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Kaniché XO Rum
Distiller Score 70
The nose is filled with aromas from a tropical bakery: coconut, cocoa, vanilla, caramel, toffee and coffee. There is also fruit including green mango and ripe papaya. The astringency that suggests a somewhat young distillate dissipates after a few minutes of breathing. The rum washes over the palate with more strong suggestions of tropical flavors--the coconut is almost overwhelming at this point. Combined with the ample cocoa and coffee, one might imagine some sort of island Tiramisu. Subsequent sips reveal some Sherry and loads of sugar and caramel. The brightness of the spirit appears to be the only component on the other side of the ledger, but further investigation reveals some cardamom and anise. The coconut finish is somewhat bitter and impossibly sweet (a hydrometer reading confirmed the inclusion of added sugar to the tune of 24 grams per liter). This one is more like a bottled cocktail than an aged rum.
Reviewed by Josh Miller
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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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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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Pacific Rum
Distiller Score 89
A very sweet nose starts things off, with brown sugar, vanilla and chocolate with a hint of salted caramel and freshly baked coconut bars. On the palate, the coconut takes on more of a confectionary note, think Almond Joy candy bars with chocolate and a bit of almond as well. The mouthfeel is smooth and creamy, and hints of vanilla, orange marmalade and a bit of pepper also appear.
Reviewed by Distiller Staff
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Papa's Pilar Marquesas Blend Rum
Distiller Score 90
On the nose, this richly hued rum has aromas of wood chips, sweet orange and a twinge of spearmint. It has lovely flavors of maple, vanilla, cocoa and candied orange peel. This would make a fantastic Old Fashioned sweetened with a touch of maple syrup, and it's also a great sip on its own.
Reviewed by Anna Archibald
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Brugal XV Rum
Distiller Score 86
The nose offers citrus, including orange peel, along with a honey sweetness, a rich molasses, and hints of chocolate and coffee. There’s some spice and oak on the palate but it’s not overpowering. It's rounded, also offering sherry notes, red fruits, and an overall richness. Finish is warming, but as intended, quick and doesn't linger long. Drink neat or mix fresh tropical juice for a refreshing beverage.
Reviewed by Jake Emen
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Mezan Panama Rum 1999
Distiller Score 95
The first few sips of the Panama 1999 give just a hint of wood--nowhere near as much as you might expect after spending a decade or more in a barrel. As it opens up in the glass, it transforms into something spectacular, honey and peaches dancing on the tongue. The body is light with no added sugar, letting you sip this rum repeatedly without getting sugar fatigue. The finish is relatively short and returns to just a hint of wood. Enjoy this rum neat -- you won’t be disappointed!
Reviewed by Matt Pietrek
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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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Plantation Grenada 2003
Distiller Score 83
The nose on this particular Plantation is unusually subtle with hints of sweet fruit that are hard to fully discern. The initial entry on the palate is very typical Plantation-- fruity sweetness created by their use of dosage, or small amounts of sugar similar to Champagne production. On the mid-palate, a bit of oak emerges and the mouth feel is moderately viscous. The rum finishes with a touch of eucalyptus. While perfectly fine for sipping, there are more intriguing Plantation single-vintage expressions available.
Reviewed by Matt Pietrek
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Plantation Panama 2002
Distiller Score 80
The nose bears more astringency than one might expect from a ten year-old rum, but the ethanol is attenuated by aromas from the bakery. Once allowed to breathe, aromas are easier to pick out, including green apple, banana, pear and grapefruit peel. Beyond the fruit is caramel, honey and vanilla. Finally, there is a bit of pepper. The rum enters with ample sweetness and spice represented by honey and cinnamon, respectively. Also here is black pepper and caramel, combined with coffee, cocoa, and vanilla. Before long, the palate is coated in a thin layer of oaky tannins that quickly turns bitter. Subsequent sips bring the impression of dark and dried fruits including plum, cherry, and plump raisins. The long finish is dominated by the sweetness and bitter tannins.
Reviewed by Josh Miller
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Mezan Panama Rum 2006
Distiller Score 87
This dark and concentrated rum has a soft, sugary sweetness that dials up on the palate into the burnt caramel realm. Roasted toffee and coffee flavors are tempered by sage and rosemary. Further sips reveal tangy apricot, papaya, and tart orange mixing with the sweet and savory notes.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster
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Foursquare Port Cask Finish
Distiller Score 92
This is an exceptionally well-balanced rum with a tart, tangy grape flavor from the port finishing that heads off its sweetness at just the right point. Maple, brown sugar and rich, roasted coffee settle in with luscious orchard and tropical fruits, vanilla and some gentle sweet spice. A tinge of herbal funk cuts in playfully throughout.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster