Plantation O.F.T.D. Overproof Rum

The Bottle: The Plantation bottle styling that we've all come to know and love. There's really no mistaking their line of rums from any others. In the Glass: Burnt Sienna. On the Nose: This is where I have to call out the proof that this rum carries...69% ABV. I don't recommend nosing, or drinking, this stuff without adding some water. Should you do so (as I did, because...well, because) the smell is basically just a mix of burnt sugar and alcohol burn. There's nothing complex or really inviting about it. So, from here-on-out in this review, water shall be added. After it's opened a bit, we get into some of the depth that this rum has to offer. There are strong notes of brown sugar, some Jamaican-style ester banana notes and orange. Good all-around dark rum qualities to this. Taste: You have to get the balance with water right here in order to make this a sipper. There are no surprises here that the nose doesn't reveal; brown sugar and tropical fruits. The flavor here is mostly in the finish, quite honestly. The arrival and development are rather muted, but then you get the full flavor punch on the tongue that lasts for minutes. While not what I would reach for as a sipper, strictly-speaking, I can see how it would be phenomenal in a drink that calls for an overproofed rum. There's depth of flavor here that other higher proof rums simply can't touch. You get the sense that the rum in here is not aged for terribly long, but at $30 USD per liter, you can't really complain. Another good offering from the Plantation team, especially if you primarily consume rum in cocktails.