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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
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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
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Leblon Cachaça
Distiller Score 86
The sweet and vegetal nose offers sugarcane, citrus peel, pineapple and hints of nutmeg and vanilla. The rich palate opens with more sugarcane, citrus and tropical fruit then develops into grass, spice and pepper notes. The warm finish lingers with more grass, dried fruit and hints of butterscotch and vanilla.
Reviewed by Daniel Djang
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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
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Dictador 12 Year Solera System Rum
Distiller Score 83
Notes of vanilla, roasted nuts, coffee, dried dates, and baking spices present themselves along with wet potting soil. Heat persists on the palate but the flavor is fairly pleasant with notes of vanilla, under-ripe sugarcane, mixed nuts, cocoa nibs, and caramel before a strong, lingering metallic note on the finish.
Reviewed by Omari Wheat
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Renegade Rum Pre-Cask: Cuvée Aura
Distiller Score 90
The nose is mineral and brings in some hogo funk as well, backed up tropical esters in the form of flambeed bananas, papaya, and baked pineapples. The nose is green and minty, with lime zest, and juicy mangoes. The finish offers lemongrass, bitter citrus pith, and agave syrup while carrying through its flinty stone characteristics.
Reviewed by Jake Emen
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Angostura 1919 Rum
Distiller Score 83
1919 offers a rich complex nose of vanilla, toasted oak, sweet fruitcake, stone fruits, and delicate baking spices. With a single sip baked-peach-pie, cinnamon, vanilla, toasted oak and allspice reveal themselves to be driving flavors with subtle undertones of fennel, pineapple-upside-down-cake, and pecans. The finish on this rum is round, sweet and spicy with just enough complexity to keep you coming back.
Reviewed by Ryan Conklin
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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