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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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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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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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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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Lost Spirits Polynesian-Inspired Rum
Distiller Score 84
There is an unmistakable presence of smoke and charred notes on this rum. A bit like sticking your head into a freshly charred barrel. While smoke might be the most pervasive note, there are a lot of other things going on with this rum. With bit of water and time, on the nose you’ll get the aromas of a grass, toasted marshmallow, candied orange, candy corn, and campfire. Other flavors that come out on the palate are dunder, cane sugar, mint, allspice, dried fruit, lemon rind, and tobacco. Notes of iodine, over-ripe bananas and raisins linger on through the very end.
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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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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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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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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Appleton Estate 8 Year Reserve Rum
Distiller Score 84
Tropical fruits including mangoes and overripe bananas lead on the nose, along with a bit of pot still funk and burnt caramel. The palate shows fiery cinnamon, leather, and tobacco, along with brown sugar and toffee, before getting drier towards the back with cedar wood. The finish is short, offering molasses and Jamaican allspice.
Reviewed by Jake Emen
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Don Pancho Origenes Reserva 8 Year
Distiller Score 84
The aromas show oak, vanilla, maple, caramel, and brown sugar with soft baking spice in the background making it interesting. The flavors do follow the aroma and build to toasty oily nuts, wet wood, spices, dates, and a slightly sapid touch of pepper. The finish is short and sweet with a lip-smacking after effect.
Reviewed by Forrest Cokely
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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