Review by: The Auditor
Review #1112; Rum #437
This is a bottling of rum from Jamaica by Holmes Cay, an American based independent bottler. This molasses based rum was distilled on a pot still at Long Pond, aged for 15 years in ex-bourbon in Jamaica before being bottled at high strength with no additives. The ITP marque from Long Pond is on the lower end of the scale for Jamaican rums, clocking in at 90-120 gr/hLAA.
Distillery: Long Pond
Bottler: Holmes Cay
Region: Jamaica
Still: Pot
ABV: 56%
Age: 15 years in Jamaica in Ex-Bourbon Cask
Color: Natural Color. Non-chill-filtered.
Nose: Raspberry, Star Anise, Vanilla, Guava
Palate: Medium oily mouthfeel, Raspberry, Star Anise, Vanilla, Guava, Oak Spice, nuttiness
Finish: Medium length finish, Star Anise, Tannic, black pepper, raspberry, nuttiness
Conclusion: This is a great rum. The fruits and cough syrup notes are nice and the oak is well integrated. This is a far departure from that version of this Lukas bottled at 73% abv. This is delicious, well balanced, and a great showing of “lower” ester Jamaican rums.
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.
Malt Runners 