Review #1517; Rum #816
This sample was provided to me by a producer, distributor, or some other industry source free-of-charge. No compensation, outside of the sample, was received and there were no strings attached.
This is the 4th bottling of rums from the newer American Independent bottler Parhelia spirits. This rum comes from the Tahitian Import Export Distillery located in Tahiti. The rum was distilled from molasses on a column still, aged for 3 years in ex-bourbon at origin before aging for 2 years in Europe in an Ex-Texas Malt Whiskey Filled European Oak cask. Bottled at cask strength with no additives.
Distillery: Tahitian Import Export Distillery
Bottler: Parhelia
Region: Tahiti
Still: Column
ABV: 69.4%
Nose: Cinnamon, Allspice, Nutmeg, White Pepper, Toasted Brown Sugar, Raspberry, Soy Sauce, Bready
Palate: Thick Oily mouthfeel, Cinnamon, Soy Sauce, Raspberry, Toasted Brown Sugar, White Pepper, Bready, Apricot
Finish: Long Finish, Green Apple, Toasted Brown Sugar, White Pepper, Soy Sauce, Earthy, Bready, Apricot
This is up there as one of the more unique releases I have had. Kudos to Parhelia for bringing it in. Loads of soy sauce umami, bright bursts of fruit, a bit of breadiness and spice blend to really bring it together. Its like a BBQ assortment of flavors to me, with a wonderful soy sauce to help bring balance to the heavy fruits. Its excellent and quite the gem. It drinks well below its proof as well.
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.
