Myers's Reserve Dark

I purchased both this and the single barrel bottles the other day and find them quite similar when comparing. Everyone else is liking the single barrel, but the reserve dark wins for me (then again, every single barrel is unique).

This one starts with a smooth mouth and throat feel. Brown sugar, vanilla, and slight butter raisin flavors followed by a medium length finish with sweet butter and funk. Overall, not quite as harsh and has a longer finish than my bottle of Myers's single barrel.

I would love to know what the blend is on this. Definitely more funky than the less expensive Myers's expressions and the Single Barrel. Not quite as good as the Single Barrel in my opinion, but it's definitely noteworthy, totally different animal from the Original Dark. And not very dark! I might go with "Reserve Gold". Same bottle as the Single Barrel, but different color to the cork top in comparing (I like the little things that set expressions apart like this).

I very much agree with ErikV12's review - let it stand a bit in the glass - the alcohol mellows. It's fairly potent straight out of the bottle given the ABV%, and it does develop more character. Spot on there, my friend! Interestingly, I don't get much alcohol on the nose.

On the palate, this is fruity up front, with some woodiness and molasses on the back end with a finish that says "Jamaican".

Given the price, I'd definitely use this as a mixer (and plan to) and not feel bad about it, would take it over say Plantation Xamayca or Appleton Signature. But, it's not a bad sipper either! Very approachable Jamaican - could be a good option for those new to Jamaican rums as it is not overly funky, but the funk is there - get your feet wet without blowing your socks off.

Settled on a strong 7 here, almost an 8 for me given the price / performance ratio. I do recommend it.

Most people’s understanding of Myers is that it’s a nice Jamaican dark rum for mixing. Some might be compelled to say the same about this one, but I don’t think so. First of all, this bottle is only $2 more than the special dark. Keep that in mind. Second, if you are not familiar with what true Jamaican style rums are, then you will not understand the beauty of this bottle. Last, let it breathe. There is not an age statement on this bottle but if I had to guess I’d say it’s relatively young(hopefully the color is still natural and not added) so letting it sit in a glass for 15-20 minutes mellows out the alcohol. It also let’s the fruit and wood with light baking spices and a subtle brown sugar character on the finish. It sure makes it something to sip, of course that is, if you truly enjoy a nice Jamaican style rum.