Hogo, ripe banana, and a hint of paint thinner aroma. Hogo, toffee -- which becomes carmely-funk if kept longer on the tongue, ripe banana, and faint anise flavors. While the hogo is present at both senses it is not overpowering. Being a rum it does have a sweetness but it is not overpowering at all so if you like funky rum that isn't sugary then this would make a great daily sipper. A small ice cube takes the edge off the alcohol burn, gives the hogo a more mellow taste, and removes the paint thinner smell but adds just a little strength to the anise flavor. Rating is based on neat sipping.