Availability:
Overproof Rum
- Black Tot Master Blender's Reserve Cask Strength Rum (700ml) - 2023 Limited Edition$299. 00Bottle$3588.00 DozenABV: 54.5%
For the fourth evolution of the Master Blender's Reserve, Oliver Chilton has looked to create a blend that is closer to the original Navy rum with a heavier mouth feel and rich notes of wood smoke, espresso and cacao. As always, he has put his own spin on the assemblage, this year including a rum from Grenada, distilled in 1993, to add depth and accentuate a rich orange oil notes from the Perpetual Reserve. As always, the blend begins with rum drawn from the previous year's Master Blender’s Reserve - this works in a similar way to a Solera, whereby one-third of a blend is held back for another year and blended again. In 2023, casks were selected from Trinidad, Barbados, Jamaica, Guyana and Grenada (see below for a comprehensive breakdown). Notably, a higher proportion from Guyana component was included, the thick liquorice and muscovado in this rum helps recreate the unique flavour profiles they exhibited over half a century ago. These five blends were then brought together and married with the Perpetual Reserve, as well as some of the original Navy Rum from 1970, keeping the liquid history alive. Chilton comments, "With a larger focus on older rums from Guyana and the addition of 30-year-old rum from Grenada, a real sense of maturity and status has developed. It is such a privilege to be able to keep back stock from each blend to mature on and use as the heart of the next iteration of Master Blender’s Reserve, reimagining a blending technique used for so many decades by the rum blenders of the Navy.” 54.5% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.
Notes from the producers... NOSE : Cooked blood orange studded with cloves blends with notes of ruby port and cinnamon . PALATE Initially flavours of liquorice sticks, toffee and cherry drops create a rich and full palate with orange marmalade cutting through. FINISH ...Rum and raisin toffee and chocolate notes linger in the finish with hints at cinnamon and nutmeg. The full specifications for the blend are as follows:
Guyana: 31.5%
1.7% 21 Y.O. (1 Tropical, 20 Continental)Demerara Distillers Wooden Pot
3.3% 20 Y.O. (1 Tropical, 19 Continental)Demerara Distillers Wooden Pot
4.2% 19. Y.O. (Continental)Demerara Distillers Pot
4.9% 19 Y.O. (2 Tropical, 17 Continental)Demerara Distillers Column
7.7% 8 Y.O. (5 Tropical, 3 Continental)Demerara Distillers Pot/Column
9.7% 31 Y.O. (Continental)Demerara Distillers Column
Barbados: 18.3%
2.0% 27 Y.O. (3 Tropical, 24 Continental)
West Indies Rum Distillery Pot/Column2.5% Barbados Master Blender's Reserve 2022 BlendPot/Column
4.6% 16 Y.O. (14 Tropical, 2 Continental)Foursquare Pot/Column
9.2% 8 Y.O. (5 Tropical, 3 Continental)Foursquare Pot/Column
Jamaica: 9%
3.5% Jamaica Master Blender's Reserve 2022 Blend
Pot Still5.5% 6 Y.O. (3 Tropical, 3 Continental)Worthy Park Pot
Trinidad: 19%
2.7% Trinidad Master Blender's Reserve 2022 Blend
Column4.3% 15 Y.O. (8 Tropical, 7 Continental)Ten Cane Column
4.4% 16 Y.O. (7 Tropical, 9 Continental)Trinidad Distillers Column
7.6% 14 Y.O. (10 Tropical, 4 Continental)Trinidad Distillers Column
Grenada: 2.7%
2.7% 28 Y.O. (15 Tropical, 13 Continental)
Unknown Column
Perpetual Blend: 19.5%
19.0% Perpetual Blend - Master Blender's Reserve 2022
Pot/Column0.5% Perpetual Blend - Original Royal Navy Rum Blend
Pot/Column
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Black Tot 50th Anniversary Cask Strength Rum (700ml)Caribbean,$240. 00Bottle$2880.00 DozenABV: 54.5%Stepping away from whisky for a moment - possibly the only other wood-aged spirit capable of arousing the same passions comes from ‘the reed which brings forth honey’ (without the help of bees)– mainly because it’s capable of a similar dizzying complexity and diversity that whisky achieves.
Here's one that comes with a strong "buy now", and for more than one reason.This is the fourth instalment from Elixir Distillers under the Black Tot label and marks the 50th Anniversary of the abolition of the Royal Navy's daily rum ration. To commemorate “Black Tot Day”, Head Blender, Oliver Chilton together with co-founder Sukhinder Singhhas created a limited edition Caribbean rum and bottled it at navy strength. It includes some incredibly old and genuinely rare stocks, noted marques for the (majority) Guyanese rums, including distillates from a wooden pot still to a multi-column still with age statements from 9 to 42 years. A splash of the original Royal Navy rum, continuously blended in wooden vats from the early 1800s through to 1970 has been thrown in for good measure.
Here's the full breakdown:28% 12 year Guyana – Demerara Distillers – Savalle still
27% 9 year Guyana – Demerara Distillers – Savalle still
15% 11 year Barbados – Foursquare – pot/column still
11% 10 year Trinidad – Trinidad Distillers – column still
8% 9 year Jamaica – Hampden – pot still
6% 10 year Guyana – Demerara Distillers – Port Mourant still
4% 23 year Trinidad – Caroni – column still. CLOSED DISTILLERY.
0.5% 42 year Guyana – Uitvlugt – Port Mourant still. CLOSED DISTILLERY.
0.5% Original Royal Navy Rum – world blend
The vision wasn't to make a replica of the original navy rum or copy new Caribbean expressions, but to create something that sat in between. Also, Sukhinder prefers older and richer old-school navy style rums while Chilton likes fresher and funkier modern rum. They started with the four pillars of Royal Naval rum – the islands of Jamaica, Barbados, Guyana and Trinidad. Samples were then pulled from casks and rums were blended.
Tasting note: Mahogany colour. Brooding depths to the layered nose: Molasses cake and liquorice strap. Plantain and drier vanillas. Fruit cake, cinnamon, nutmeg and bitter cocoa. The sugars are evenly matched against the funk and freshness. Unravels with stunning length as the alcohol pulsates the taste buds. Sweet and dry, old and new, wrangle together; liquorice strap meets grassier / fruitier notes. Raisin cake meets bitter dark chocolate. Rancio and resiny oak give an hors d'age Armagnac feel to the finish, followed by walnut slice, dried banana, cinnamon and ginger bread. Rebounds with mocha, dried fruits (raisin / date) and brandy cream sauce and lasts for minutes. A contemporary rum with an old soul that demonstrates Chilton and his blending team are at the top of their game. 54.5% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered. Zero sugar added. 5000 bottles.
Other reviews... I’ll be entirely honest and say this has ticked every box for me. Whether is it a faithful recreation of the rum drank pre-1970, I’m really not that bothered to be honest. It’s a fantastic blended rum. 5 Stars - thefatrumpirate.com
Official tasting notes... Nose : We are greeted with cinnamon sticks, sprinkled with nutmeg, toasting in the oven. Then a deep richness, akin to caramel-glazed apple tart, with some citrus elements rolling in. There is also barbecued pineapple and grapefruit zest, balanced by notes of melting chocolate raisins and freshly ground Jamaican blue mountain coffee. With more time, a hint of well-aged spirit emerges, reminiscent of dusty books in a historic library. Palate : From the first sip, the palate is almost overrun with the combination of liquorice sticks and vanilla bean paste. As the flavours coat the mouth, lime juice married with 80% cocoa dark chocolate appears, which slowly deepens to brandy-poached pears. A backbone of dried mint and tarragon is married with natural sweetness and a touch of nuttiness, in the form of bananas and walnuts. Finish : Long and lingering, with flavours of mint chocolate chip ice cream and soft liquorice, dipped in sherbet. The rich flavours of a whole-milk latte topped with cream dissipate to leave a pleasant dryness, leading to another sip.
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2022 British Navy Pussers Rum Deptford Dockyard Reserve Navy Proof Rum (700ml)Caribbean,$199. 00Bottle$2388.00 DozenABV: 54.5%Voted World's Best Pot & Column still Rum at the World Rum Awards 2020.
In 1742, Deptford Dockyard was the Royal Navy Victualling Board’s main spirit depot; housing 30 storage vats that accommodated and aged more than 250,000 gallons of rum. From here, they supplied the Fleet with a flavourful blend of ‘Empire’ rums from British Navy suppliers in the Caribbean. While little is known about early Admiralty specifications, the blend was done “in such proportion as experience had shown was preferred by the men.”
As is now popular rum folklore, the final daily rum ration was served on 31 July 1970 at 6 bells in the forenoon watch (11am), ending a Royal Navy tradition of more than 300 years. Some sailors wore black armbands, tots were 'buried at sea' and in one navy training camp there was a mock funeral procession complete with black coffin and accompanying drummers and piper.
To commemorate the 52nd anniversary of Black Tot Day, as it became known, Pusser’s have introduced a limited-edition Deptford Dockyard Reserve at Navy proof, featuring a blend of high-ester distillates from Caribbean countries in Great Britain’s naval past (Guyana [Demerara], Trinidad, Barbados and Jamaica). Offered at the same strength that bulk underproof rum was historically stored at the Dockyards, the hefty ABV is intimidating until you taste it. Aged for a minimum of three years in x-Bourbon barrels but tasting much, much older, Deptford Dockyard is a medium-bodied rum, shy on the nose while boasting beautifully integrated flavours of Christmas cake, orange zest and festive spices that draw comparisons to heavily sherried single malt. Its restrained power dials down with liquorice bullets, chico lollies, cinnamon buns, brandy sauce and lingering molasses cake. Easily approached uncut, think of it as a cross between richer, darker Demerara styles and high ester Jamaicans - less the extreme funk. 54.5% Alc./Vol.
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British Navy Pussers Rum 151 Overproof Navy Rum (700ml)GUYANA$130. 00Bottle$1560.00 DozenABV: 75.5%Note: the cork is susceptible to breaking when removing the stopper from this product. You may need a cork screw to remove the remaining cork from the neck of the bottle. Have a substitute cork or stopper on standby.
Matured for three years in first-fill Bourbon barrels and released at an eye-watering strength - as it was traditionally shipped to the Royal Navy victualling yards in Deptford, Gosport, and Devonport for blending and dilution. The nose opens with pungent Indian spices and evolves to molasses-drenched fruit cake, papaya, peel-heavy marmalade, dates, coffee beans and dark chocolate in a punchy but classic Demerara whiff that's ultimately Armagnac-like. Tasted without dilution, the flavours are intense, alcohol-charged, bittersweet, tropical, estery, resiny and complex. Tactile and almost unctuous to finish, striking a deeply satisfying balance in spite of the extreme ABV, this high-octane, gorilla of a rum guarantees to blast tropical cocktails into the stratosphere. Nothing has been added before bottling. (We recommend tasting, but not drinking it straight). 75.5% Alc./Vol.
- 1990 Cadenhead's MEV Enmore Distillery 26 Year Old Cask Strength Guyanese Rum (700ml)GUYANA$370. 00Bottle$4440.00 DozenABV: 57.2%An indie release that rum purists will be pleased to get their hands on is this exceptionally old Enmore. Distilled in 1990 and bottled in 2017 as part of Cadenhead’s 175th Anniversary celebrations, it was limited to one bottle per customer at Cadenhead's stores in the UK, so as you'd expect, there's very little to go around for Australian rum lovers. As an original distillery bottling it's quite collectable. The 'MEV' marque stands for 'Main Enmore Versailles'. According to one source, "Many of the 1990 Enmores wear this mark, which suggests that the Main Rum Company probably imported or bought a lot of rum at that time." As the marque suggests, this was distilled using the Versailles Single Wooden Pot Still, located at the Enmore Distillery at the time of distillation in 1990 (the still was moved to the Uitvlugt Distillery in 1995 and subsequently to the Diamond Distillery in 1999). The rum was shipped to Europe for maturation by Cadenheads. Very limited stocks. 57.2% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.
- 1993 Cadenheads MPM Uitvlugt Distillery Single Cask 25 Year Old Cask Strength Guyana Rum (700ml)GUYANA$499. 00Bottle$5988.00 DozenABV: 49.9%
'ICBU' was the marque used to identify rums from the Dutch owned Uitvulgt Distillery. While Uitvlugt continues to operate as a sugar refinery and producer of molasses, the equipment used for rum production reportedly ceased operation in 2000 and was moved to the El Dorado Distillery. Not surprisingly, Uitvulgt's have become quite collectible.
In this instance, the “MPM” moniker appears to be a Cadenhead convention, and probably stands for "Main Port Mourant" or some similar variation – conveying that the rum is from an Uitvlugt pot still. Cadenhead's release is from a single barrel, filled in October 1993, matured in Campbeltown, Scotland and emptied in early 2019 with an outturn of 204 bottles. It's a non chill filtered / all natural rum.
Notes from the bottlers... Nose: Grassy; haylofts and very oily. Hints of varnish, raisins, dried orange peel and marzipan. Palate: big rum, some ginger powder, kiwi fruits, brown bread toast with salted butter. Lychee, popping candy and lemon juice. Finish: Faint tropical fruits give way to more grassy, herbal notes. 49.9% Alc./Vol.
- 2009 Cadenheads Alcoholes Finos Dominicanos 11 Year Old Cask Strength Dominican Republic Rum (700ml)DOMINICAN REPUBLIC$150. 00Bottle$1800.00 DozenABV: 55%A high strength column distilled Dominican Rum from indie bottlers, Cadenheads.
Notes from Cadenheads... Nose: Coconut oil, banana chips, vanilla pods. Flavour: Honey and pineapple juice. Finish: Treacle scones, brown sugar and liquorice. 55% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.
- 2001 Cadenheads Trinidad Distillers 19 Year Old Cask Strength Trinidad Rum (700ml)TRINIDAD$240. 00Bottle$2880.00 DozenABV: 55%Another brightly presented, all-natural column distilled rum from Cadenhead's Single Cask collection.
- Cadenheads Green Label Overproof Jamaican White Rum (700ml)JAMAICA$140. 00Bottle$1680.00 DozenABV: 63%Great to see high proof white rums making there way to our shores. Those from the island of Jamaica are considered the "Queens of funk", a title earned for their high ester count that can yield aromas and flavours of pineapple, overripe banana and stone fruits. Just 102 bottles of this non chill filtered Cadenhead's beauty have been released. Its plush green and canary yellow packaging evokes tropical rum punches and Tiki cocktails. Because it's so powerful, mixologists liken its use to salt in cooking. Says one: "Sometimes you need a little salt; it makes everything better. I’ll often add a quarter-ounce or a few dashes of overproof white rum to cocktails that need a little oomph.” Very limited stocks. Notes from Cadenheads... Nose: Sweet, honey roasted peanuts, melon, candied ginger, fennel, rosemary and faint cherry cough medicine. Flavour: More ginger spice with caramel, apple struddle. Pistachio nuts, clotted cream and soft spearmint with warming spice. Finish: Very herbal with lingering soft spice, black pepper, star anise, corriander and fennel before becoming more fruit - satsumas and grapeskins.
- 2005 Cadenheads TMAH Trinidad Distillers 12 Year Old Cask Strength Rum (700ml)TRINIDAD$180. 00Bottle$2160.00 DozenABV: 67.4%Another collectable celebrating Cadenhead's 175th Anniversary - as noted on the box and medallion hang tag. This one from Trinidad Distillers was column distilled and weighs in at a whopping ABV. Established by Angostura back in the 1940s, the venture was mostly producing rums from imported molasses. As to what 'TMAH' stands for on the label remains a mystery. What is certain is that at 67.4% Alc./Vol., this is going to be an absolute beast. Kudos to Cadenheads for continuing to seek out and bottle these completely unadulterated Caribbean gems. Comes non chill filtered.
- 2006 Cadenheads MBFS Foursquare Distillery Single Cask 12 Year Old Cask Strength Barbados Rum (700ml)BARBADOS$199. 00Bottle$2388.00 DozenABV: 63.2%Consistently praised as a producer of some of Barbados's finest rums, the Foursquare distillery is also the home of famous brands like Doorlys and R.L. Seale. This mix of column and pot still rums was finished for two years in an x port cask that previously contained Kilkerran single malt. Released in 2019 at natural strength as a limited single barrel run of 246 bottles, Australia has received a small allocation. Notes from Cadenheads... Nose: Fresh pine, chestnuts, autumnal forest floors and a hint of strawberry yoghurt. Flavour: Pecan pie, maple syrup, soft dark fruits, brambles, raspberries and blueberries. Finish: Kilkerran port cask influence comes through, soft smoke, fresh cut wood, dark cherries and raspberry syrup. 63.2% Alc./Vol.
- 1991 Cadenheads TMAH Trinidad Distillers 25 Year Old Cask Strength Trinidad Rum (700ml)TRINIDAD$350. 00Bottle$4200.00 DozenABV: 64.3%Craft-indie bottler, Cadenheads offer another atomic-strength rum packaged as part of their 175th Anniversary Collection (each bottle also has a little commemorative metal hang tag). The rum was sourced from Trinidad Distillers, a large operation established in the 1940s. When Angostura's founders arrived in Trinidad they initially out-sourced rums to make their world famous bitters. However the son of the founder, Don Carlos, always intended to create his own rum. It wasn't until 1947 that the great grandson of the founder, Robert Siegert (with Mr Gomez and Thomas Gatcliffe) built the first distillery in Port of Spain. Boasting seven column stills, TD today produces over 18 million litres annually, mostly for export. The Lone Caner rum blog reports "...most of the molasses they work with originates outside of Trinidad – in Guyana, Panama and the Dominican Republic. In any event, Angostura as a company has little to do with it." Laid into cask in 1991 this exceptionally old expression arrives at a remarkable natural strength of 64.3% Alc./Vol. (The meaning behind the designation "TMAH" on the label is not stated). Non chill filtered. Very limited stocks. Other reviews... A rum like Cadenhead’s 21 year old is a curious beast. Dissecting its profile and coming up with tasting notes is not like having the elements line up and present themselves one after another, like some kind of surreal audition or a debutante’s ball... I had been softened by several forty percenters, sampled prior to cracking this one, and was consequently somewhat unprepared for the force with which the TMAH assaulted my beak (it was sharp and deep, and should absolutely be left to stand for a while before nosing). I could barely discern any molasses background at all, in between furiously swirling notes of rye bread, salt biscuits and salt butter. Not much caramel here. But patience, patience – it did get better. After opening up, it smoothened out a good bit and simply became an intense drink rather than a skewering one – and one could gradually tease out thin threads of honey and nougat, and sweeter notes of vanilla, cherries…and a little spicy note of marzipan. That didn’t soften the arrival, of course. It was a little less than medium bodied, this rum – even thin, which I didn’t care for – and it detonated with a hurricane force level of taste, scattering shrapnel of sweet and salt in all directions. Dates and figs came to mind, more crackers, a sharp aged cheddar (but not as creamy). Adding water helped here: almonds, nutmeg and slivers of dried fruit emerged, but slowly, thinly, as if terrified of being bludgeoned to death by the alcohol. “Chewy” would not describe the experience exactly, but it comes close. Appropriately enough for such a full proof glass of high-test, the finish was enormously long, a sarissa of lingering flavours of nutmeg and vanilla and light sharp red fruit (pomegranates?). Cask strength, overproof, full proof or whatever – it was certainly a rum that demanded attention... the encounter as a whole is quite something. And, it must be conceded, occasionally painful. - thelonecaner.com
- 1996 Caroni 23 Year Old 'Tasting Gang' Full Proof Blended Trinidad Rum (700ml)TRINIDAD$599. 00Bottle$7188.00 DozenABV: 63.5%Carribbean rum doesn't come much rarer or more collectable than Caroni. Various bottlers have secured casks over the years and the last remaining stocks are slowly being released. This edition was composed by a team of twenty three European Caroni enthusiasts who met in Cognac - hence the sub title: "Tasting Gang". After sampling 173 barrels, they settled on a blend of 22 casks. All the rums selected were distilled in 1996 and matured on Trinidad before being moved to Guyana where they remained in situ until 2019 losing 85% of the liquid to evaporation. This extraordinary collaborative effort was incrementally released by Luca Gargano of Velier. Based in Genoa, Gargano has a reputation for uncovering the world’s finest (and most obscure) rums. This represents the 38th and second last edition. 5083 bottles are on offer world wide. Australia has received a tiny allocation. Once these are gone, they're gone forever. The Caroni Estate Distillery (est. 1918), closed in 2003 and is now sadly, demolished. It was built on the site of an old sugar factory and for a period supplied rums to the British Navy. At the time, there were some eight to ten other sugar factories operating, each producing different types (and qualities) of rums, bought up by merchants and sold to rum shops all over the island. Caroni gradually increased the quality of its distilling process, moving on from its original cast iron still to a wooden coffey still, until 1945 when they acquired a copper still which was followed by a single column in 1957 and then a four column Gerb Herman still in 1980. Rums from the estate gained a reputation for being particularly flavoursome.
- 1996 Caroni 23 Year Old 'The Last' Full Proof Heavy Trinidad Rum (700ml)TRINIDAD$650. 00Bottle$7800.00 DozenABV: 61.9%In 2004, professional rum chaser Luca Gargano discovered a warehouse filled with barrels of Caroni's legendary heavy-ester rum. Since then, the last remaining stocks have been slowly released to global markets. This 39th bottling marks the culmination of Gargano's series, and the final Caroni from Velier. Distilled in 1996 and aged in Trinidad until 2008, then at Demerara Distillers Ltd in Guyana until 2019, the end compostion was made up from 24 barrels. 5522 bottles are on offer world wide. Australia has received a tiny allocation. Once these are gone, they're gone forever. Established on the site of the sugar factory for which it was named, Caroni was famously a key ingredient of British Navy rations. Its famous 'Heavy' rums help to make up the signature flavour. Sadly, with the decline of the local sugar industry, distillers became more dependent upon imported molasses, making distilling less economical. In 2001 the Trinidadian government sold a 49% share in the holding company to Angostura, then in 2003 Caroni was finally closed forever. 61.9% Alc./Vol.
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1996 Caroni Extra Strong 21 Year Old Cask Strength Rum (700ml)TRINIDAD$350. 00Bottle$4200.00 DozenABV: 57.18%While the Caribbean has a long history of rum, a significant part of this history has been irretrievably lost. Trinidad once boasted more than 50 distilleries. The number dwindled to eight by the 1950s and now only Angostura remains. The decline was mostly due to the demise of the local sugar industry (Trinidad now imports molasses for rum production).
This increasingly rare bottling represents a small part of that era. The Caroni Estate Distillery (est. 1918), closed in 2003 and is now sadly, demolished. It was built on the site of an old sugar factory and for a period supplied rums to the British Navy. At the time, there were some eight to ten other sugar factories operating, each producing different types (and qualities) of rums, bought up by merchants and sold to rum shops all over the island. Caroni gradually increased the quality of its distilling process, moving on from its original cast iron still to a wooden coffey still, until 1945 when they acquired a copper still which was followed by a single column in 1957 and then a four column Gerb Herman still in 1980. Rums from the estate gained a reputation for being particularly flavoursome. After the 2003 closure, some Caroni casks made their way back to the U.K. We're pleased to be able to offer an allocation of what is unquestionably a true collector's and connoisseur's delight. Once these are gone, they're gone forever. It's also one of the oldest Caroni's to hit our shelves, bottled at natural strength. Tasting note: Polished copper. Wafts of alcohol give way to profound aromas of vanilla bean, raw sugar, molasses and sticky date. The massive attack manages to balance all of the above in a slow-motion cascade, the sugars weaving in and out of the encroaching oak in a sustained, bittersweet sensation. Another side of Caroni, demonstrating just how well its rums can age. 57.18% Alc./Vol. - 1998 Compagnie des Indes Trinidad (Caroni) 22 Year Old Cask Strength Rum (700ml)TRINIDAD$699. 00Bottle$8388.00 DozenABV: 57.5%Carribbean rum doesn't come much rarer or more collectable than Caroni. Various companies have secured casks over the years and the last remaining stocks are slowly being released. This very old expression from French bottler, 'Compagnie des Indes' is a single barrel that yielded 287 bottles at natural strength. 57.5% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.
The Caroni Estate Distillery (est. 1918), closed in 2003 and is now sadly, demolished. It was built on the site of an old sugar factory and for a period supplied rums to the British Navy. At the time, there were some eight to ten other sugar factories operating, each producing different types (and qualities) of rums, bought up by merchants and sold to rum shops all over the island. Caroni gradually increased the quality of its distilling process, moving on from its original cast iron still to a wooden coffey still, until 1945 when they acquired a copper still which was followed by a single column in 1957 and then a four column Gerb Herman still in 1980. Rums from the estate gained a reputation for being particularly flavoursome.
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2007 Compagnie des Indes Belize (Travellers Distillery) 13 Year Old Cask Strength Rum (700ml)BELIZEReduced from $260.00$220. 00Bottle$2640.00 DozenABV: 62.1%Located on the eastern coast of Central America, Rum is the national drink in Belize - no surprise, as the country's sugar cane is of the highest standard, representing a considerable volume of exports.The local rum industry is dominated by 'Travellers Liquor' (est. 1953), a distillery based in Belize City. Specializing in molasses based rums and mainly supplying independent bottlers, the company gained its name from the success it achieved in serving travellers along the main route to and from Belize City. This natural strength release from French independent "Compagnie des Indes was drawn from a single cask at natural strength.
Notes from the bottlers... Nose: Sandalwood, cinnamon, and a symphony of sweet spices. A floral touch of elderflower, the prelude of an intense mouth. Mouth: Powerful with still both the spicy and floral notes. It is a very well- balanced rum, its high abv makes for a contained powerfulness. Finish: Long and expressive, roasted subtle notes of 75% cacao. 62.1% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered. -
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Compagnie des Indes Trinidad 16 Year Old Cask Strength Rum (700ml)$299. 00Bottle$3588.00 DozenABV: 63.5%Tasting note: Sourced from Trinidad Distillers Limited. Here's an arresting rum bouquet; reticent at first, but builds in an astonishing, eye-watering development of feijoa, peach, elderflower and papaya-like aromas. Air time adds hints of plantain, crushed pine buds and rock’n’rye liqueur. Fabulous bitter-sweet attack is intense, resiny and piney with a crisp alcohol bite. Mid palate showcases a Trinidadian bomb: fresh-yet-fruity with peach and feijoa tart, elderflower and estery green grassy notes. Plantain and bitter dark chocolate round off a raw and punchy combination of unadulterated fruit, heat and tropical intensity. Wow! Non chill filtered. 63.5% Alc./Vol. -
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Coruba Overproof Rum (700ml)JAMAICA$99. 99Bottle$1199.88 DozenABV: 74%Remarkable for their palate power and lifted aromatics, overproof rums like this popular expression from Coruba are generally reserved for Tiki cocktails and punch bowls where the spirit will contribute tropical fruit and Jamaican 'funk'. It's bottled at a formidable 74% ABV, so don't try drinking it without dilution!
- Dead Reckoning Nelson's Dockyard Single Barrel Antigua Rum (700ml)ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA$170. 00Bottle$2040.00 DozenABV: 50%
Dead Reckoning's latest offering features 'rum royalty' from the legendary Antigua Distillery. Located in English Harbour (home of the ‘English Harbour Rum’ brand), the rum is copper pot distilled from a molasses wash, matured for two years in x-Bourbon wood, then finished in Australia for two years in a first-fill Apera cask before bottlling at 50%. 355 bottles are available.
Little-known to rum lovers, Antigua Distillers Limited was formed in 1932 by eight local businessmen and by 1933 they had established their own distillery on Rat Island (named because of its shape – the authorities didn’t want a distillery on the mainland due to the potential smell and noise). Originally equipped with a multi-column Savalle still, it was replaced in 1991 with a three-column still from John Dore & Co. made entirely out of copper – bolts included. That was subsequently modified into a five-column still making it shorter, apparently due to the danger of tropical storms in the area. While the distillery's website does talk about a yeast and fermentation process that “adds a level of flavour to the liquid in the tank, and it also produces a number of compounds that contribute directly to the complex flavours and aromas of the final product”, the wash is distilled to 95% ABV making it pretty much neutral in taste. Most of the flavours are said to come from the maturation process which typically employs charred 200 litre ex-Bourbon casks, so this bottling adds a bit of a twist. Reportedly, nothing has been added.
Other reviews... Nose: A sweet cacophony of chewy dried figs, juicy lunchbox sultanas, toffee apples, dried banana chips and desiccated coconut. Palate: Crisp, clean and dry on the pallet with granny smith apples and vanilla custard chased around by stewed fruits and ginger-y spices. Finish: Not a lot of length to the finish, but it’s a fun ride whilst its there! – espresso coffee, dark chocolate and more sultanas with a mild white pepper salute right on the tail. Wow – this is quite a textbook mix of bourbon and sherry (ok, ok… Apera) cask characteristics – floral apple and vanilla notes from the bourbon and the dark stewed fruit and pepper from the Apera cask. The characteristic column still ‘crispness’ is also there to complete the lesson. - rumtribe.com.au
Notes from the bottlers... Toffee, caramel, roasted coffee, chestnut & a hint of black pepper. Whilst working in the mega yacht industry, I was fortunate to spend several months a year living in English harbour in Antigua. Nelson’s dockyard was the location of many a party with fellow crew members. It is also place where Lord Horatio Nelson spent time. This is where my love for this Rum developed as it was a daily staple for all yachting crew. In the past English Harbour rums did have slight adulteration, but I believe they have now changed their formula so no longer will you see sugar added to any of their rums.
- Dead Reckoning Mhoba Pure Single French Oak Cask Strength South African Rum (700ml)SOUTH AFRICA$180. 00Bottle$2160.00 DozenABV: 56%
Adelaide-based independent bottler, Justin Boseley, continues his project of importing unusual and hard-to-find rums with this South African addition from Mhoba. At 29 months old, this is a fairly young rum by Dead Reckoning standards. Its first two years were spent in a South African red wine cask from the Vrede em Lust estate in the Franschhoek valley, and it was initially expected to be around eighteen months to two years in a finishing cask, but Justin was surprised at how active his barrel was - so active, in fact, that he elected to bottle it after just five months finishing.
Justin describes finding this selection in Mhoba’s bond-store as an ‘A-HA!’ moment. "Upon tasting Mhoba rum for the first time this was a revelation and also a rewriting of the rum flavour profile rule book." He adds, "It reminded me of the first time I tried a Jamaican Hampden. I hand selected this individual single barrel release... It’s time in the red wine cask has given it layers of flavour, including crisp red apples and cranberry juice. A heavy level char bourbon cask used for the finishing in Adelaide has added the perfect amount of vanilla, custard and caramel." Bottled in December 2022 without filtration at 56% and with nothing added, 377 bottles are on offer.
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Dead Reckoning Mutiny Single Barrel 21 Year Old Cask Strength South Pacific Rum (700ml)FIJI$199. 00Bottle$2388.00 DozenABV: 65%A follow up release from Adelaide-based independent bottler Justin Boseley, Dead Reckoning is a massive single barrel bombshell. Sourced from the South Pacific Rum Distillery in Fiji, get past the initial wafts of alcohol and the nose takes on a strong Jamaican slant - funky and fruity, reminiscent of high ester Hampden (albeit a slightly less integrated version); Papaya, grilled pineapple, plantain, dried mango, new leather and liquorice bullets are echoed in a powerful, bittersweet attack. Add to that fruity dark chocolate, tongue-tingling alcohol and an aftertaste that unfolds with molasses cake, golden syrup, pineapple pudding and finishes with a superb fruity rebound. All tropically aged, 100% Pot distilled and disgorged at 65%, you get what the label says. Given the age, provenance and all-natural character, this is a bargain for rum purists. Named after the infamous 'mutiny on the Bounty', 285 bottles are on offer for Australia only. Non chill-filtered.
Other reviews... Nose: Funky Banana and tropical fruit salad, biscuit spices and some clove notes as well as a definite floral (frangipani?) presence in the mix there as well. Palate: The pot still origin of this rum is quite evident by the lovely oily mouthfeel it exhibits. A lot more delicate flavours apparent here than I was expecting too – much tropical fruit – but also fresh granny smith apple notes. Lovely biscuit spice flavours as well as vanilla, ginger and mixed peel. The high alcohol content is extremely well integrated with little burn or harshness (especially so considering the abv). What you do get, however, is a massive flavour hit and esters by the pound – man this is delicious! Finish: The absolute definition of a chewy finish on this one. Big, funky, tropical fruit salad but the sticky sweetness is tempered by the dry tannins from the 21 years in wood. Luxurious and constantly evolving, and so, so long – it stretches all the way to the moon and back … in fat, that’s the exact amount I love this rum!! The Mutiny – South Pacific 21yo is an absolutely massive rum. At 65% ABV that’s no big surprise – but what does catch you (well… me) off-guard is just how incredibly easy it is to sip on. It’s not harsh or hot or rough on the palate – but be warned… the high alcohol content is incredibly well integrated but have no doubt about it – the 65%ABV will smite you hard if you forget just what you’re dealing with! 4.5 stars - thefatrumpirate.com
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East London Liquor Co. Ltd Navy Strength Demerara Rum (700ml)London, UNITED KINGDOM$135. 00Bottle$1620.00 DozenABV: 57%ELLC haven't actually distilled this rum, instead they sourced it from Guyana and bottled it. Produced from 100% Demerara sugar using the world's only surviving wooden column still (which should give away its provenance), it spent over 3 years in x Bourbon casks. Tasting note: Deep polished copper / gold with pale straw edges. Exudes superb aromas of brown sugar, vanilla bean and creamy soda in the initial pass, developing hints of milk chocolate, custard and dates. Medium sweet, then delicately bittersweet, sappy through the middle stage. Finish showcases a sensational burst of sugars in the form of molasses, dark chocolate, caramel and pipe tobacco. Fades nutty, buttery, oily and drying with good staying power. 57% Alc./Vol. - 2009 El Dorado Port Mourant Single Still 12 Year Old Cask Strength Demerara Rum (750ml)GUYANA$250. 00Bottle$3000.00 DozenABV: 56.7%
El Dorado originally launched a 'Rare Single Still Series' in 2016 featuring rums from three renowned Guyanese stills. There are two variants with new releases offered at 40% and at cask strength. You pay more for the latter, but the flavours are much, much more intense.
Demerara Distillers actually operates nine different stills capable of producing a range of rum styles. Of particular significance are three heritage wooden stills relocated from their original estates: Enmore, with its wooden continuous Coffey still. Port Mourant, with its wooden double pot still and Versailles with its wooden single pot still. The aim of these bottlings is to reveal the individuality and diversity of flavours that each still contributes.
The Port Mourant still which is the only one of its kind in use today was constructed in 1732 on the Port Mourant Estate, and later moved to the Uitvlugt Estate, then to its present location at the Diamond Estate in 2000.
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2009 El Dorado Enmore Single Still 12 Year Old Cask Strength Demerara Rum (750ml)GUYANAReduced from $250.00$199. 99Bottle$2399.88 DozenABV: 54.3%Demerara Distillers actually operates nine different stills capable of producing a range of rum styles. Of particular significance are three heritage wooden stills relocated from their original estates: Enmore, with its wooden continuous Coffey still. Port Mourant, with its wooden double pot still and Versailles with its wooden single pot still. The aim of these bottlings is to reveal the individuality and diversity of flavours that each still contributes.
The Enmore Wooden Continuous Coffey Still was constructed at the Enmore Estate in 1880 and based on an original design from its inventor, Irishman, Aeneas Coffey. Nickamed 'EHP' after the original owner of the Enmore Sugar Plantation, Edward Henry Porter, after the closure of the estate in 2000, the still was moved to Diamond Distillers Ltd. It's reported to be the last surviving wooden Coffey still operating in the world today. 54.3% Alc./Vol.
- 2009 El Dorado Versailles Single Still 12 Year Old Cask Strength Demerara Rum (750ml)GUYANA$250. 00Bottle$3000.00 DozenABV: 56.2%
El Dorado originally launched a 'Rare Single Still Series' in 2016 featuring rums from three renowned Guyanese stills. There are two variants with new releases offered at 40% and at cask strength. You pay more for the latter, but the flavours are much, much more intense.
Demerara Distillers actually operates nine different stills capable of producing a range of rum styles. Of particular significance are three heritage wooden stills relocated from their original estates: Enmore, with its wooden continuous Coffey Still. Port Mourant, with its wooden Double Pot Still and Versailles with its wooden single pot still. The aim of these bottlings is to reveal the individuality and diversity of flavours that each still contributes. The Versailles wooden pot still is the only one of its kind operational in the world.
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- Nick's Import
2002 El Dorado Rare Collection Versailles Cask Strength Demerara Rum (700ml)GUYANA$350. 00Bottle$4200.00 DozenABV: 63%Rum purists will be pleased to get their hands on a trio of limited edition rums from El Dorado's Rare Collection. Launched in 2016, each one features a rum from one of three renowned Guyanese stills. Demerara distillers actually operate nine different stills, capable of producing a range of rum styles. Of significance are the three heritage Wooden stills in the operation, relocated from their original estates: Enmore, with its wooden continuous Coffey Still. Port Mourant, with its wooden Double Pot Still and Versailles with its wooden single pot still. On the surface, the Rare Collection mirrors El Dorado’s 12, 15 and 21 year old rums, though the packaging is more conservative with low key colours and an embossed ship on the shoulder of the bottle. The big difference is that these are all-natural, single still, cask strength, unblended and non-chill filtered rums. They're also limited to 3,000 bottles worldwide. The Versailles wooden pot still is the only one of its kind operational in the world. This edition was distilled in 2002 and matured in x Bourbon barrels. Bottled in 2015 at 63% Alc./Vol.
Extremely limited stocks. Other reviews... The newish OB! Entirely aged in Guyana, where they have very greedy angels. The volumes go down fast, while the strengths remain high or even go up. Colour: gold. Nose: it seems that it’s a little simpler than the Mezan, but that’s probably the super-high strength. What I seem to find in the background is a bag of vegetables and herbs, such as capers (which is a flower, isn’t it?), and plenty of wood varnish, with an acetone-y side. Let’s dig deeper… With water: as expected, this is more wood-driven than the Ultra-clean Mezan, with a BTAC side (yup) and plenty of tarmac, tarry wood (restored old boat, teak oil), and just ideas of ‘brand new sneakers’. Mouth (neat): huge. Distilled vin jaune, mint essence, artichoke, concentrated walnut oil… All that is spectacular and, I have to say, wonderful. Huge distillate. With water: very extremely good. Please call the anti-rumporn brigade! Finish: very long, big and yet elegant and ‘well-chiselled’, always with a lot of tar (and other tar-like elements, pitch and such). Droplets of lemon in the aftertaste. Comments: like, I mean love it much more than the Port Mourant in the same series. Ça c’est un alcool, monseigneur, as they would have said at Versailles (the castle).
90 points. -Serge Valentin, www.whisky-fum.com -
- Nick's Import
1993 El Dorado Rare Collection Enmore Cask Strength Demerara Rum (700ml)GUYANA$399. 00Bottle$4788.00 DozenABV: 56.5%Rum purists will be pleased to get their hands on a trio of limited edition rums from El Dorado's Rare Collection. Launched in 2016, each one features a rum from one of three renowned Guyanese stills. Demerara distillers actually operate nine different stills, capable of producing a range of rum styles. Of significance are the three heritage Wooden stills in the operation, relocated from their original estates: Enmore, with its wooden continuous Coffey Still. Port Mourant, with its wooden Double Pot Still and Versailles with its wooden single pot still. On the surface, the Rare Collection mirrors El Dorado’s 12, 15 and 21 year old rums, though the packaging is more conservative with low key colours and an embossed ship on the shoulder of the bottle. The big difference is that these are all-natural, single still, cask strength, unblended and non-chill filtered rums. They're also limited to 3,000 bottles worldwide. Originally owned by Edward Henry Potter, "EHP" was the mark used to identify rums from a distillery near the Enmore Sugar Factory. When the operation closed in 1993, the production equipment was moved to the Diamond Distillery. This edition was distilled in the original two column wooden continuous Coffey still and aged in x-Bourbon barrels. Bottled 2015. 56.5% Alc./Vol. Extremely limited stocks. Other reviews... The problem is that DDL have been too optimistic with their prices, as it seems. I had thought these new OBs would sell like Mars bars in Scotland, but the hefty prices (a disease called scotchitus severis) seem to have discouraged most rum lovers, and the bottles remain available from just everywhere on this planet. After all, they’re afraid of nothing, them who just launched a $500,000 50 yo rum. Now that's Guyanan dollars, and that's a 50 yo look-alike - you know, nasty 'anniversary' bottlings that suggest a 'faked' age and all that, some Scots do it as well. Colour: deep gold. Nose: much gentler, easier, without the phenolic base, and with more ‘average’ rum aromas, such as tropical fruits, papayas, pineapples… It’s really lovely, and at times you’re thinking about rhum agricole from Martinique, but there’s also a little too much sweet oak, in the modern Scotch style. Let’s see… With water: wood spices, unsweetened tea, vanilla… Mouth (neat): a bourbon of rum, clearly. Or a light spirit in some very active American oak. Vanilla, maple syrup, orange liqueur, a touch of ginger liqueur… With water: once again we’re between rum and bourbon. It’s fine, and I do enjoy these notes of artisan maple syrup, it’s just that the Versailles kills it. Finish: medium, sweet, bourbony. Vanilla and pineapples. Comments: don’t get me wrong, it’s excellent rum, but the traditional Demeraraness (excuse me?) is a little absent. A strong light rum. 81 points
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El Dorado 151 Superior Overproof Rum (750ml)GUYANA$99. 99Bottle$1199.88 DozenABV: 75.5%The El Dorado distillery has assured supplies of its basic raw material, molasses, from locally-grown sugar-cane. The company makes the full gamut of styles, including this 151 proof rum. Use with caution and keep away from open flames. It may light up your cocktails, literally. Include in Mai Tais, Rum Runners and punches.
Tasting note: Crystal clear with a silvery blush. Offers up notes of icing sugar, fairy floss and vanilla bean. A sweet entry belies the spiritous explosion, repeating the aromas with lip numbing intensity. At this ultra high ABV there’s a prickly, hot mouthfeel, the finish is bittersweet, more texture than flavour, and fairly short. Add to the punch bowl. 75.5% Alc./Vol. -
- Nick's Import
- Limit One per customer
Foursquare Equipoise Exceptional Cask Selection Mark XXV 14 Year Old Full Proof Single Blended Rum (750ml)BARBADOS$250. 00Bottle$3000.00 DozenABV: 61%Rated 99 points and awarded a trophy at the International Wine & Spirits Competition 2024
Described as “the world’s best rum distillery”, Foursquare have been crowned five-time consecutive winners of the International Spirits Challenge’s “Rum Producer of the Year”. This family-run distillery is responsible for the Doorly’s and R.L. Seale’s rums, plus countless collaborations with the likes of Luca Gargano’s, Velier. Whisky lovers have drawn comparisons with Bruichladdich for their cult following, provenance and cask management skills.
'Equipoise' is the 25th release in Foursquare's acclaimed Exceptional Cask Selection series. It marks the first time ex-Calvados casks have been introduced as part of the maturation. Married together with liquid aged in x Bourbon barrels, this molasses based, pot and column still blend lands at 61% ABV, without chill filtration, free from sweeteners and other adjuncts. Having absolutely wowed the judges at the 2024 International Wine & Spirits Competition (review below), it will likely be remembered as one of the most coveted Foursquares since the Exceptional Cask Series began.
Other reviews... Enticing aromas of leather and olive oil greet the senses, leading to a tantalizing blend of citrus peel, cinnamon, oak, dark chocolate, and nutmeg. Plummy, spiced fruit dances on the palate, upon a soft, sweet mouthfeel. A dry, tangy finish lingers, revealing layers of caramel, banana bread, and tobacco. Luxurious and long-lasting. 99 points - International Wine & Spirits Competition 2024
...I was expecting the Mark XXV to be more fruity thanks to its Calvados maturation, but it’s actually quite spicy with clove and vanilla flavours at its forefront. It needs some time in the glass in order to develop some more fruity notes since the oak is pretty overpowering at the beginning. This is a really fantastic rum, but it requires patience or a couple of drops of water to reach its full potential. 90 points - therumbarrel.co.uk
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Foursquare Touchstone Exceptional Cask Selection Mark XXII 14 Year Old Full Proof Single Blended Rum (700ml)BARBADOS$219. 99Bottle$2639.88 DozenABV: 61%"...one of my favourite self-blends from Foursquare so far." - whiskyfun.com
A collaborative project, 'Touchstone' represents the 22nd release in the Exceptional Cask Series, created from a marriage of rums double-aged in ex-Bourbon and ex-Cognac casks for a total of 14 years. It consists of two components. In January 2019 Foursquare acquired ten casks from Camus. The famous cognac producer shipped them to the Caribbean in order to “explore the possibilities of maturing Cognac on the ocean and under the tropics”. A year later in early 2020, the casks were emptied and and the cognac was shipped back to France. The vessels were filled with a 2008 vintage pot and column still blend and 12 year old ex-bourbon cask rum, then aged for almost three years before being blended with another 14 year old rum. This became the first component of Touchstone.
The second component was a pot and column still blend aged for 5 years in ex-Bourbon casks and 9 years in ex-Cognac casks. If it all sounds a bit convoluted, this is basically a blend of double matured blends - or to put it another way - a Single Blended Rum (rum from a Single Distillery with Pot and Column elements) employing both light and heavy marques. Richard Seale of Foursquare is well known for implementing complicated methods in order to achieve different combinations and flavour profiles. As usual the distillation, maturation and bottling has all been performed on site at Foursquare Distillery, Barbados, with the result landing at a potent 61% ABV, absent of any adulteration or chill filtering. It's another one of a kind, limited release showcasing a truly unique approach to both rum blending and tropical ageing.
Other reviews... This is a complex blend of 12 yo Foursquare finished for 2 further years in Camus cognac plus 5 yo Foursquare further matured for 9 years in cognac as well. We continue to follow the rules of Scotch; less than three years is a finishing, beyond that, it's maturation. Yep. Colour: amber. Nose: I don't think Foursquare and good cognacs are very far apart from each other stylistically, which just means that the double maturation/finishing doesn't exactly feel as such, I mean as some flavouring. Everything seems to have merged into some spicy herbs and even flowers dipped into liquid caramel and fudge, nougat, pecans and vanilla. Some bourbons are close too, but that may be those 61% vol. Light varnish. With water: earths and tobaccos popping out, a little incense, cedarwood, touch of compost... Mouth (neat): admirably strong. Lovely citrusy liquorice and a little acetone, probably the high strength at play once more. With water: bingo, we tamed it. Citrus and sugarcane, tobacco, cardamom, black nougat, perhaps vine peaches from the cognac, geranium jelly, edible flowers, borage, wee pansies… Finish: long, a little more on burnt caramel and coffee. I hope no one will take umbrage if I mention Starbucks' Frappuccino. Comments: one of my favourite self-blends from Foursquare so far (but we are eagerly awaiting an 8, 10, or 12-year-old ex-pot still – you say that exists?) The cognac doesn't really come through as cognac, in my opinion. 91 points - whiskyfun.com
...All in all this perhaps isn’t one of the best ECS rums that has been released. Having said that it is still better than probably 90% of most distilleries production. I am very much judging these releases almost in a class of their own now. I am probably being far more critical than maybe I should be…….this is still a very good rum! If you can get a bottle, buy a bottle. At this point in time I would say that about any ECS release. 4.5 stars - thefatrumpirate.com
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Foursquare Covenant Exceptional Cask Selection Mark XXIII 18 Year Old Full Proof Single Blended Rum (700ml)BARBADOS$199. 99Bottle$2399.88 DozenABV: 58%Foursquare's oldest distillery released bottling to date.
This very old blend of traditional column and pot still rums, tropically aged for a whopping 18 years exclusively in American oak ex-Bourbon casks represents the 23rd release (Mark XXIII) for the Exceptional Cask Selection series and is the oldest distillery released bottling on record. Based on rums distilled in 2004 and 2005, a decade in cask led to it being vatted, then after a considered reduction in alcoholic strength, it was re-casked for a further eight years before bottling at 58% ABV without added colour or chill filtration. Very limited stocks.
- 2011 Foursquare Exceptional Cask Selection 12 Year Old Full Proof Single Blended Rum (700ml)BARBADOS$189. 99Bottle$2279.88 DozenABV: 60%
“To drink Foursquare Rum, one must only possess a dream of tasting some of the finest things that money can buy…” -Warren Bobrow, Forbes.com
For those serious about rum, Foursquare needs no introduction. Within an industry dominated by corporations, marketing hype and additives, the distillery has become a byword for classic Caribbean styles. Master Blender and Distiller, Richard Seale continues to fight for transparency in production and labelling. His talent and drive led noted drinks authority, Fred Minnick to describe Foursquare as "the Pappy of rum." The Exceptional Cask Selections are the personal passion of Seale, often delivering the kind of purity, poise and elegance at 60% that leans towards XO cognac. Give these sensational spirits time to breathe in order to experience them at their best.
The 24th release (Mark XXIV) for the Exceptional Cask Selection series is a 2011 vintage blend of traditional column and pot still rums aged for 12 years in ex-bourbon barrels and bottled at a high strength of 60% ABV. As with previous editions, this represents the most unique and coveted rum from the distillery. Seale's commitment to purity is maintained with no added sugar, colouring, or other additives and zero chill filtration.
Notes from the importers... a bouquet of caramelised grapefruit, dark cocoa, butterscotch, clove, and allspice, then morphing into notes of sandalwood, brine, overripe pineapple, candied banana, and molasses, with hints, in the background, of apricot and plums. The palate is big, expressive, and rich, serving up, amid the almost unctuous unfolding, an array of tropical fruits and dried berries; there is an intricacy here, too, a kind of embroidered quality, with notes of black tea, citrus peel, and baking spices all making themselves felt. The finish is dry and lengthy, with a marvellous and subtle tannic quality.
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- Limit One per customer
Foursquare Isonomy Exceptional Cask Selection 17 Year Old Single Blended Rum (700ml)BARBADOS$220. 00Bottle$2640.00 DozenABV: 58%"...one of the best ECS releases to date. Probably the best in the ex-bourbon only line up. If you can find a bottle then you won’t be disappointed." - thefatrumpirate.com
The 20th release in the ECS series and at seventeen years, it's the oldest on record. Isonomy is a 2005 pot and column still blend of rums aged in ex-bourbon casks. The way these releases are routinely selling out, happy hunting if you don't get in quick! 58% Alc./Vol. Very limited stocks.
Other reviews... Seventeen years, that's a proper age! This is a 'single blend', so batch + column, so I suppose we shouldn't expect the same kind of knack this time. As for the name here, I would suppose the next bottling will be named 'Democracy'. We cannot wait… Colour: amber. Nose: the tropical aging starts to feel, with some thicker tar, more concentrated flower essences, whiffs of sandalwood, even incense, garam masala… It's as if at this age, the pot-still part would be winning over, although this remains delicate and 'kind of lighter'. Well, after the White, they're all going to be lighter. With water: flowers and varnish, honeysuckle, acacia... Mouth (neat): caramel, curry, allspice. With water: indeed, fudge, Frappuccino (apologies), hazelnut liqueur, even Bayley's (renewed apologies), and triple-sec. The column is having the upper hand this time. Finish: medium, easier, sweeter… And moreish. Comments: I don't think you could really beat the white LFT, but we're close. I hope they are keeping some mature 'pure' pot-still FS for later. 89 points - whiskyfun.com
...a lovely big nose which will hold your attention for quite some time and is well worth spending time with before the sip. Sipped Foursquare Isonomy is a big, more complex version of the 2004 and 2005 ECS releases. The extra years in the barrel have certainly added an extra layer. It is more rounded and fruitier. It still retains a lot of features of the 2004 and 2005 – the Bourbon esque spicy oaky notes and the big vanilla flavours but it is has also added an extra depth. It’s slightly more velvety. A lttle easier to drink even at the 58% ABV. It slips down nicely the initial entry is oaky but quickly mellows into the fruitiness and vanilla flavours. The mid palate shows an array of oak, fruit and dark chocolate notes. This leads into a long and very well rounded finish which just goes on and on....... Maybe in hindsight, it would be fun to re-review every ECS and try and rank and rate them. However, I do think that they quality has remained pretty consistent and I’d be surprised if I ever re-visited them and felt they had somehow become inferior. Maybe some of the lower ABV early releases, might suffer slightly but I tend not obsess over ABV too much. It doesn’t concern me as much as some I find. I can still enjoy 40% ABV sippers. This is one of the best ECS releases to date. Probably the best in the ex-bourbon only line up. If you can find a bottle then you won’t be disappointed. 5 stars - thefatrumpirate.com
- 2010 Foursquare Exceptional Cask Selection 12 Year Old Full Proof Single Blended Rum (700ml)BARBADOS$199. 00Bottle$2388.00 DozenABV: 60%
"The quality coming out of this distillery now is nothing short of staggering." - rumratings.com
Another testament to Richard Seale's prowess as one of the rum world's best blenders has arrived. Collectors will already be aware that the Exceptional cask series consists of just three annual releases. The quality is usually outstanding - the only problem is that the outturns are tiny. The 21st iteration hits all the right notes for savvy rum drinkers, with some considering it to be one of the best in the series to date - the team at rumratings.com aggregating an unusually high score of 9.2. Molasses-based, pot and column distilled and aged in ex-Bourbon casks for 12 years in the tropical climate of Barbados, Mark XXI comes bottled at 60% ABV without any additions. Very limited stocks.
Other reviews... The quality coming out of this distillery now is nothing short of staggering. Tell me where you can get this level of sipping spirit experience for similar money? The only downside is how limited it is, if you want to buy one off the shelf there is no comparison sadly as even Doorlys 14 doesn’t come close :( - rumratings.com
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- Limit Three per customer
Foursquare Sovereignty Exceptional Cask Selection 14 Year Old Single Blended Rum (700ml)BARBADOS$199. 00Bottle$2388.00 DozenABV: 62%For anyone seeking high quality 'malternatives' without breaking the bank, look no further than Barbados's Foursquare Distillery. Three exceptional cask selections are put out annually and word has got around. These now move out in a steady stacatto. We've secured small volumes of "Indeliable" and "Sovereignty". The latter marks the 19th addition to the Exceptional Cask series and is a patriotic tribute to Barbados severing ties with the British crown, removing Elizabeth II as the symbolic head of state and becoming a republic as of November 2021. The liquid itself is a heady mix of two distinct single blended rums: One full-term matured in x-Bourbon barrels and a second double-matured - specifically, three years in x-Bourbon barrels followed by eleven years in x oloroso sherry casks. Reportedly, Sovereignty shows significant layers with Foursquare's typically impeccable balance – citrusy and fruit forward, complexed by oxidative and nutty characteristics, no doubt due to the sherry influence. Bottled at 62%, it is the 'big gun' release for 2021, and as standard, comes without filtration or any additives. Collectable.
Other reviews... Sovereignty is another fantastic rum. Sherry casks can sometimes be overpowering and muting to me. Not in this case. It’s strong but so well integrated, resulting in a rum that has a lot of depth. I tasted it in Barbados and really liked it. Turns out I still do, even when I’m drinking it in Canada. It might sound somewhat repetitive, but this might be the best sherry/bourbon cask Foursquare rum I’ve had. The only competition for that title are the Master Series 1, a private cask selection that was exceptional and Patrimonio. It's getting busy at the top! You’d do well with any of these. - rumrevelations.com
Notes from the producers... Initial Impressions:Full flavored and complex. Sovereignty shows significant layers with impeccable balance - citrusy and fruit forward while having complex oxidative and nutty characteristics. Aroma: Notes of grapefruit peel, with dark fruits - cherries & blackberries, followed by dark chocolate, cashews, caramelized pineapple and pipe tobacco. Palate: Bold and complex - citrus & fruit notes; pomegranate, toasted almond, hazelnuts. With hints of toasted baking spices - cinnamon & clove. Finishes dry and lightly tannic with rich caramel, tobacco and over ripe pineapple notes lingering.
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- Nick's Import
2009 Foursquare Exceptional Cask Selection 12 Year Old Full Proof Single Blended Rum (750ml)BARBADOS$165. 00Bottle$1980.00 DozenABV: 60%For those serious about rum, Foursquare needs no introduction. Within an industry dominated by corporations, marketing hype and additives, the distillery has become a byword for classic Caribbean styles. Master Blender and Distiller, Richard Seale continues to fight for transparency in production and labelling. His talent and drive led noted spirits authority, Fred Minnick to describe Foursquare as "the Pappy of rum." This is the seventeenth Exceptional Cask Release since the original 1998 edition. These releases are the personal passion of Seale. Typically around eleven to twelve years old and bottled around the 60% ABV mark, the 2009 is an 'all-natural' (nothing added) blend of pot and Coffey distilled molasses rums, delivering the kind of purity, poise and elegance at 60% that leans towards XO cognac. Full-term matured in Barbados in 1st, 2nd and 3rd fill ex-Bourbon barrels, the flavour profile follows the aromas in a complex, seamless integration of banana bread, baked pineapple, mango, dried figs, coconut, wild honey and sweet spices that powers on at remarkable length. There is barely a trace of burn from the alcohol, the finish finely balancing the sugars with notes of cigar box, pepper and molasses cake. It feels utterly effortless from beginning to end. Give this sensational rum time to breathe to experience it at its best. Very limited stocks.
Other reviews... Wow! Surprised this hasn’t had a full house given to it yet so here is one from me. This is better than the 2007, and as good as the 2008. Different yes, more subtle, less burn and dangerously easy to sip. Richard Seale is a genius. 10/10 - rumratings.com
- 2008 Foursquare Exceptional Cask Selection 12 Year Old Full Proof Single Blended Rum (700ml)BARBADOS$189. 99Bottle$2279.88 DozenABV: 60%For those serious about rum, Foursquare needs no introduction. Within an industry dominated by corporations, marketing hype and additives, the distillery has become a byword for classic Caribbean styles. Seale continues to fight for transparency in production and labeling. His talent and drive led noted spirits authority, Fred Minnick to describe Foursquare as "the Pappy of rum." This is the thirteenth Exceptional Cask Release since the original 1998 edition. These releases are the personal passion of Richard Seale, Foursquare's current Master Blender and Distiller. Typically around eleven to twelve years old and bottled around the 60% ABV mark, the 2008 is an 'all-natural' (nothing added) blend of pot and Coffey distilled molasses rums, full-term matured in Barbados in 1st, 2nd and 3rd fill ex-Bourbon barrels. Extremely limited stocks.
Other reviews... Look for intense aromas of prunes, dried cherries, maple syrup and burnt sugar with more subtle notes of roasted banana. This rum is buttery on the palate, with an interesting complexity and rich fruit flavor of dark berries, vanilla, praline, cinnamon spice and black pepper. There's quite a long fade, with savory qualities coming through. Savor it a while and notice how the flavor evolves over time. 92 points - distiller.com
Foursquare Rum Distillery 2008 delivers everything it promises on the nose and then some more. Without samples to hand I wouldn’t like to rank and rate the series. This is no disappointment. It might even be the best example of this “expression” we have had so far. Another instant classic from Foursquare. - thefatrumpirate.com
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2019 Habitation Velier Long Pond Cask Strength Jamaica Pure Single Rum (700ml)JAMAICA$280. 00Bottle$3360.00 DozenABV: 60%In 2016 Velier launched the Habitation Velier portfolio - the world’s only range of Pure Single Rums. These are rums from a single distillery, distilled exclusively in pot stills. Complex and typically more suitable to long ageing, Velier's selections are entirely matured in the tropics, ensuring a natural, though accelerated development of flavours at the expense of a higher angel's share (>22%).
Always highly anticipated, Long Pond has become a Jamaican reference point for rum enthusiasts. This youthful edition was distilled from molasses in 2019 and aged for three years. It's worth noting that after closing from 2012 to 2017 for renovation, the Long Pond distillery was almost destroyed by a flash fire that sarted in the cane fields. It ravaged the fermentation room and fresh rum stocks (approximately 65,000 litres were destroyed). In that context, we're lucky to have received this rum at all. The flames spared its famous John Dore stills and no less legendary Blair column stills, prized for capturing the deeply mineral, empyreumatic and medicinal character for which this magnificent ester-rich marque is so well-known. 1200 bottles are on offer globally. No sugar has been added. 60% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... "I love it! A fine rum with balance and elegance on the palate and finish, but you have to be patient and disregard the first nose. It probably lacks age, but I definitely like Long Pond." - rum-x.com
"Overall, a beautiful, wild Long Pond, which also makes a good figure in the Mai Tai." - rum-x.com
Notes from the bottlers... Nose : Rich, heady. The incredible first nose is empyreumatic (apricot kernel, turpentine, diesel), exotic (persimmon, mango, guava), oxidative (balsamic vinegar, macerated fruit) and syrupy (hot cane sugar). Allowed to breathe, fragrances of vetiver, lavender honey, lime and jasmine give an idea of the breadth and complexity of the aroma palette. Palate : Taut, lively. On the attack, notes of petrol and very ripe mango appear alongside chocolatey and spicy (ylang ylang, clove, saffron) flavours. On the mid-palate, roasted pineapple and plantain banana juicily and smoothly enrich the flavour palette’s exotic register. The even fruitier end of the palate reveals notes of peach, pear, kaffir lime and coconut. Finish : Long, concentrated. The powdery finish (cocoa, rice pudding, grated ginger) is remarkably soft. The slender end of the finish gives its own take on the exotic register of the nose and palate. On the retro-nasal olfaction, a vanilla, spicy (cinnamon, ginger) and herbaceous (sugar cane) cane sugar spreads across the palate. The empty glass is in turn medicinal (elastoplast), camphoric and mellow (artichoke heart).
- 2021 Habitation Velier Papa Rouyo Rhum Agricole Guadeloupe Pure Single Rum (700ml)GUADELOUPE$199. 00Bottle$2388.00 DozenABV: 62%
Martinique, Guadeloupe and the adjacent island, Marie-Galante represent the very heart of Rhum Agricole. While they may lack the global footprint of molasses-based rum, rigorous regulations and strict adherence to high-quality production standards make it hard to find anything less than stellar examples out of Martinique and the lesser known Guadeloupe. Velier's Luca Gargano selected this expression from Papa Rouyo distillery (established 2021) located in Goyave in Guadeloupe, and bearing the nickname of Charles Albert Ruscade. Born in 1900, he was the son of a cane planter and became a farmer himself from 1920 until his death in 1980. It's from this heritage that the idea of creating a micro-distillery in his name was born in the minds of three cane planters: Papa Rouyo's great-grandson, Joris Galli, as well as master growers Tim Synésius and Jean-Marie Gobardha.
According to Velier's classification, this distillate is Pure Single Agricole - that is, from a single distillery, distilled exclusively in pot stills. An ester content of 67.9 g/hlap has been achieved using a variety of cane called Matos (B80.0689) grown on the distillery's original (and historic) four hectare plot named 'Le Moule', situated on the limestone-clay soil of eastern Grande-Terre plateau. Synésius, who is one of the distillery’s “maîtres-canniers”, ensures the canes are hand-harvested before being crushed on-site. A long fermentation and a double distillation allow a particularly intense aromatic extraction, resulting in a pungent and multi-faceted agricole with vegetal notes alongside lime, olive, dried herbs and brine that will add a vivaciousness to cocktails. Nothing was added before bottling, only a reduction was done with Saint-Claude spring water. Distilled in 2021. 62% Alc./Vol. Very limited stocks.
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2016 Habitation Velier Hampden Diamond H Jamaica Cask Strength Pure Single Rum (700ml)JAMAICA$255. 00Bottle$3060.00 DozenABV: 62%Velier have released another Hampden marque in the series: 'Diamond H' (also noted as '<>H'). At 900 and 1000 gr/HLPA after distillation, this is a typical example of a high ester style , though less extreme compared to its predecessors HGML and C<>H. We tasted a 10ml sample alongside Hampden's 47% 'LROK'. This is almost twice as intense offering compelling aromas of shellac and funk giving way to fruit bread, pineapple pudding, icing sugar and plantain (amongst other notes). It boasts a super pure, high definition 'tropicality' with an almost sappy, briney, agave-like edge and bittersweet flavours of cocoa, semi-ripe mango and papaya continuing the theme at length. Aged entirely in Jamaica for five years in ex-bourbon barrels with an angel's share of 40%, it's another complex, powerful and evocative Hampden that will appeal to both rum purists and collectors. 62% Alc./Vol. Very limited stocks.
Notes from the bottlers... Nose : Intense and concentrated. Pineapple, black olive, notes of star anis. Palate: Full-bodied and refined. Banana, almond paste, acetone. Overall : Empyreumatic and deep. Citrus fruit, notes of hydrocarbon.The Velier company was founded by the Chaix family in 1947. From 1953 to 1983, this small traditional company located in the port of Gênes, specialised in the importation and distribution of wines, champagnes and spirits. In 1983, then aged 25, Luca Gargano acquired shares in Velier. Under his influence the company began specialising in the importation of exceptional spirits to be supplied to the most prestigious establishments in Italy. In the early 1990s, Luca Gargano heard rumours of a mythical, quasi-legendary stock of St James Rum that had supposedly been distilled at the end of the 19th century. Eventually he discovered proof that this stock, distilled in 1885 and bottled in 1952, did indeed exist. And in 1991, following lengthy discussions, Luca finally managed to acquire the entirety of this stock, which he then released on the Italian market. These selections of rums have since multiplied and led to a myriad of Velier selections.
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2007 Habitation Velier Worthy Park 10 Year Old Cask Strength Jamaica Rum (700ml)JAMAICA$199. 00Bottle$2388.00 DozenABV: 59%Worthy Park Estate is an historic Jamaican distillery that re-opened in 2005. Habitation Velier are releasing their rums in conjunction with WP, so strictly speaking, these are not independent bottlings, rather more like a joint business venture.
This ten year old 100% Pot still rum is a result of the third distillation since re-opening. Aged in ex-bourbon barrels and bottled in late 2017, notable here is the designation 'WPL' on the label which stands for 'Worthy Park Light', meaning it's a relatively low ester rum. Habitation Velier are also now emphasising the Worthy Park title, rather than using the still names (e.g. 'Forsyths', as on the 2005 and 2006 editions). Extremely limited allocation. Tasting note: [20ml sample] Deep honey gold. Initial nosing finds subtle scents of icing sugar, liquorice root and peppercorns; Second pass is more intense, expressive and complex, now picking up oily, resiny aromas as well as raw sugar, banana cake, rolling tobacco, wild honey wavering between drier notes of lead pencil and plantain. Unfolds in the mouth in a tsunami of cocoa, unrefined sugar and vanilla countered by pineapple and caney freshness. Ends zesty, grassy, finely astringent, prolonged. Exceptional. Best Worthy Park to date. 59% Alc./Vol. - 2009 Habitation Velier Last Ward 9 Year Old Cask Strength Barbados Rum (700ml)BARBADOS$199. 00Bottle$2388.00 DozenABV: 59%Habitation Velier are building a reputation as 'The House of Pure Single Rums', releasing in conjunction with various Caribbean distilleries. Strictly speaking, these are not independent bottlings, rather more like a joint business venture. Each "Pure Single Rum" is meant as an expression of each distillery’s unique still, as pictured on the labels. This now very rare Barbados edition was produced at the famous Mount Gay distillery in a triple-distillation pot still. As such, it's the first rum in the three-hundred-year history of the distillery to be produced exclusively via a pot still. A marrying of nineteen of the oldest barrels available to Velier at the time, ten years of tropical aging saw a whopping 64% of the rum lost to evaporation. Finally bottled at barrel proof, unfiltered, sugar free, and completely aged in ex-bourbon barrels on site, this historic release should be on every collector's short list. (The name is a tribute to Frank Ward and his family, who owned and ran the distillery for over a century before it was acquired by Remy Cointreau). 59% Alc./Vol.
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2013 Habitation Velier Foursquare 2 Year Old Cask Strength Barbados Rum (700ml)BARBADOS$160. 00Bottle$1920.00 DozenABV: 64%Consistently praised as a producer of some of Barbados's finest rums, the Foursquare distillery is also the home of famous brands like Doorlys and R.L. Seale. This all natural bottling from Velier was 100% pot distilled and bottled in 2015 after brief maturation in x Cognac barrels. Tasting note: Bright gold. A few off notes, but builds nicely with a powerful bouquet reminiscent of wild honey, cinnamon and brandy sauce. Second pass finds nuances of clove, ginger bread and dark chocolate. Oily and warming with medium-sweet, spiced fruit cake flavours, along side honey and light molasses. A beautifully balanced and surprisingly elegant rum that shows amazing control and maturity for its youth.
64% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered. - 2010 Habitation Velier Monymusk EMB 9 Year Old Cask Strength Jamaica Rum (700ml)JAMAICA$210. 00Bottle$2520.00 DozenABV: 62%Habitation Velier are bulding a reputation as 'The House of Pure Single Rums', releasing in conjunction with various Caribbean distilleries. Strictly speaking, these are not independent bottlings, rather more like a joint business venture. Each "Pure Single Rum" is meant as an expression of each distillery’s unique still, as pictured on the labels. This edition is from Jamaica's Clarendon Distillery (est.1949), home to about 5-6 column still marques and about 20 pot still marques. Amongst these is Monymusk. Named after a bygone sugar plantation, the brand has only been around since 2012. Velier's is distilled in a single retort pot still, resulting in a powerful, fruity rum with esters around 270 gr/hpa. Like all the Velier rums, it is entirely aged in the tropics, bottled at barrel proof without chill filtration or added caramel or any other element. Very limited stocks. 62% Alc./Vol.
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2006 Habitation Velier Forsyths 11 Year Old Cask Strength Rum (700ml)JAMAICA$185. 00Bottle$2220.00 DozenABV: 57.5%Worthy Park Estate is a historic distillery in Jamaica that re-opened in 2005.
During the second year of distillation, 25 barrels of the high ester WPM marque were bottled in a unique, unrepeatable release. This is it: 100% pot still rum from estate grown molasses bottled 11 years later at natural strength, with zero additives and entirely aged in the tropics in x Bourbon barrels. Extremely limited allocation. Tasting note: Beautiful deep amber - topaz colour. Highly aromatic, drier nose-feel is also compellingly pure, with golden syrup, raw sugar and dried grass-like notes developing dried mango / apricot, vanilla, caramel and sweet oak. Entry is bittersweet suggesting liquorice strap and golden syrup. Mid palate turns softer, creamier bordering on luxurious. Finish melts across the tongue, closing caney / grassy then oaky, nutty, spicy yet remarkably fresh. Near zero burn. Resonates over ten minutes with echoes of molasses and ripe tropical fruits. Exceptional. 57.5% Alc./Vol. - 2007 Habitation Velier Last Ward 10 Year Old Cask Strength Barbados Rum (700ml)BARBADOS$199. 00Bottle$2388.00 DozenABV: 59%Habitation Velier are building a reputation as 'The House of Pure Single Rums', releasing in conjunction with various Caribbean distilleries. Strictly speaking, these are not independent bottlings, rather more like a joint business venture. Each "Pure Single Rum" is meant as an expression of each distillery’s unique still, as pictured on the labels. This now very rare Barbados edition was produced at the famous Mount Gay distillery in a triple-distillation pot still. As such, it's the first rum in the three-hundred-year history of the distillery to be produced exclusively via a pot still. A marrying of nineteen of the oldest barrels available to Velier at the time, ten years of tropical aging saw a whopping 65% of the rum lost to evaporation. Finally bottled at barrel proof, unfiltered, sugar free, and completely aged in ex-bourbon barrels on site, this historic release should be on every collector's short list. (The name is a tribute to Frank Ward and his family, who owned and ran the distillery for over a century before it was acquired by Remy Cointreau). 59% Alc./Vol.
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2011 Habitation Velier Hampden LFCH 7 Year Old Cask Strength Jamaican Rum (700ml)JAMAICA$189. 99Bottle$2279.88 DozenABV: 60.5%Built in 1750 and sought after for its powerful, estery, pot-distilled spirit, the Hampden estate is renowned for possessing the best cane lands in Jamaica producing the highest tonne sugar from tonne cane milled. LFCH is a new marque created in 2010, identifying rums with a 200-250 Gr/hpla ester count, which means you can expect a very fruity style. This youthful Velier was distilled in 2011 and bottled in 2018 with almost half lost to evaporation. Extremely limited stocks. Tasting note: [15ml sample] Deep gold. The stunning cognac-like bouquet is a creamy melting pot of fruity-oily complexity unfolding as lanolin, dates, dried figs, white chocolate, bush honey and banana bread. Incredible restraint at 60% with a charge of molasses, baking spices and dried banana leading into fresher, caney/grassy notes to finish. Cocoa, all-spice, molasses and hints of curry leaf through the prolonged aftertaste. Worth it for the nose alone. Superb. 60.5% Alc./Vol.