Down Island Paraguay 2016

Review by: The Auditor

Review #1180; Rum #495

Here we have a rum bottled by American independent bottler Down Island. This rum comes from Otisa Distilllery located in the Arroyos Y Esteros region. This rum was distilled from molasses on a column still and aged for 6 years in ex-bourbon casks in Paraguay. It was then sent to the Netherland for another 2 years of ageing before it was bottled in Florida at cask strength with no additives or chill filtration.

Distillery: Otisa Distilllery

Bottler: Down Island

Region: Paraguay

Cask: Ex-Bourbon

ABV: 62%

Nose: Caramel, Mint, Black Pepper, Orange Peel, Apple

Palate:  Medium mouthfeel, Orange Peel, Caramel, Mint, Black Pepper, Apple

Finish:  Baking Spices, Clove, Cinnamon, Mint, Black Pepper, Orange Peel, Apple

Conclusion: This rum is significantly better than my expectations coming in. I would have not have expected a column still molasses rum like this to just be brimming with these baking spices and fruit flavors. They really complement each other well, it’s like a savory apple pie in a bottle,

Final Score: 88

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.

Published by The Auditor

I have drank my fair amount of single malt but got started writing reviews about Single Malt and Bourbon in 2018. Over 1000 total reviews later and I focus mainly on Sugar Cane Spirits now. However, single malt is a still a spirits category I enjoy greatly as is Agave and Brandy. I wouldn’t go as far as to call myself an expert but I am the resident Rum obsessed writer for Malt Runners.

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