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Ron Diplomático Planas Rum
Distiller Score 91
There is an extremely slight golden tint to this rum, a hint at its years spent in barrel. The nose reveals the unmistakable aroma of oily lemon rind and a bit of heat, thanks to its slightly higher proof. It has some nice texture to it, with flavor notes of slightly sweet coconut and citrus, along with a touch of rich espresso. Very pleasant all around.
Reviewed by Anna Archibald
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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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Beach House Spiced Rum
Distiller Score 88
More fruity than spicy, this rum is what it must be like to sip Carmen Miranda's hat, sort of an all-in-one bottled punch. Intense fruitiness cha-chas onto the palate with mango, apricot, peach, passion-fruit, papaya, banana and a note of bubblegum. There is a strong orange element - with both blood orange and navel orange added to the mix, as well as the zest. Hints of cinnamon and allspice come in only at the finish. For those who aren't typically fans of spiced rums, this might finally be one to make peace with. Best served on the rocks.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster
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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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Papa's Pilar Sherry Finish Dark Rum
Distiller Score 92
This indulgent rum has intoxicating aromas of creme brûlée, burnt mandarin peel, and heady oak vanillins. The palate is equally explosive and fills the mouth with lush flavors of toffee and vanilla cake that are enlivened by a constant impression of citrus oil. The sweetness richness makes this the perfect compliment to a cigar or a contemplative digestive.
Reviewed by John Rankin
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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
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Green Island Superior Light Rum
Distiller Score 86
Upon first smell, the rum is fairly neutral save for some marshmallow-like sweetness and maybe a touch of mineral aromas. On the palate, a soft plush rum fills your mouth and the flavor is similar to cherry ice cream. As you continue to taste, the cherries become more in focus, but not in an over-the-top manufactured "cherry" flavor way. The finish is fairly clean and not complicated, but you can see how this could heighten a cocktail such as a daiquiri even if you might be inclined to pour it into a cola.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Novo Fogo Barrel-Aged Cachaça
Distiller Score 92
This is a rich style of cachaça with toasted notes of caramel, brown sugar, vanilla, and baking spices. The tropical character of the distillate still shines through with banana, pineapple, and ginger, and of herbal notes of mint and chive. A pleasant bitterness akin to walnuts (hence why so many say this tastes of "banana bread") brings it into the smooth, sippable finish.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster
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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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Rhum Barbancourt Estate Reserve 15 Year
Distiller Score 90
It leads with aromas of straw, cane syrup, tea, honey, caramel, dried peaches, almond and oak that are elegant and inviting. The palate reveals tannins, toffee, nuts and cinnamon in an oily, smooth mouthfeel that lingers to reveal stewed fruits. The finish is soft, mellow and displays of all of these flavors in a slow fade.
Reviewed by Forrest Cokely
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Backwards Distilling Company Sword Swallower Rum
Distiller Score 89
It's fun to sip something that tastes so very tropical that's made in the heart of Wyoming. Banana, mango, pineapple, papaya and vanilla take on some acidity with a little lemon. A pleasant twang of funky herbal notes like sage and mint cut through the fruitiness, and it finishes clean and sugary with just a touch of smoke.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster