Kirkland 15 Year Barrel-Aged Rum

Context: served after a little Maker’s Cask Strength, and (full disclosure) paired with a mini Romeo y Julieta cigar… Serve: small pour, neat, glencairn. Dark mahogany in the glass Nose: somewhat typical rum nose, with some woody molasses and sweetness around the edges, maybe a hint of maple syrup even. Palate: fairly rich (again, note the context ;) with a bit of dried fruit and rich sweet candy all tied together with a rich syrupy molasses, and again a hint of maple. Surprisngly rich and round, enjoyable if not conplex. Finish: short and sweet, with just a touch of the wood influence but not much in the way of earthiness or richness to speak of. Pleasant on the palate, but certainly didn’t linger long on the finish. A bit surprising for the proof and reputation, really, perhaps reminiscent of popular and pricier Guatemalan offerings marketed for sipping. Could also be a good mixer where a fairly long-aged rum is called for. Overall, good value and a decent representative of the aged rum category, but a rum connoisseur might find it leaves something to be desired. 3.5 for the rich round palate and overall value. I’ll be trying to keep this in stock for mixing and the occasional sip.

Roasted sugar cane , carmel , smooth vanillla bean

On the nose, maple and vanilla are forward. First taste: Acetone. Second and third sips bring out the maple, molasses, and vanilla, but sweetness doesn't show up until about four or five tastes. Raisin and spice develop with time, but the flavor doesn't really justify drinking it straight. This might be a good mixing run, especially in tiki drinks.