Privateer Navy Yard Barrel Proof

Based on just looks, the colour itself is incredible. The bottle itself is also very eye catching and beautiful. This rum is certainly unlike anything I've ever had before. On the palate, it's very heavy with molasses, then butterscotch, vanilla, maple, and cane sugar. It leaves a nice spicy, but smooth finish too that nicely lingers on your palate. For the aroma, turbinado cane sugar takes the lead, followed by molasses, smokey maple syrup, and cinnamony persimmon on the very end. This rum is way too nice for mixed drinks, it's definitely meant to be enjoyed neat, with good friends or family. Be careful, though it's much stronger than you might think and can knock you on your butt pretty quick. The only downside of this is that outside of New England it's like pulling teeth trying to find it.

Love the strength! The heat it leaves on my tongue... this rum is a artful experience!!

Super complex, no frills, delicious aged rum. Such an understated spirit when done in this manner. I’ve really only delved into rums less than the $50 range and this is my favorite so far. Great balance of clementine, oak, and a super pleasant boozy/smoky finish.

Truly everything you want and need in a dark rum. Perfect for sipping as it’s smooth, complex, and keeps you wanting more. Ultra smooth for 115% and loaded with molasses sweetness that comes through almost like a very nice dark chocolate. A little oak taste along with browned banana to round it off. Not to mention the owner of the distillery is a purist and never adds additional sweetener or coloring to any of his rums. Be sure to snag a bottle if you see it and definitely drop by the distillery if you’re ever in the area.

Tasted June 20, 2021 at Laka Lono - the Summer Equinox!
The label is quite clear that this is a "true American rum" but don't let that turn you against it.
I had some sips and then TommyDux made me a Daiquiri. My passport is clear that I loved this rum, with the following note:
OMG there is so much flavor sailing this ship (followed by three hearts)

An unpretentious, edgy sipper that stands up to ice, lime, or absolutely nothing. It’s one of the few rums that I will actually bring DOWN to the islands with me. Worth a sip, but make sure you have someone to drive you home.

I picked Navy Yard as a starting rum for tasting with my friends (see picture) and it was probably the biggest surprise for me. I has a very simple yet nice oaky taste and smell with medium long after taste. It was praised mostly by whisky lovers. Definitely worth a try as an interesting virgin oak ageing rum!

It has a very smooth, consistent, reliable flavor that I enjoy straight up!

[171130] 58% ABV - New oak only? (no clue) Very warm, rich, and spicy, like a strong Bajan. Really draws you in. Very warming and somewhat astringent. Long finish. Highly enjoyable.

This is hands-down the best American-made rum I've ever had. Like the Cocktail Wonk, it has just about single-handedly restored my faith in American rum. The whole Privateer lineup is a glimmer of hope in a sea of disappointment. If I ever see a bottle of this on the shelf, it's going home with me.

Really, really good stuff. Well done, Ms. Campbell!

9

(I have "P88" in my notes; maybe the barrel or batch #?)

[190502] Update: I got to try another sample, this time from P152. 56.3%. Same impression as before: Foursquare-like, but somehow richer and smoother. Perhaps not as complex? The new oak comes through, and even at 113 proof it just glides down your throat. An absolute pleasure. Still a 9. Thanks, Maggie (& Gil)!

Fantastic. A little seaweed amongst a strong oak, vanilla, maple nose. Like, just a hint of that medicinal seaweed thing going on. On the tongue, so many things. Saddle leather, clove, oak, salty brine, heat (a bit too much for me, but, meh, YMMV), flint, and a some tasty vanilla sweetness. I want to sit and drink this quayside.