Opthimus 15-Year

This is my first Opthimus rum. I like it, decent sweet taste witch good finish. I was comparing this rum with Diplomatico (12) and Opthimus is winner. On the other hand Opthimus is too expensive.

Because of the price point, it is expected that Opthimus 15 is a good sipper. I believe that this is a great rum, but best served over a hard cube of ice.

Opthimus 15 38% Dominican Republic

Eye: Liquid mahogany

Nose: We begin with a peculiar smell of sawn timber, like singed oak. Then dusts of alcohol, honey, fir, resin and exotic spices e.g. cinnamon and dried vanilla. It is very “natural” and the alcohol burn is strong which is surprising for the mere 38%. No dominant sweetness here which is a relief. There are some promising fragrances of burnt sugar, heavy white blossom, like lily and sleepy ripe tulips.

Mouth: Low key? No. Everything washes over the palate at the same time and crowds the mouth. The strength bring tears to my eyes and they are not tears of joy. Is this really only 38% ABV? It is like a sweetened Balvenie double wood. It is difficult to discern what is what as this angry spirit and its fiery components battles on the palate. It is a bit astringent (guess that’s the oak) which is different but not wrong. I find honey, fir resin, some christmas fruits, dates and a hint of pomegranate. There is also some green apples (it has a slight resemblance of Calvados actually), burnt caramel, coconut milk, herbs, spices and a little varnish.

Reaction: It feels like a cask strength. What kind of steroids is this Opthimus on? It is really quite strong but at the same time that compensates for the lack of breadth and elegance. What a paradox! The sweetness is formidable and the notion of sawn wood is a welcome touch which alone makes this odd rum worth trying. It is no standard beginners edition for wannabes but something for the true aficionado I think. I look forward to try an older Opthimus where the elements had time to settle just a little bit. The capacity for greatness is certainly there in this bomb-of-a-rum.

85p

Price: 500 SEK
Tasted: 2016, in a Riedel Sommelier Cognac XO glass at room temperature.

En rigtig fin rom med gode frugtede toner og masere af sødme

A decent rum that is OK on the pallet... Not depths of flavour but a gentle spice which is nice in the aftertaste....

Un rhum léger, facile, bien fruité, sur les fruits exotiques et surtout la vanille.
Rendu plutôt sucré mais élégant. texture sèche.
Un rhum solera (donc les plus vieux rhums ont 15 ans) hélas trop dilué à 38% et
qui mériterait d'être vendu à 45-46%

Surprised I was to find out this does not taste much, not much at all... But it is sweet :)

Très agréable à boire! très rond!!
Léger et doux en bouche !!

Sehr Lecker und mild etwas Eiche, honig, und Vanille..

Fin rom, til pengene. Har en god eftersmag uden at blive for sød.