Plantation Trinidad 1997 Single Cask (Kilchoman Whisky Cask Maturation)

Sweet. Balanced. Smoky too. Dynamic. Great sipper, or in a cocktail.

On occasion I'll see the comment, "Maybe I got a bad bottle" in a review here.  I've never questioned a dram in that way, until now. My understanding is that oxidation, UV light and heat or temperature swings can alter a liquor's flavor, or otherwise cause it to denature or break down.  But short of a distributor or store being dumb enough to store bottles in direct sunlight or a hot attic, it seems unlikely (albeit possible, but not something I've knowingly encountered).  The only other option would be a defective cork.  But wouldn't that be apparent when opening the bottle? Which brings me to this Plantation; rum from Trinidad with a portion of the aging done in used casks from Kilchoman.  I've had at least a half-dozen different Plantation rums, and to my palate, they've ranged from good to excellent.   As far as Kilchoman is concerned, I could probably spend an afternoon curled up in one of their used casks and enjoy every minute of it.  And yet, this rum is horrid.  On the palette, there's an immediate and strong hit of smoke that I can only describe as liquid ashtray.  The smoke does give way, but it's replaced by a wave that leaves me thinking of fetid pond water slightly sweetened.  It seems impossible that Plantation guru Alexandre Gabriel and his team would send something this awful out into the world.  Which, for the first time in my spirits experience leads me to say, "Maybe I got a bad bottle."   Opinions?  I'm reserving a numeric rating until I have a bit more insight.    

Mildly sweet at first, then taken over by a very smokey flavor. Finish is smokey fading back to sweet and peppery.