Review #1511; Rum #810
From American Independent bottler Down Island this is a rum from the Liberia. This rum was distilled at Sangarplay Distillery in Nimba County, Liberia. They used fresh pressed cane juice from the Saccharum Officinarum / Spontaneum hybrid can varietal. It fermented for 120 hours with Wild and Commercial yeast and was distilled on a 60 gallon pot still once before being bottled with no additives or chill filtration.
Distillery: Sangarplay
Bottler: Down Island
Region: Liberia
Still: Pot
ABV: 43%
Nose: Rubbery, Coriander, Cumin, Minerality, Earthy, Brine
Palate: Medium Mouthfeel, Grilled Bell Peppers, Minerality, Earthy, Brine, Coriander, Cumin
Finish: Medium Finish, Grilled Bell Pepper, Minerality, Earthy, Brine, Coriander, Cumin
For my first foray into this spirit, it is great. This flavor profile runs very vegetal forward and would not be out of place amongst a tasting of Mezcal if IM being honest. The grilled bell pepper notes stands out as the backbone here, minerality, a bit of earth and spice make for a savory forward rum. It punches well above its proof as well which is quite impressive.
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.
