Worthy Park 109

Nice looking, stylish bottle. The rum is really dark, must have colors added. Smells like syrup, most likely molasses but no banana aromas that I would have liked. The flavor has a kick to it. It's not only the ABV but the general feel of it. Tastes like burnt sugar and coffee.

Muted smell (for a Jamaican). Mostly, apple, varnish, and that caramel addative El Dorado use

Taste is a bit simple, dare I say it, bland, for a Jamaican. Mostly, I get that caramel additive, with a bit of the pot still Jamaica vibe underneath, all overdriven by the kick from the proof. The finish is apple and a bit of wood, some volatiles, a bit of astringent rubber, and finally just a touch of funk, all smothered under caramel.

It's really interesting to try this, as up to now, El Dorado has been the only rum I have tried with thos caramel overlay. With ED, it's a coating added to the inside of the barrels before filling. Not sure that that's allowed in Jamaica, but the taste on this is just the same. Perhaps it's added afterwards. It does explain the colour though!

Overall, it's pretty palatable neat, and probably does well as a mixer.

It's caramel, astringent volatiles, touch of wood. I think Smith&Cross is a better bet mind. It's fine, but I just can't bring myself to rate it as Tasty, but not quite great.