-
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
-
Ron Centenario 20 Fundación
Distiller Score 85
The aroma has a strong caramel aroma with notes of oak, vanilla, and black pepper along with a hint of cinnamon. The first sip reveals the caramel, vanilla, and cinnamon found in the aroma along with rich cocoa and toffee. Additional sips reveal toasted almonds and soft mineral notes as the rum settles in a light sweet finish.
Reviewed by Paul Senft
-
Plantation O.F.T.D. Overproof Rum
Distiller Score 93
In the glass, the rum presents a lush mahogany hue. Nosing it carefully (it’s 138 proof, after all) brings forth brown sugar and tropical fruit. The demerara rum from Guyana, with its smoky, molasses notes (similar to Lemon Hart 151) jumps out on the first sip. It’s soon joined by the fruity, ripe banana and pineapple tones associated with Jamaican rums. The finish lingers for quite some time, becoming dry and woody with a touch of chocolate. There’s no hint of added sweetening--a signature note in most Plantation expressions. Obviously the O.F.T.D. is intended as the powerhouse core of tropical libations, rather than something you’d pour in a snifter. Expect to see this rum pop up in Tiki bars all over the world.
Reviewed by Matt Pietrek
-
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
-
Avuá Amburana Cachaça
Distiller Score 92
The unique nose offers baking spices like cardamom, anise and allspice, with subtle vegetal notes and a light, distinctive woodiness that is noticeably different than oak. Nutmeg and hay are front and center on the herbaceous palate, with crème brûlée and citrus peel on the back end. The finish is warm and earthy, with more anise, spice and wood notes.
Reviewed by Daniel Djang
-
The Rum Society No. 40
Distiller Score 90
In the bottle, the rum is perfectly clear. The nose is strong with fruit, starting with overripe banana similar to a Jamaican, which segues into crisp pear notes. The initial flavor is organic, earthy, and floral, with no evidence of added sweeteners. The exceedingly long finish is very dry and reminiscent of the first moments of sucking on a dry popsicle stick. While there’s no wood aging, this rum is distilled in a wooden pot-still. In no way an introductory gateway rum, it will find favor with hardcore rummies eager to experience how rum tasted a century ago, straight off the still – well, with a little dilution.
Reviewed by Matt Pietrek
-
Rhum J.M Agricole Blanc White Rum 40%
Distiller Score 88
J.M.'s Blanc Agricole opens with vegetal (green bell pepper), cane-like aromas accented with black pepper. A sweet grassiness coupled to light, green chile heat announces the palate which is bolstered by a salty minerality. The finish is consistent and lingering. A perfect mixer, J.M. is especially refreshing with a splash of lively mineral water.
Reviewed by Ron Bechtol
-
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
-
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
-
Doorly's 12 Year Rum
Distiller Score 90
In the bottle, the Doorly’s 12 has an inviting dark mahogany hue. The nose is subtle, primarily vanilla and oak. Much like the first sip of a fine Scotch, the Doorly’s 12 immediately lets you know you’re tasting something exceptional. Oak, vanilla, fruit, and spice are in ideal harmony -- all present but none dominating, and the finish lingers for quite a while. The finish is pleasing, dry and free of any sugar like you may find in many “premium” rums at a much higher price. The flavors continue to evolve the longer it spends breathing, so take your time with it. This is a rum that you’ll want to enjoy neat while pondering how you might sneak it into a fancy whiskey tasting lineup to see who you can fool. The only “complaint” is that this should be at a slightly higher proof.
Reviewed by Matt Pietrek
-
Busted Barrel Dark Rum
Distiller Score 85
This dark rum is more a ruddy, burnished gold. On the nose are ripe bananas and cinnamon. Busted Barrel is clean and crisp with citrus and brown sugar and lingering hints of crème brûlée on the finish. Jersey Artisan Distilling does an excellent job of positioning the Busted Barrel as a punch-perfect drink.
Reviewed by Jason Albaum
-
Privateer Navy Yard Rum
Distiller Score 94
The rum presents a deep copper hue in the glass. The nose is strong with vanilla and wood notes – fresh sawdust or a just-sharpened pencil. As it spreads over your palate, it’s clear this is no shrinking violet. The impact of the new American Oak is strong with full-throated, pot-still flavors, creating a round, harmonious blend that brings to mind high-end Bajan rums. The finish is dry (no sugar added) and trails off with a hint of cola spiciness. Privateer’s Navy Yard is an amazing example of what American rums are capable of in the right hands.
Reviewed by Matt Pietrek