I received this bottle for free many years ago, I believe in 2014 or 2015. My bottle does not resemble the bottle pictured on here, so it's an earlier design and possibly different tasting liquid based on what casks are listed. These are the details on the bottle.
Year - 2013
Batch No. 3
Cask - White oak, American oak, Spanish oak
Tons of brown sugar, molasses, and dark fruit sweetness on the nose. Some baking spice and oak, but it's overpowered by the sweetness unless you deeply inhale. Then the oak maturation and age are more prominent.
That sweetness carries through on the tongue, but it is surprisingly light. With this nose I expected a denser mouthfeel, but I'll chalk up 90% of that to the watered-down 80 proof final product. The flavor does a 180 on the finish, almost resembling a sweet bourbon finish. It is less sweet and much drier on the back end. The oak, tannins, and baking spices more prominent than the nose and plalate. I get a stronger hint of ethanol here, but it dissipates quickly.
Overall I've enjoyed this bottle even though rum isn't my go-to spirit of choice. It is a good sipping rum that many would enjoy neat. I think my limited experience with good aged rum has taught me this is the best starter spirit to change the drinking habits of friends who only like hard liquor in cocktails, on the rocks, or as a shot. If your friend doesn't want whiskey neat, try pouring them an aged rum first.
35.95
USD
per
Bottle
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I agree - rum is a great gateway, and this rum is particularly good in that respect. But unlike some rums that are ridiculoulsly sweetened, the 1888 retains just enough authenticity to be taken seriously. My wife (who likes some rums neat, but usually sticks to cocktails) and I both sampled it recently, and both of us liked it. I'm impressed with any rum that can appeal to both of us!