Review #1051; Rum #379
A few years ago the Aficionados group had a chance for a collaboration with Fine Drams. Several casks of very old tropically aged Jamaicans were up for sale due to a broker that went out of business on the island of Jamaica. I was asked to be on the panel and so I accepted and helped taste through the set. I want to disclose to be as transparent as possible. I can assure you I receive no money on this, in fact it cost me money to buy all these rums! Now on to the rum.
Please note that due to pandemic related delays the age on the labels is slightly off.
Distillery: Clarendon
Bottler: Fine Drams
Region: Jamaica
Still: Pot Still
ABV: 68.5%.
Cask Type: Ex-Bourbon, 22 Years in Jamaica, 3 years in Denmark
Price: $95.00
Nose: Sharp, Raspberry, Passionfruit, Pineapple bark, Star anise, black tea, leather, tobacco leaf
Palate: Thick oily mouthfeel, Passionfruit, Raspberry Jam, Star Anise, black tea, tobacco leaf
Finish: : Long finish, Passionfruit, Raspberry jam, Star Anise, leather, Orange Peel
Conclusion: This is another winner for me. In my rankings this came in 2nd to the 1995 Clarendon but is still quite delicious. This is far more fruit forward and brighter, with touches of spice and leather throughout that tie it together. The oak is well managed and helps bind the sweetness with a savory backbone.
Final Score: N/A
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 