XM 5-Year

Banks XM 5-Year is hands down one of the greatest Demerara rums ever produced for the money. They used to source their marques from DDL but now buy bulk from Trinidad and Barbados. Either way, Banks DIH (Demerara Ice House) in Guyana still blend and age the way they used to back in the old days - the result is an extremely flavorful, British navy-style Demerara with the classic heavy molasses, barrel, and dried fruit notes exemplary of the style. Even at 40% ABV, the smoothness, body, and integration of flavors lasts long on the palate and proves to be extremely versatile in the mix. Reminds me of a slightly softer version of the old Pusser's Blue Label 95.5 proof 'Regulation Issue' which was one of Pusser's best blends. The Banks XM 5-Year for the money cannot be beaten. Enjoy it with cola, ginger beer, coconut water, in a Daiquiri, or in any Tiki-style concoction. The original 'DDL-marque' blend was rated a few years back (along with a Caroni) as one of the 'Greatest Rums in the World' at a prominent rum festival.

Enjoyed a bottle of Rum XM 5y from Guyana. Decent bottle and label design. Cheap at $19 per bottle. Amber color. Plenty of oak, vanilla and alcohol to your nose and palate when neat sipped. Strong and dry burn at the end. Mix this up with your favorite soda and it's surprisingly good mixer rum.

Tried this one as a blind choice and we all were very pleasantly surprised with it. Full body with decent sweetness for a great price.

I tried this rum whilst on a visit to its country of origin (guyana). The captain morgan of this world doesn't come close in comparison to brand. The taste the colour, the aroma makes me want to explore other brands of the XM group.
I think I have gone up in the league of rum tasting.