451 Pipe Dream

Pipe Dream is a craft distilled rum from 451 Spirits located in Columbus, Ohio. This is a pot still distillate and I quote from the website "Our rum begins life as the same molasses as our Writer's Block rum and then gets laid down in barrels until deemed ready. Extra long fermentation with natural bacteria present creates an added depth of flavor." This sample is from batch #3 and the bottle label states that it is aged in new charred American oak. Length of aging is unknown. As there are no ratings for this at the moment I will go into depth here. Sorry it is long winded.

The aroma is very appealing as it is softly sweet with hints of molasses and vanilla. Soft oak notes also are present. Some pot still character and soft warming alcohol. The flavor to my palate is somewhat in contrast to the aroma. Big drying oak character hits the tongue right off with vanilla and toffee notes. Alcohol is smooth and subdued on the palate. Not a hot spirit at all as I kind of expected for a small craft distiller with a bottle strength of 45% abv. Some 'funky' character but not a hogo bomb by any means. The finish is at first short and fast but then a lingering dry softly funky finish lingers.

Adding a cube opens up the aroma with some soft almost tart fruitiness coming out. The flavor exhibits some soft sweetness upfront and the finish improves and lengthens. Fresh oak comes out but I get no char from the barrel. Overall I think this is a competent rum that is enjoyable to sip. Could be used in cocktails that called for a Bajan or a Jamaican lightly aged rum with good results. If you like sweet rums stay away as this is not for you. Very dry and full of fresh oaky character. A solid 6.5 in my opinion. Not quite a 7 to me but a decent rum.

$30 for a 750ml so not cheap but not expensive. Decent price for a small distiller.