Kirk and Sweeney Gran Reserva

Got this from my wife for my birthday. Was blown away with the overall flavor and smoothness.

I loved the older versions that were labelled with years. The 23 year was one of my favorites. Not sure what changed but now they have chosen to move to the terms of Reserva and Gran Reserva. Very light caramel aroma. Caramel taste at the front end. I get a slight warming sensation quite a bit after.

Smells or rich toasted sugars, blackstrap, leather boots and vanilla. Sweet/ balanced flavors. Moderate body. Moderate alcohol warmth. Notes of brown sugar, vanilla, fried stone fruit. Hints of oak and mace. Very tasty. Really nice to sip on ice. Let the flavors open up as it mellows

Vanilla, caramel, and toffee with a hint of peppery spice! Balanced and well rounded.

K&S have abandoned their 12, 18 and 23 year old rums replaced them with Reserva, Gran Reserva and Gran Reserva Superior, but with the exception of the Gran Reserva, they now appear to be reluctant to state their age. The GR is a blend of between 5 and 20 year old rum, so must replace the 18 year old. It is definitely a good tipple, but is being sold for the price of the old 23 year old and the Superior is being sold for around 50% more. Unless I’m missing something, I assume the reason they have changed their names was to increase their prices. I can’t comment on the comparison of this rum with the 18 year old, but it’s not to the standard of the 23 year old, despite the price. If the cost is not important, it’s definitely worth a try, but I doubt I will buy another bottle unless they reduce the price.

Got this in South Carolina. It is good, but definitely has some flaws that make it my least favorite of the Kirk and Sweeney selections. It lacks some depth and does have a mild chemical taste. Just okay for me…
Oddly, the bottle I got said Gran Reserva Superior. Does anyone know if this is a different iteration than the regular Gran Reserva?

Seems that the rebranding of 18 left a lot to be desired. Not as good as I remember by far. Still a good rum, but the original 18 was better.

Very mild aroma with a stronger finish. Good just on ice, and better with each sip.

This rum is aged with 2 runs. Needs to be a full 18 yr. Goes better with pineapple and orange juice

It's OK, but not as good as the 18 or 23yo. Good burn to start. Not as mellow as other versions of Kirk and Sweeney. Disappointing considering the cost.