John Watling's Buena Vista

did a walking rum tour in nassau, ending at this distillery. this was their best rum. not bad. drinkable. sippable. not as luxurious a rum as others, then again it was made in a pirate's town. it is worth a try if you are in town. go for a taste, if you like it, buy it.

Long time scotch drinker here. Got onto sipping rum when I tasted this during a tour of the Waitling distillery in Nassau.

I had this straight up, not water or ice. Very mild body and very little after burn. Taste was mild coffee and vanilla. Very nice rum.

Can't be bought in the USA.

I enjoyed it because it was not too sweet which I find in most rums. I only wish I could buy this in the US.

The caramelized flavors certainly come through, but not overbearingly so. Nicely balanced and solid enough to be sipped, although not as complex as others I've had. My favorite of their three offerings.

While cruising we decided to find our way to the Waitling's distillery. Decided to try the selection at the bar. This was the better of the three offered. The taste/after taste was a bit overwhelming. Left without purchasing any, thought it overpriced.

After 30 years, my wife and I had enough money to actually go on a REAL vacation and decided to fly to the Bahamas. We stayed at Atlantis (which was a nightmare). All the best things were away from the "resort" and in and around Nassau. One of which was a tour of the John Watling's distillery. At the end of the tour my wife and I partook of the tasting of the three rums (and for an extra fee of only a couple of dollars they added their limited edition Single Barrel). Of the four, I liked the Buena Vista rum the best. I REALLY liked it.

First off, the rum's aroma is fantastic. Now as I has admitted many times before, I have no talent on picking up subtleties in aromas. I can tell you if I like it or not and if there is something distinctive in the aroma. The Buena Vista rum just has a wonderful aroma.

It is a rich, deep amber color.

I feel the flavor is excellent. Hints of vanilla and butterscotch with a touch of pepperiness. Also there is a bit of an oakiness about it as well. Very smooth. I do not detect any sugaring. The mild sweetness appears to be all natural. This is clearly a sipping rum.

This is an excellent rum and I sincerely hope they get a distribution deal in the United States soon. I understand some liquor stores and bars in south Florida (especially those from the Miami area down to Key West) get bottles of the Watling's rums to bring back by boat. Sadly, I'm in NORTH Florida where the only options are either by cruise ship or by aircraft (neither of which I can afford).

I offer recommendations for not only this rum but also for visiting the Watling distillery (the only distillery in the Bahamas) and taking the tour as well as the tasting offered in their very nice, relaxing bar.

Nose: Rubbing alcohol and a charred barrel
Pallet: Undeveloped and harsh, a sad and unsuccessful attempt at being a decent rum
Finish: Gasoline, some spice, a little table sugar, and a charred barrel

This is the "best rum" Watling's offers and its best used in a frozen drink. This is a $12 rum that's nicely packaged and sold for $40+

I was tempted to give it a 3 Rating but I was overwhelmed with disappointment. The government of Nassau should shut this place down. It's a national embarrassment!

My friend make me a gift with this rum, and it was a nice smooth. Thanks John

Very beautiful color. Smooth start and finish. Not a mixing rum. Sip from glass neat or on rocks.

Just a really good sipping rum, not too harsh like some of the lower priced John Watling runs. Great with a cigar!