Wray & Nephew White Overproof

Original review 4/17:

You should know what you're getting into if you ask/reach for this rum. This ain't no Bacardi. You're going to get lots of funk, rotten bananas, rubber, and ethanol on the nose. Loads of fruit. The flavor... I can't really describe. There's so much going on! I love the concentrated flavor.

If this is an example of raw Jamaican distillate, it's easy to see why Jamaican rums (of any age) are so popular among rum aficionados. Like IPAs, they're a bit of an acquired taste, but they are almost unfailingly interesting, and more often than not, delicious.

I only had it neat, but I look forward to trying it in a Wray & Ting and other cocktails someday soon.

7+

Update 11/17: Screw it. This rum is so straightforward, tasty, and versatile, I'm giving it an 8. Not only does a little bit jazz up any cocktail, it does wonders when added to any 80-proof sleeper rums you have lying around gathering dust. I also vastly prefer the flavor profile (not the strength—the profile) of this to Rum Fire, though I'm still looking forward to trying Hampden Rum Bar Overproof sometime. (Update, I prefer this to RBO, but only just.)

8-

Update 12/19 - Rum Fire has grown on me quite a bit. The particular fruits it leans it leans toward in its profile are still not my favorite, but there's just something magic about it. It's taken the top spot for Jamaican white overproof in my book. I love Worthy Park but Rum-Bar Overproof just felt very lackluster in terms of funk, leaning more toward grassy. But they're all delicious :)

This is an utterly unique rum. Came across it on the Turtle Bay cocktail list. A Ting Ray perhaps isn't for everyone, but the strength of the rum means that its character doesn't get lost or seem diluted in combination with the other ingredients. Great way to start an evening.

The dunder pit was working in overdrive when they got this one going... botanicals and flavor for days... but heavy duty. This is the estranged crazy Uncle of rum that has lots of good stories! Only good if you are ready for it.

It is rare to find something that hasn't been tinkered with these days. In my opinion this is what rum is supposed to be. It doesn't necessarily lend itself to drinking neat, although personally I like it like that. Clearly not for everyone. I appreciate the smoother more sugary rums as well, but this one is special.

This could go with anything and more or you could rub it on you the best rum ever

It is not normal i guess to give a kind of cheap rum such a high rating, but i think it is truly delicious! It has a very unique taste, you can tell the moment you open the bottle, a fantastic smell is released that makes you want to drink the entire bottle, but beware at 63 % , that most likely is not the best idea :)

... but not bad to mix with. Another review mentioned 'green bananas'. I agree.

This was my staple rum for a long time, being a rum from my mother's country of birth. I would use this in any baking that called for rum. Not having much of a flavour to it, it is quite versatile in that regard. However, it is VERY harsh to drink on its own and I would only mix with it if I didn't have anything more palatable to drink. It will always be my white rum, but for now, I will continue to flirt about other rums to experience what is out there.

I had this on spring break in Jamaica a number of years ago. This was practically all they mixed in our drinks along with Cruzan and it did its duty well. It has a distinct island perfume and taste that is distinct and different from anything you will have in the states. "Respect Maan!"

It's no wonder Jamaicans love it so much. The fruity scent and strong finish are enough to keep me making more mai tai's. Not to drink on its own, but in a fruity mix it earns the throne. If any cocktail calls for an overproof white ru, then this is the one. Two to thumbs up.