Nose: White and demerara sugar are the immediate aromas along with agave syrup. The nose is restrained but has body. Behind the sugar top-notes there is an array of fruity notes and some toasted coconut flakes. The overall impression is of richness and whilst ethanol is noticed it does not dominate the nose. Palate: Very pleasant arrival – smooth and sweet but not merely sugary. There is a plush fruity quality and a grassy note that is slightly reminiscent of a rhum agricole. The mid-palate develops a sweetness more akin to agave syrup than cane-syrup and this grows to dominate the palate, but it is balanced somewhat by a light spicy zing. The texture is creamy and glycerous. Finish: Medium/short. The palate fades softly into a sweet demerara aftertaste with grassy, waxy notes. The neat nose is very pleasant but does not provide an exciting aromatic experience, and neither should it do so. Similarly, the palate is an exercise in "subtle richness" (if there is such a thing) with dark-sugared fruit flavours that are full but subdued. That said, it is notable how much this spirit seems to gain sweetness when diluted - I guess that's the trademark Plantation dosage showing up and it can verge on cloyingly sweet, so if you have a particular aversion to very sweet rum this might not be a good choice as a mixer. The profile may not sound particularly interesting but it does enhance rather than compete with the other ingredients in a cocktail. Be aware, however, that on occasion this can actually be too powerful for some drinks - I do not like it at all in a pina colada, for example, because that drink needs a crisp quality to work best, and this rum is far too sweet for the task (for my palate, anyway). It is well structured and acceptable neat or on the rocks as a sipping rum but I'd strongly suggest adding a slice of lime or lemon to help balance the sweet profile. Plantation 3 Star is a good rum to use as the basis for cocktail experimentation, but just keep its sweetness in mind and reduce the quantity of other sweet ingredients that may be called for (like simple syrup or agave syrup), if possible. It is well priced and one of the white rums I regularly buy, along with Flor de Cana Seco and Mount Gay Silver, depending on what is on special at the time. "Above Average" : 82/100 (3.25 stars)