Smith and Cross Traditional Jamaica Navy Strength

I was not prepared for this....so good!
I've heard a lot about this rum and many have recommended it. Now understand why.

Overripe fruits and very long finish. I can still taste it as I write this down and 10 minutes have passed. Yes it's a bit strong neat but you always can add a little cold water to pull down the proof a little. Of course it's perfect for mixing. Totally recommend it!

Nearly gave me a heart attack on the first sip. Lol. Not really a sipping rum, but still great flavour. If you give it time after your sip its actually really good. Its sweet and spicy. Its like getting punched in the face and after you get back to your senses, the world is alright again.

I'm really surprised people have said this isn't a sipper. This is much less harsh than El Dorado 8 for example.

Yes, the banana funk is there in force, along with a woody dryness. There's a bit of burn, but there's a richness and depth there too. It makes me smile!
Perhaps it's that bit of time in the barrel, but whereas Rum Fire, I consider only a mixer, this I can sip too. It feels like the distillation of all that is Jamaican rum.

Yes, Hampden 8 is classier, but this laughs at the pretentions of more serious runs (La Hechicera and R L Seale, I'm looking at you!) and runs away whooping with delight.

Right now, it's a 7. After half a bottle, this could easily be an 8! Bravo!

Great Funk without going overboard. If you are looking for a mainstream expression of the Funk, this is it. Tons of flavors, but the spirit makes you work to tease them out as you work through the bottle. A sipping rum with a splash of soda to cut down the alcohol burn, or make a classic cocktail. Truly a great value.

It's a kick in the ass, but, if your mouth is ready (I mean, with no tastes in your tongue), and you let the time to your brain to understand what's happening, I think you can really enjoy it. It's not exactly my kind but I can't deny how good it is.

As others have said, this rum punches you in the gut and throws rotten bananas in your face - and delivers the most complex and wonderful result to a grown up experienced enough to appreciate it. It turns a shaken piña colada into a banana flavored cocktail and paired with a high-end agricole, it delivers an elevated Mai Tai.

As for enjoying it on its own, I’m going to accept my limitations as a lover and admit that I need something a little less batship crazy.

I’m new to this whole rum world, and I’m happy to have found this bottle in the beginning of my journey. I love high proof bourbons and honestly love this rum just as much.

Without being fully on par in regards to complexity with the far more expensive Jamaicans on the market, this bottle provides a great tasting experience within it's genre. Definitely worth a spot in your collection (and a refurbishment of your stock won't kill your budget once it is empty. Again.).

Couldn’t have asked for more in a jamaican rum. Old bananas and tropical fruit, which come alive after letting it breath for a fee minutes and cube of ice.

Yes, it is strong, but it is not harsh, nor is it acrid tasting the way a young scotch or mixing rum might taste. It is sophisticated and complex, and has a beautiful finish that is sweeter than I expected. Lot's of "funk" though less briny than Hampden. The funk here is fruity and spiced tasting. This rum is priced like a much poorer quality rum than it is. If you are interested in something "adult" and ever interesting, go here. This is definitely not for beginners, though.