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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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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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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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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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Probitas White Blended Rum
Distiller Score 92
Probitas is not your average white rum. With just a hint of golden color, this rum has a lovely aroma of sugarcane and banana, with hints of the funk that's to come. It's surprisingly rich and creamy in texture with flavors that echo its aroma alongside those that give it depth. Think allspice, pineapple rich molasses, a variety of citrus and a bit of the fruitiness and zing of serrano peppers. While it would likely be delicious over ice with a squeeze of citrus, the higher proof of this rum will allow it to shine in classic rum cocktails, like Daiquiris and Mojitos.
Reviewed by Anna Archibald
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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 Favorite Rhum Agricole Blanc Coeur de Canne
Distiller Score 92
A beautiful, albeit esoteric spirit. The interplay of grass, rubber, roasted peach, apple and green banana aromas might not be for everyone, but for those who get it, it is absolutely enchanting. The palate is no less a rollercoaster with more industrial tones, raspberries, orange and iodine. It contains its 50% abv well for an unaged spirit and culminates in a clean, focused and sublime spirit.
Reviewed by Omari Wheat