Wheat
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Zaya Gran Reserva 12
Distiller Score 90
Zaya Gran Reserva 12 debuts with massive vanilla, allspice and maple syrup tones that segue into gorgeous vanilla, wood and cocoa/mocha on the palate. Well-integrated spice and hints of roasted orange peel follow under a sheen of banked heat. The finish is sweet and lingering with ever-diminishing warmth. Definitely sweet but deftly balanced. Sip this slowly with nuts and hard cheeses.
Reviewed by Ron Bechtol
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Flor De Caña Centenario 18 Rum
Distiller Score 88
There is quite the juxtaposition of flavors and aromas here. The nose captures everything from dried flowers to cherry jam, cinnamon and ink. The flavors are a bit more typical with notes of cane sugar, tobacco and molasses on finish. Medium bodied with a hint of funk and sweetness.
Reviewed by Omari Wheat
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Brugal 1888 Rum
Distiller Score 85
The nose is heavily influenced from the oloroso sherry cask. Find a complex and highly aromatic bouquet with red fruits, coffee, tobacco, candied fruits, nutmeg and cloves. On the palate, find a spice-dominant profile with rich sherry notes, and a woody, oaky and earthy background. A long, warm finish follows. The palate is just a touch one note after the tantalizing, dynamic nose. Would be well enjoyed as a post-dinner sipper.
Reviewed by Jake Emen
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Thomas Tew Single Barrel Rum
Distiller Score 88
There are significant notes of earthy coffee and deep molasses on the nose. The initial palate is so smooth, it's almost cool, until a blast of spicy, steeped cinnamon hits and takes over for the long, complex finish. There's lots of well integrated barrel spice to harmonize with the savory, earthy flavors.
Reviewed by Paul Belbusti
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El Dorado 15 Year Rum
Distiller Score 94
This is a smooth, velvety and complex rum that's prime for sipping. Dark roast coffee, milk chocolate, vanilla and caramel are set off by citrus peel and a hint of tobacco. There's a good dose of delicious rummy herbal funk to round it off, ending with a sweet, brown sugar finish.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster
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Santa Teresa 1796 Rum
Distiller Score 91
The sweet and fruity nose offers honey, caramel, dark chocolate and oak. The full-bodied, buttery palate gives vanilla, honey and plantains with notes of coffee and oak. The smooth finish has more vanilla and oak, with bitter chocolate, coconut, sherry and light smoke.
Reviewed by Daniel Djang
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Ron Zacapa 23 Sistema Solera Rum
Distiller Score 92
Ron Zacapa 23 Sistema Solera Rum is enduringly one of the most pleasurable dark rums to sip neat. At first the sweet notes of roasted coffee, butterscotch, vanilla and dark chocolate appear, then some fresh citrus and apricot refresh the palate with green herbal accents, nutmeg and ginger. The long finish includes flavors of caramel, pipe tobacco, cedar and roasted nuts.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster
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Plantation Grenada 2004
Distiller Score 89
Fairly sweet and funky aroma with a touch of smoke and old wooden furniture. The medium-full rum integrates the barrel spices and roasted notes well and the rum has a dark sweetness on the finish. As you continue to smell and taste you can pick up on the banana-French-toast flavors and a slight grassy quality. The finish is of moderate length and is pleasant and rich enough to sip on its own or to add a slight funk to your cocktail.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno