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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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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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Twenty Boat Cape Cod Spiced Rum
Distiller Score 90
The full bouquet of spices immediately show on the nose. Most predominately, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, and chai. The palate has a more, and much heavier, welcoming spice. It is finished with a hint of black pepper that invites another sip. The spice blend was clearly meticulously selected, because everything is in harmony here. Thankfully, there's not a bit of cloying sweetness. Skip the rum and Coke and sip this one neat or with a bit of ice and a lime wedge.
Reviewed by Paul Belbusti
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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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Siesta Key Toasted Coconut
Distiller Score 90
The aroma of the rum is that of freshly-cut coconut cream pie. As this fades, slight honey-vanilla and spice notes linger. The flavor of the rum is dominated by the rich toasted coconut notes. Vanilla, baking spices, and honey augment the finish.
Reviewed by Paul Senft
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Ron Abuelo 12 Años
Distiller Score 92
This is a rich and toasty rum, with butterscotch, vanilla, mango and banana flavors. It's a super smooth sipper that finishes with a creamy brown sugar sweetness and a hint of herbaceousness. It's delicious neat, doesn't even need an ice cube or water to open up, but it would also make an incredible dark and stirred cocktail such as an Old Fashioned.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster
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Bumbu The Original
Distiller Score 84
A butterscotch-y base gets all tooty fruity with banana, pineapple, mango, peaches and orange zest. The subtle spices add sage, cinnamon, ginger and cardamom with a hint of spearmint in the finish. While pleasing to sip and thankfully not too overpowering in spice, a higher proof would give the flavors more pop.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster
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Plantation Pineapple Stiggins' Fancy Rum
Distiller Score 92
The pineapple is upfront on the nose, but not overpowering. Other notes include dried fruit, banana and vanilla. The rich, buttery palate continues with pineapple, as well as citrus peel, vanilla, and notes of hogo and oak. The tropical fruit lingers well into the finish, along with spice notes and hints of sugarcane and oak.
Reviewed by Daniel Djang
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Siesta Key Beer Barrel Finish Spiced
Distiller Score 82
The aroma of the rum provides notes honey and spices along with hints of cherry. The rum delivers a swirl of honeyed cinnamon, nutmeg, hops, and ginger with a stronger dose of cherry on the palate. As the rum begins to fade the flavors combine creating a cherry pastry finish that lingers on the palate.
Reviewed by Paul Senft
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Clément VSOP Rhum Agricole
Distiller Score 92
On the nose, Clément VSOP Rhum Agricole almost resembles a scotch whisky, with the charred oak aromas rising out of the glass mixed with vanilla, spices and floral notes. On the palate, the spirit develops an elegant herbal quality, with sage, thyme and rosemary mixing with brown sugar, roasted coffee and fruit flavors of red grapes, mango and banana. The finish is long, lingering and smooth, allowing all the components to meld together.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster
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Novo Fogo Tanager Cachaça
Distiller Score 95
This, unique, delightfully sippable cachaça tastes of a boozy, fresh fruit-salad. Tart strawberries, raspberries, kiwi, and bananas are accented with zippy ginger, mint, and basil. Nutmeg and cinnamon are sprinkled on top, with a dose of vanilla for added measure. Very fun and refreshing to sip. A must try for cane nerds, but with plenty of approachability for those new to the category.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster
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La Hechicera Rum
Distiller Score 84
This rum shows very attractive aromatics of caramelized sugar, orange sorbet, bananas foster, and a hint of dried mint. Behind the more indulgent scents there is an umami-clad funk that keeps the drink from becoming too decadent. The palate has a pleasant sweetness and is medium bodied and transitions to a finish with a touch of alcoholic burn. Overall, this is a quality introduction to sipping rum.
Reviewed by John Rankin