Review by: The Auditor
Review #1176; Rum #491
This sample was provided to me by a producer, distributor, or some other industry source free-of-charge. No compensation, outside of the sample, was received and there were no strings attached. You can read our full statement of Ethics & Transparency at this link.
This is a bottling of rum from American independent bottlers Raising Glasses who are based out of Massachusetts. This rum comes from Ecuador and was aged for 2 years in Ecuador and a further 6 years in the UK. It has been bottled with no additives and at a high proof.
5% of profits from this bottle goes to Yakuna.org, providing technology access for children in Ecuador
Distillery: Unknown
Bottler: Raising Glasses
Region: Ecuador
ABV: 69%
Nose: Vanilla, Butterscotch, Touch of White pepper, Orange Peel, Coconut, Honeydew
Palate: Medium mouthfeel, Vanilla, Butterscotch, White Pepper, Coconut, Orange Peel, Honeydew
Finish: Long Finish, Orange Slice, Coconut, White pepper, butterscotch, cinnamon
Conclusion: This is a very solid rum. The spice notes are really nice and linger for a good while. The vanilla and butterscotch are powerful and go well with the spices, it reminds me a bit of a savory cookie in some ways. The mouthfeel does not match the proof and I suspect it was distilled to a very high abv on a column still before being barreled. It’s a good profile if you like that but it doesn’t match some of the other exceptional rums I’ve had from South America. Nevertheless, this is a good example of that lighter style that has good flavor. I would also agree with the assessment to add water here as it brings out a good amount of those fruity flavors.
Final Score: 85
Scoring Legend:
- 95-100: As good as it gets. Jaw-dropping, eye-widening, unforgettable whisky.
- 90-94: Sublime, a personal favorite in its category.
- 85-89: Excellent, a standout dram.
- 80-84: Quite good. Quality stuff.
- 75-79: Decent whisky worth tasting.
- 70-74: Meh. It’s definitely drinkable, but it can do better.
- 60-69: Not so good. I might not turn down a glass if I needed a drink.
- 50-59: Save it for mixing.
- 0-49: Blech.
Malt Runners 