Barbancourt 5 Star Reserve Especiale 8-Year

Nothing too objectionable, but nothing memorable either. Not bad for the price but I would probably use it as a mixer, not as a sipper.

I was a bit disappointed by my first agricole. It really tastes a lot like a moderately sweetened molasses rum that, while fairly smooth, has little of a distinct character. The aftertaste is a little harsh and almost vodka-like (not very pleasant), and very little other than light floral and sugar on the nose. If it weren't so smooth, it wouldn't rate this high.

Ive only had it once but enjoyed it. Would like to try it against a more traditional agricole to see the difference.

For the average rum drinker, this may seem a bit weird but this is a lovely rum. The dryness is very appealing if you are trying to branch off from the more sweet options. This is more than good enough to enjoy neat, but as a mixer the dryness and spice is a good compliment to very sweet fruit juices.

Nose: Very ripe fruit, not complex but strong. After sitting awhile, something like raisins or ripe figs. Not that much citrus. A little blend of sweetness and spice, but very faint. A faint woodiness, not overly sharp. A decent start.

Taste: Sweetness on the nose almost entirely replaced with a bomb of spice, toasted wood, a hint of almost bourbon. This is fairly dry, so the wood influence is felt quite a bit. Aftertaste is a bit softer with more fruit notes and some sweetness, maybe roasted almond but nothing too desert-like.

A fairly good dry rum, although for a real treat try the Barbancourt 15y. I would tend to enjoy this neat only, but seems fine for mixing.

May be typical of an agricole rhum, but I thought the finish was over oaked and dry to the point of being bitter. Nose is subtle and not very interesting.

Nice light gold color. Sugar cane, caramel, and a little alcohol on the nose. Nice flavor with prominent notes of spice and some whiskey. Very little burn on the finish. The flavor leaves you wanting a little more. This is my first experience with agricoles, but I must say it’s a good start.

Haitian produced coffee still rum. Clean. Vanilla water rum. Nice but meant for a simple daiquiri or a cocktail.

Avast! I weren't too sure of what to expect with this rhum, but shiver my soul if it didn't surprise me! Forget what you know about Haitian rhum, mates! This beauty smells sweet of caramel and oak, but there also be a bit of floweriness to it with a hint of fruit. Aye, this be a Haitian rhum, but there be none of that grassy taste only a farm animal would appreciate. She be not too sweet, and the first thing on board is a creamy, smooth flavor I can't quite put my finger on... and can't get enough of. That leads to a bold nuttiness that was clearly hidin' below deck. And then! Unless I am mistook, she finishes with a hint of PEACH flavor. Aye, this rhum be smooth, and there be a bit of burn that lasts for a bit, but everything else about this rhum more than makes up for that. After a sippin' few, you'll find that she's taken a hold of you like a barnacle on the hardest-to-reach part of your hull...

$40CAD) Barbancourt has been on my list for a while. Something about the brand has enticed me; not sure if it’s the simplistic label and bottles or the vibrantly colourful box of the 15 year. Either way the excitement and the build up only pales in comparison to actually tasting it.

It smells a bit like gasoline and a bit grassy. The taste lacks the gasoline and instead gives you some sweetness. Not much mind you, but a little bit until the grassy taste of rhum comes through along with some light citrus notes. It’s got a bit of heat but not much considering the price point, age and 43%abv.

To me, this is a bit of a sweeter rhum or rhum agricole. Very solid for a go to rhum. Now my excitement is building for Barbancourt’s other products. Give me more!

My preference is for agricoles, but the taste, for me, of Barbancourt 8 years is exactly in the middle with molasses based. It's smoother than the agricoles but the push and strength is . I think is mandatory for a perfect cabinet.