El Dorado 12 Year Rum

Please know that even though I'm giving this a 4.0, it's not because I know anything about rum or have much to compare it to, but to this Longhorn, this is a damn nice drink, and a sweet and tasty departure from his regular whisk(e)y adventures. As I approach 200 whiskey reviews, I'm looking for a way to broaden my sprits palate. Tequila and Mezcal get expensive fast, Brandy was always expensive, but Rum seems to be flying under the radar for most folks. I had a bottle of El Dorado 15 year years ago, and seem to recall it was quite tasty (liquid alcoholic Nutella I believe I described it as), so the 12 year seemed a good way to get back on the rum train. Nose is sugary sweet with treacle tart, chocolate syrup, hazelnuts, and hogo (which the least confusing description I could find describes it as "sweet, rancid fruit", which I guess makes sense...). It's buttery smooth on the palate; candy sweet and nice and coating. Cocoa powder, mango, papaya, hazelnut, pecan, espresso beans, and a puff of smoke. A lovely dram. Where should I go next? I've got some Plantation, Foursquare, and Diplomatico that I'm eyeing up. Anything else? Cheers!

1 cube, 10 mins later...Fantastic...Sweet aftertaste.

Im on my Rum journey officially. Novice to rum Ive had Pussers Navy, Diplimatco as well as a host of shitty mixer rums. Its amazing the difference these quality sipping rums can make. Poured neat there is nose of eggnog, overcooked caramel, brown sugar with whisps of smoke and charred barrel. Palate comes on strong with thick luscious toffee and more brown sugar. Baking spices and light wood notes support. There is a buttery surround that's like a stick melted into the toffee/caramel. Yeah its sweet but blissfully indulgent. Finish is long fading oak soaked in butter and melted caramel with spice lingering. Absolutely wonderful rum. Smooth and flavorful with great richness and depth. Could be mixed Im sure by why would you when you have this level of quality and flavor. For whiskey and scotch drinkers to try as a sipper,cognac lovers as well. Im gonna look up the 15 yr to see if it can build on this fabulous rum....89/100