Notes: A small micro distillery put together by three partners who are passionate about adult beverages (they got their start in homebrewing beer) and threw themselves into research on how to take the next step into micro distilling.

Using a custom designed pot and column stills, a unique filtration process, and techniques they describe as more artisanal than state of the art  in limited space they have somehow still managed to create an impressive portfolio of products which include: Cane Vodka, Grain Vodka, Pepper Vodka, White Rum, Gold Rum, Spiced Rum, Vanilla Rum, Wine Barrel Aged Rum, Double Diamond Whiskey, and a Malt Whiskey.

Using Maui cane sugar as its base, this rum is fairly unique in that they use Maui Cane sugar which has not been processed (think sugar in its rawest dry form) rather than molasses as many do. They then age it in used toasted American White Oak barrels with some oak spirals where it gains it distinctive color and taste through a careful solera type process till the rum reaches the taste and maturity profile that Downslope is looking for.

Appearance: Perfectly clear, pale gold in the bottle and just a hint of color in the bottle ( unless you are having a lot) almost resinous sparkle with no hazing separation or floating sediments. Long legs and some droplets develop slowly on swirling.

First Impression: At first whiff you could be forgiven for thinking this was a tequila with the heavy influence of the oak giving it an oaky and herbaceous notes with some whispers of oak char and resin notes underlying the sweetish, cane notes along with stones/minerals, vanilla, traces tropical fruits.

Taste: Herbaceous like a lowland tequila with notes of allspice, cane, cardamom, orris, and nutmeg. Nice background char, vanilla and tobacco notes. Nice spicy finish.

Drinks: The very distinctive bouquet and taste that is assertive and unique in a very different and refreshing way make for a very nice change in your classic rum drinks.

Cigars: A good spicy Dominican or possibly Cuban would go well with this rum . Maybe a Padron or a Ghurka also.

Bottle/Packaging: Short apothecary shaped clear glass bottle with with very simple label. Wine red and neck band. Simple package shows the clarity of the rum nicely.

Final Thoughts: A outstanding gold rum that is made with love, competence and a measure of obsession and it shows (in a good way). I really enjoy the unique profile they have created. This rum will change the way you think of gold rums in a positive way.

Web site:  http://www.downslopedistilling.com

Fast loading with a minimal amount of information. Easy-to-read with goodcontent (especially the story/manifesto) and descriptions of products, if a bit terse.