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Posted
almost 3 years ago
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!
Posted
almost 3 years ago
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.
Posted
almost 3 years ago
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!
Posted
almost 3 years ago
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.
Posted
3 years ago
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.
Posted
3 years ago
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.).
Posted
over 3 years ago
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.
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Wow, right off it's a nose full of ethanol but when it breathes for a spell I get caramel, hints of cherry and is that apple I smell? Leather as well. A big ester profile here.
Taking a very small sip at room temp and letting it coat this is not near as harsh as some reviews let me to believe. Lightly sweet caramel with the alcohol burn. Some solvent-like quality but not overbearing. Don't get me wrong this is not an everyday neat sipper for most but the overall flavor is full, rounded and a bit funky. What you would expect from some of the funkier Jamaican rums. Kind of like Appleton Signature Blend on steroids.
Okay, I add an ice cube and swirl it. The nose opens up yet calms down a bit. Smoother and less aggressive. As it cools down the body seems to increase, the sweetness comes out a bit and the funkiness lessens. This isn't half bad as a sipper now. Not for the faint of heart but not out of the question if you want an ounce of big Jamaican punch (as in a strong hit) in the palate! Not unsurprisingly numbing on the tongue and in the mouth but it doesn't blow your buds all at once. The finish is long and rather smooth once the alcohol cools and it has the definite finish of the funky Jamaican fermentation flavors lingering for a bit. Less forward than I would have expected but in a very pleasant and positive way. The finish is drying.
I can see this being awesome in the Tiki arsenal and really contributing a great base rum flavor to almost any drink requiring an over proof, or even not requiring an over proof. Reduce the quantity a tad and this could be great in a lot of the Tiki staples, especially punches, Zombies and even in a Hurricane.
This rum turned out to be much better than I expected it to be neat and just based on the neat flavor and aromas I can see it being fantastic in cocktails. This is rated high for a reason. It's great! It's definitely one most should have on the shelf as one of the basic tools of the cocktail. I give it a solid 8. At $29 in Ohio it's getting into the upper range of a great mixing rum but as an over proof you typically use a bit less of it and not in as many recipes. A good value in my book.