Review #1057; Rum #385

This sample was provided to me by a producer, distributor, or some other industry source free-of-charge, La Maison and Velier in this case. 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.

I have had few opportunities up to this point to try Long Pond that has been tropically aged or is on the higher end of the ester count. I was surprised and delighted when this sample was in my box from LM&V. Let’s see how this 15 year old STCE holds up.

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Distillery: Long Pond

Bottler: Habitation Velier

Region: Jamaica

Still: Pot Still

ABV: 61%.

Cask Type: Ex-bourbon Oak, 15 years in Jamaica

Marque: STCE (550-700 gr/hLPA)

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Nose: Motor Oil, Grapefruit, a bit of sweat, orange peel, hydraulic fluid, passionfruit, mango

Palate: Thick oily mouthfeel, sweat, hydraulic fluid, passionfruit, grapefruit, banana, orange peel, allspice, mango

Finish: : Long finish, passionfruit, black tea, hydraulic fluid, grapefruit, orange peel, motor oil, allspice

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Conclusion: Ahhh, what an excellent rum. It nails that awesome industrial / fruity profile I love that I haven’t experience in a Jamaican rum before, at least not this heavily. This is incredible and the rum has taken the 15 years of tropical ageing very well. It’s powerful so an ounce at a time would leave me pretty happy for an evening but what an awesome rum from Long Pond.

Final Score: 91

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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.