Review by: The Auditor
Rum #1139; Rum #458
This rum is bottled by independent bottler Grander. This molasses based rum was distilled, fermented, and aged in Panama. It spent 10 years in ex-bourbon in panama before being finished for a year in an ex-islay cask and being bottled at cask strength.
Distillery: Las Cabras
Bottler: Grander
Region: Panama
Still: Column Still
Cask: Ex-Bourbon 11 years, finished in ex-islay for 12 months
ABV: 62.4%
Nose: Campfire Smoke, Vanilla, Dark Chocolate, Brine
Palate: Medium mouthfeel, ashy, campfire smoke, brine
Finish: Medium length finish, ashy, campfire smoke, brine, a bit of vanilla
Conclusion: This was a poor choice for finishing. I’m not sure that this was a good choice for a finishing cask. Islay casks are heavy (and I love peated scotch), But it takes a deft hand to balance an islay cask or have a big bold distillate that can hold up. I keep coming back to Privateer Sea Smoke 1 and 2, which are great examples of well managed Islay finished / aged rums. This one bludgeons the Grander flavor out of existence and this is almost all Islay notes.
Final Score: 72
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 