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Hamilton Saint Lucian Pot Still Rum 2006
Distiller Score 94
The aroma of the rum begins with a strong molasses funk that dominates until the glass is allowed to breathe and release the vapors. After this happens you'll notice sweetgrass, vanilla bean, fresh-cut banana, and smoky oak. Sipping the rum delivers an oak tannin forward profile with initial notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and dried tobacco leaf. As these notes subside, there is a light orange acidic note, with sugary pears, and apple pie flavors that swirl before transitioning into a mineral rich finish.
Reviewed by Paul Senft
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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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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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Thomas Tew Single Barrel Rum
Distiller Score 88
There are significant notes of earthy coffee and deep molasses on the nose. The initial palate is so smooth, it's almost cool, until a blast of spicy, steeped cinnamon hits and takes over for the long, complex finish. There's lots of well integrated barrel spice to harmonize with the savory, earthy flavors.
Reviewed by Paul Belbusti
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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 2004
Distiller Score 89
Fairly sweet and funky aroma with a touch of smoke and old wooden furniture. The medium-full rum integrates the barrel spices and roasted notes well and the rum has a dark sweetness on the finish. As you continue to smell and taste you can pick up on the banana-French-toast flavors and a slight grassy quality. The finish is of moderate length and is pleasant and rich enough to sip on its own or to add a slight funk to your cocktail.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Siesta Key Distiller's Reserve Spiced
Distiller Score 92
The aroma is dominated by a strong cinnamon presence followed by ginger, allspice, vanilla and cloves. The first sip has a surprising ginger-forward note, followed by vanilla, cinnamon, honey and clove. The oak tannins present a nice cocoa influence to the flavors.
Reviewed by Paul Senft
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Brugal 1888 Rum
Distiller Score 85
The nose is heavily influenced from the oloroso sherry cask. Find a complex and highly aromatic bouquet with red fruits, coffee, tobacco, candied fruits, nutmeg and cloves. On the palate, find a spice-dominant profile with rich sherry notes, and a woody, oaky and earthy background. A long, warm finish follows. The palate is just a touch one note after the tantalizing, dynamic nose. Would be well enjoyed as a post-dinner sipper.
Reviewed by Jake Emen
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Mosquito Fleet Rum
Distiller Score 85
There's strong barrel spice and cigar box on the nose along with some enticing caramel and dark sugar aromas. The palate shows plenty of sweetness that slightly overshadows the spice and underlying dark fruit complexity. Though the flavors in this rum aren't fully integrated, it swings for the fences and is worth a try for those interested in well-made, domestic craft rums.
Reviewed by Paul Belbusti
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Panamá-Pacific Rum 9-Year
Distiller Score 94
The nose offers tropical fruit with notes of banana, orange peel, vanilla and molasses. More vanilla and molasses on the robust palate, with notes of caramel and butterscotch, as well as subtle oak and a hint of hogo. The warm finish lingers with vanilla, molasses, allspice and a touch of bittersweet chocolate.
Reviewed by Daniel Djang
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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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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