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, Special 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.

Appearance: Perfectly clear, almost resinous sparkle with no hazing separation or floating sediments. Long legs and some droplets develop slowly on swirling.

First Impression: Slightly heavy, sweetish, nice grassy/cane notes along with stones/minerals, vanilla, tropical fruits, and a slight touch of char and tobacco.

Taste: Allspice, cane, cardamom, orris, and nutmeg. Nice background char, vanilla and tobacco notes. Nice spicy finish.

Drinks: Young and spritely bouquet and taste that is assertive in a good way to t mix well with other flavors to make a outstanding drink.

Cigars: A good spicy Dominican or possibly Cuban would go well with this rum Cohiba or Punch?

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 very nice rum that is made with love, competence and a measure of obsession and it shows.

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.