Review #1487; Rum #786

This rum was bottled by American independent bottler Down Island. This rum was distilled at the T.I.E. distillery in Punaruu, Tahiti. Molasses was distilled in a column still and put into a French oak cask where it aged for 3 years at origin. It then aged for another 2 years in England before being bottled, labeled, and released in Florida for the Mai Kai in partnership with the Florida Rum Society.

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Distillery: T.I.E.

Bottler:  Down Island

Region: Tahiti

Still: Column

ABV: 68%

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Nose: Grapefruit Skin, Minerality, Pepper, Orange Slice

Palate:  Medium mouthfeel, Vanilla, Pepper, Minerality, Grapefruit Skin, Plum, Caramel, Orange Slice

Finish: Medium length finish, Vanilla, Cardamom, Pepper, Caramel, Orange Slice

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Overall, this rum is very good. It has a nice minerality pop of fruits, some caramel and a bit of spice to round it out. Adding a bit of water brings out the grapefruit, plum, and even some orange slice a bit more. A very fun thing to try given I’ve never had anything from this distillery before.

Final Score: 85

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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.