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Dictador 20 Year Solera System Rum
Distiller Score 86
Although a little hot, there is a lovely density to the nose. It exudes fresh-cut sugarcane, roasted carrots, amontillado sherry and a mild and well-integrated note of chlorine. The palate feels a little lighter but not too much, with fresh apple, toffee, coffee and fruit cake.
Reviewed by Omari Wheat
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Goslings Family Reserve Old Rum
Distiller Score 91
On the nose, the Family Reserve offers molasses, tobacco, oak and hints of orange peel. The velvety palate continues with molasses and oak, as well as holiday spice notes of cinnamon, allspice and nutmeg. The warm finish is long and dry, with further smoky and spicy notes of oak and tobacco, cloves and dried fruit.
Reviewed by Daniel Djang
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Fijian Rum 9 Year (Berry Bros. & Rudd)
Distiller Score 88
There's a savory, earthy nose on this rum that is reminiscent of aged leather and mild tobacco. The weight on the palate is surprisingly light considering the aggressive and masculine flavors. There's burnt wood, steak sauce, and sautéed mushrooms all showing up. The catch is how everything stays in balance with a subtle red berry note that carries through the long finish.
Reviewed by Paul Belbusti
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Panamá-Pacific Rum 23-Year
Distiller Score 96
On the nose, there are initial notes of vanilla, molasses and caramel, along with pineapple and oak. The velvety palate offers caramelized sugar, butterscotch, milk chocolate, molasses and tropical fruit, giving way to softer notes of oak, tobacco and subtle hogo. The finish is long and dry, offering vanilla, molasses, oak and orange zest. This is a sublime rum that’s well worth seeking out.
Reviewed by Daniel Djang
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Bristol Black Spiced Rum
Distiller Score 90
Unlike many spiced rums targeted at the shot-loving crowd, the Bristol Black is neither a vanilla bomb nor overpoweringly sweet. In the glass, it’s an almost impenetrable deep mahogany color. The nose is deceptively delicate, but take a sip and experience an explosion of fruitcake, mince, and tea. It finishes with a delightful tobacco note. At 82 proof, it’s easily sipped neat but could easily withstand a touch more ABV. An ideal rum for sipping by a roaring fire while it snows outside.
Reviewed by Matt Pietrek
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Plantation XO 20th Anniversary Rum
Distiller Score 93
On the nose, the Extra Old offers vanilla, butterscotch, banana, coconut, and oak. The rich and creamy palate starts with ample baking spices - nutmeg, cinnamon and brown sugar, followed by caramel, citrus, and oak. The long, buttery finish offers more spice and oak, as well as notes of orange peel, coffee, and chocolate.
Reviewed by Daniel Djang
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Foursquare 2004
Distiller Score 96
The aroma of the rum delivers notes of alcohol and dark vanilla, fresh-cut apples, pears, charred oak, and toasted nuts. The first sip of the rum delivers a punch of ethanol in a swirl of vanilla, and oak tannins. This conditions the tongue of the imbiber to enjoy the complexity of the rum. Additional sips reveal notes of cocoa, more fresh-cut apples with a hint of pears, leather, raisins, dried apricots, pepper and dark toffee. As the rum begins to fade notes of toasted walnuts and tobacco leaf linger and balance in a nice long finish.
Reviewed by Paul Senft
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Don Pancho Origenes 18 Year
Distiller Score 87
The aromas begin with clean honey, excellently extracted tea, soft/ripe tree fruit and interesting spices playing in the background. The palate entry is sweet and supple starting at vanilla, building to brown spice, caramel, and roasted nuts. The finish is long, rich and layered. The sumptuous depth and inviting complexly make this a lovely rum.
Reviewed by Forrest Cokely
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Rhum J.M XO
Distiller Score 92
Rhum J.M XO, a complex, medium-weight rhum, reminds one of a boozy Christmas cake topped with butterscotch sauce. That might sound overly rich and sweet, however, a jolt of bright acidity enters the palate, balanced with mouthwatering, tart apricot, mango, guava and pineapple. Sweet spices mix with sage and a hint of fresh mint, ending in a golden caramel finish.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster
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Revelation Rum
Distiller Score 90
There tons of complexity on the nose: charred wood, demerara sugar, citrus, and a faint vegetal note. The initial palate is hot but the burn dissipates quickly to reveal citrus and dried fruits along with some barrel and baking spice The weight on the palate is lithe and leads to a long finish of vanilla, milk chocolate, plum, passionfruit, and guava. This almost brandy-like rum begs to be paired with a fine cigar.
Reviewed by Paul Belbusti
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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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Leblon Reserva Especial Cachaça
Distiller Score 91
The time spent maturing in French oak has softened and rounded this aged cachaça, which opens with vanilla, brown sugar and orange peel on the nose. The rich palate offers crème brûlée, honey, pine nuts and oak, with the familiar funky, vegetal character of cachaça in the background. The warm finish offers more honey and pine nuts, with hints of baking spices.
Reviewed by Daniel Djang