Amazing sipping rum. Incredibly sweet and drinkable. Haven't noticed the smoke, or complex flavors, but I'm not an expert whatsoever. On the nose, I get raisins, nuts, brown sugar, with hints of vanilla. On the palate, I taste a lot of brown sugar, caramel, oakiness, typical rum notes, and hints of pineapple/tropical fruits on the finish, so sweet and amazing, not incredibly thick, but has a really good texture for a 40%, and easy to drink. Much sweeter/more sugary and approachable than Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva without sugar being added in because the barrels that were used for the sherry have leftover sugar that transfers into the rum through additional years of aging, which makes it authentically sweet and more velvety, especially if you are purist about spirits; it's also better priced than the Diplomatico!
The things I do not like so far, but hope to find throughout finishing the bottle is, the complexity of flavors, and smoke that was listed as well as the spices. Also, the finish is extended, but very light and medium length, or intensity of flavors, I'd say, but so far, this is a really underrated rum priced incredibly well, and doesn't need anything done to it to enjoy, just drink it straight up!
Might be my new favorite rum!
Update: This has grown on me after opening, getting more creamy buttery vanilla, molasses, brown sugar, and cinnamon raisin bread as well as coca cola notes. There's a nostril burn, spiciness, sourdough and savory quality that compliments it. More raisin and wine notes come out after putting in coffee (just to test the flavor). When drank out of a warm cup, it brings out more creamy and buttery vanilla, and I have yet to try it chilled, but it seems like either warm, or chilled, will bring out different texture, and characteristics, but seems more weirdly versatile than it seems.
39.99
USD
per
Bottle