Old Man Guavaberry Republic 5-Year

I didn't really expect to like this rum because of the price (only $22.99 @ yourwinecellars.com) and funny name (what's a guavaberry?) But it exceeded my expectations.

Has a nice sweetness for a rum they claim is unsweetened. Also, nicely smooth for an inexpensive rum. Smells and tastes of oak, spice, and maybe some guavaberry which they say they put in it (I don't know what that is). It's really quite good.

Now I want to try their 8 year!

Zo'n aparte smaak. Erg lekker uit onze gemeente Sint Maarten. Aanrader.

I won't be keeping this stocked but it's nice to try something from one of the Dutch areas in the Caribbean.

A light hint of guavaberry with some caramel and toffee. A little smoke. Not sure how this Jim Crow type label still flies in today's day and age though.

Their main business seems to be liqueur, with a flagship one of guavaberry, hence the name. But, this is straight rum. It's certainly not the best rum I've ever had, but factoring in the price, a great deal. Not a lot of depth but there's vanilla and orange on top of a smooth enough sweetness that I almost disbelief their claim that it is unsweetened. (It isn't overly sweet, just... more than I expect from unsweetened.) I wouldn't hunt it down, but I'd give it a try if you can.

Smooth, easy to enjoy neat. Notes of Vanilla and spice.

Sweet butterscotch deliciousness. From what I remember of the night, it was great. My notes from the night state: "Slight maple with hint of banana leaf. Aspartame flavour missing the sweet taste of sugar." So take that for what its worth after half a bottle.

Beautiful label with personality. A nice story from Netherlands Antilles. A bit harsh and unbalanced.

Been a long time since I've tried, but I remember vanilla and sippability. A step up from the bottom shelf Bacardi mixers that I had first been exposed to as rhum. Wish I could get it in Texas.

Weird because should be a sugar cane base but taste like molasses
Very sweet and easy taste straight