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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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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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The Rum Society No. 40
Distiller Score 90
In the bottle, the rum is perfectly clear. The nose is strong with fruit, starting with overripe banana similar to a Jamaican, which segues into crisp pear notes. The initial flavor is organic, earthy, and floral, with no evidence of added sweeteners. The exceedingly long finish is very dry and reminiscent of the first moments of sucking on a dry popsicle stick. While there’s no wood aging, this rum is distilled in a wooden pot-still. In no way an introductory gateway rum, it will find favor with hardcore rummies eager to experience how rum tasted a century ago, straight off the still – well, with a little dilution.
Reviewed by Matt Pietrek
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Ron Centenario 20 Fundación
Distiller Score 85
The aroma has a strong caramel aroma with notes of oak, vanilla, and black pepper along with a hint of cinnamon. The first sip reveals the caramel, vanilla, and cinnamon found in the aroma along with rich cocoa and toffee. Additional sips reveal toasted almonds and soft mineral notes as the rum settles in a light sweet finish.
Reviewed by Paul Senft
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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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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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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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The Rum Society No. 62
Distiller Score 85
Like its #40 sibling, this rum is brilliantly clear in the glass. The nose is buttery and spiced, with a touch of pear poking through. The initial palate is heavy and weighted toward the Guyanese component, although the Jamaican funk pushes through slightly. The mouthfeel is thick but not at all from added sweeteners. This selection is more rounded and less punchy than #40, with which it shares a common component. A good example of what a Navy-style rum would taste like, sans aging. Best suited for fans of full-throated, unapologetic pot-still rum.
Reviewed by Matt Pietrek
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Westerhall 10XO Rum
Distiller Score 90
The nose on this rum delivers notes of caramel, smoky oak and spices. On the palate, the rum delivers dark caramel and charred oak forming the base, while notes of vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon, and cocoa mingle across the tongue. As the rum transitions to the finish dark coffee and clove notes manifest in a long dry finish.
Reviewed by Paul Senft
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Busted Barrel Dark Rum
Distiller Score 85
This dark rum is more a ruddy, burnished gold. On the nose are ripe bananas and cinnamon. Busted Barrel is clean and crisp with citrus and brown sugar and lingering hints of crème brûlée on the finish. Jersey Artisan Distilling does an excellent job of positioning the Busted Barrel as a punch-perfect drink.
Reviewed by Jason Albaum
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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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Leblon Seleção Verde Cachaça
Distiller Score 88
The nose is funky and pungent, with notes of sugarcane, lemongrass, plantains, lychee and cracked pepper. The full-bodied palate is grassy and spicy, with sugarcane, vanilla and tropical fruit notes. The finish is long and dry, with a peppery kick and lingering heat.
Reviewed by Daniel Djang