Holmes Cay 2003 Uitvlugt Guyana 18-Year

Bought my wife a bourbon advent calendar and her dram tonight was a smoke bomb, so I needed to drink something proper and this did not disappoint.

Just enough sweetness while the warmth is consistent throughout the tasting journey. The spices combined with a touch of root beer and char (also picking up some buttery notes) is the complexity that I needed.

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

Was introduced to this rum in St. Augustine Florida. Would you expect anything less?
At $140.00 it is worth every penny. The rum is expressive and dignified. Every sip is a tour of the region. Wonderful Carmel and mellow wood notes. Not overly sweet for a rum from Guyana.

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.