Holmes Cay 2003 Uitvlugt Guyana 18-Year

Christmas cookies on the nose, molasses, baking spices, yet aggressive enough to not even hint at being boring or overly sweet. The aftertaste gives some deep funky complexity to it.

9.5/10 Excellent, would love to buy a bottle if I could find it

I am a huge fan of most rums from Guyana and Uitvlugt, and this is one of the best. Very unusual aging for 18 years, 2 in the tropics with the bulk 16 in UK. I think it completely changes the character and mellow out some of the wood notes. Dark mahogany color, smooth nose of dried fruits. First sip is WOW, mildly sweet initial taste with long lingering flavor with a mild burn letting you know it’s cask strength. Not quite a Zafra 30 but right up there with most of my Foursquare rums.

Freshly opened bottle. The official tasting notes had described this rum as being fairly restrained and mild, but I'm finding anything but; this is a punchy, extravagant rum, as luxurious as it is indulgent. The nose bursts with birthday cake, marzipan, bitter orange peel and a hint of sweet peony. Rich almond, lemon, and chocolate creme filling tease the palate before a surprisingly strong kick for 51% ABV. Long, woody finish. This rum is bursting with life.