Review by: The Auditor
Review #1117; Rum #439
This bottling was done by Down Island, a relative newcomer to the American Independent rum bottler scene. Based out of Florida, this is their 6 bottling released thus far. This one is an aged agricole rum that was distilled in Sainte-Marie Martinique in 2017 on a 19 plate column still. It was aged at the distillery for 4 years in ex-bourbon barrels then aged for a further 2 years in Europe before being bottled at cask strength with no additives or chill filtration.
Distillery: Saint James
Bottler: Down Island
Region: Martinique
Still: Column
ABV: 57.9%, cask strength
Age: 6 years in ex-bourbon, 4 in Martinique, 2 in Europe
Nose: Oak Spice, Leather, dark chocolate, black pepper, raspberry, Vanilla, Cinnamon
Palate: Thick oily mouthfeel, Leather, oak spice, raspberry, dark chocolate, a touch of sea salt, cinnamon
Finish: Long finish. Leather, Dark Chocolate, black pepper, raspberry
Conclusion: I am once again impressed with a Saint James single cask offering. It is heavy on the oak influence but I like it here, the heavy savory notes pair well with the bit of sweetness. The mouthfeel and finish are both exceptional as well and it drinks well at its proof.
Final Score: 91
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 