Nose: Dry, slightly smoky, herbal. A note of molasses and brown sugar but way less than is usual in most gold rums. Palate: Semi-sweet arrival with honey-herbal and lightly spicy notes. Toasty oak, light vanilla and a little brine. The texture is unusually light and crisp, but delightful. Finish: Medium. Spicy and with muted “rum” flavours, but much drier than expected. An unusual, but equally delightful, rum that is quite unlike any other I have tried. In fact, initially both the nose and palate are more characteristic of whisky and it is only in the later palate that typical gold rum characteristics show through. I found this to be singularly instructive, interesting and pleasant to taste. You probably know that the vast majority of “whisky” that is made in India is produced from molasses rather than grain, and I’ve always found it difficult to wrap my brain around that. However, having now tasted this rum, I can certainly appreciate how a whisky character can be derived from sugar-based wort. It’s not just an alternative, it’s a delicious one but I guess it helps that my preference is for dry, hogo-forward Jamaican-style rums and agricoles rather than syrupy styles. I thought this was compelling and much more than average and I bought a bottle on the day. At the price I thought it was a no-brainer. We tried this and the other National Distillery gins that I’m reviewing here at the distillery in Napier, New Zealand, and their tour of the distillery and following tasting was gracious, engaging and very well worth the time and cost. Highly recommended if you happen to be in Napier. “Above Average” : 82/100 (3.25 stars)