Quick synopsis of the review
Appearance: Beautiful amber color – clear with no hazing separation or floating sediments. The color belies its age – (its the Lolita of rum) – looks older and more seductive than its chronological age – at least twice and in some respects three times as old as its age of about 3 years. This is due in part to the use of 15 gallon casks rather than the industry standard of 52 gallons, so there is much more rum-to-char contact, not just 3-1 as you would think.
First Impression: Limestone, pepper and char – warm, dark, spice; peat, vanilla and a whiff of something like bananas – a really atypical but wonderful bouquet.
Taste: Almost like a Islay single malt whisky, without as much peat or iodine but with a touch of molasses sweetness at the end (and what a long and delicious one at that). Lemongrass and a little mace (no NOT that kind, I mean the nut type) on warming, notes of Chinese fennel perhaps, traces of honey, ghee (Indian clarified butter) – dry and sweet at the same time, perhaps even a hint of cardamon.
Final Thoughts: This rum would be a great addition to a malt lovers cabinet – much more complexity and malt type notes than your average rum. I can easily see why a certain whiskey expert shamelessly raved about it at first (and more) tasting (s) at a rum festival. An extremely complex rum that can’t be easily categorized- in a class by its own.
Bottle/Packaging: Both bottles used by Mr. Prichard are very nice clear glass bottles with easy to read labels and tasteful labeling. Conveys a sense of understated value and taste.
Website: http://www.prichardsdistillery.com/pages/home.html
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