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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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Kirk and Sweeney 18 Year Rum
Distiller Score 89
This exemplifies well-aged rum. The nose shows brown sugar, vanilla, baking chocolate, coffee and integrated baking spice. The full body mouthfeel carries those flavors in deliberate segments adding leather and baked fruit. The finish is a simple fade of the flavors with coffee notes that linger with the baking spice.
Reviewed by Forrest Cokely
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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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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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Ron Cartavio XO Rum
Distiller Score 91
Sweet but not cloying aromas of butterscotch and Bananas Foster, all dusted with traces of baking spice, characterize the seductive nose. Raisins and dried apricots join the parade on the palate, along with additional brown sugar, hazelnuts, vanilla bean and a hint of mocha. Some spicy wood emerges on the gratifyingly long finish.
Reviewed by Ron Bechtol
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St. Lucia Distillers 1931 (3rd Edition)
Distiller Score 93
In the glass, the rum displays a dark chestnut hue. The aroma races ahead of the glass as you nose it, a wonderful symphony of pot-still smells. Oily, without veering into outboard motor territory. Linger a bit longer and you’ll pick up orange peel and clove. It explodes on your tongue, first with the heavier, oily notes that segue into a burst of sweet fruit. The finish is robust and long lasting with eucalyptus and suggestions of mint. The mouthfeel suggests a moderate amount of added sugar. A thoroughly enjoyable rum for sipping.
Reviewed by Matt Pietrek
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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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Ron Izalco 10 Year
Distiller Score 87
This rum shows lovely sweet caramel and orange blossom honey aromas. On the palate, it's bursting with spicy chili flavor that fades into sweet caramelized banana. The influence of ex-bourbon barrels lends to its richness. Look for sweet lemon on the finish.
Reviewed by Anna Archibald
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Kirk and Sweeney 23 Year Rum
Distiller Score 92
Fantastic aged rum, everything that you'd expect. The nose shows caramel, vanilla, baking spice, dried fruit, chocolate, honey and toffee weave into a harmonious balance. The elegant mouthfeel gracefully displays these flavors in a quiet reveal and build into richer tones of leather and baked fruit. The finish is a simple fade of the flavors with coffee notes that linger with the baking spice.
Reviewed by Forrest Cokely
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Mezan Panama Rum 1999
Distiller Score 95
The first few sips of the Panama 1999 give just a hint of wood--nowhere near as much as you might expect after spending a decade or more in a barrel. As it opens up in the glass, it transforms into something spectacular, honey and peaches dancing on the tongue. The body is light with no added sugar, letting you sip this rum repeatedly without getting sugar fatigue. The finish is relatively short and returns to just a hint of wood. Enjoy this rum neat -- you won’t be disappointed!
Reviewed by Matt Pietrek
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Ten to One Five Origin Select
Distiller Score 94
Tropical esters load up a nose filled with papaya, overripe bananas, and flambeed bananas with an enticing funk undertone. On the palate, find salted caramel, grape jelly, cane juice, dark chocolate, lemon zest, pistachio shells, and white pepper. The finish is lengthy and layered, with swirls of butterscotch, molasses, tannic oak, and apples.
Reviewed by Jake Emen
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Foursquare Zinfandel Cask Blend
Distiller Score 89
The aroma delivers notes of creme brulee, roasted almonds, vanilla, black pepper, oak, and spices. The palate provides a myriad of flavors including brown sugar, toffee, dried fruits (apricots, raisins) and spices, particularly ginger, black pepper, and clove. Toasted coconut and strawberries are also present.
Reviewed by Paul Senft