Review #1526; Rum #825
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 5th single cask from new American Independent bottler Parhelia Spirits. This is a single cask of from the New Yarmouth distillery which is the least known of the major distilleries in Jamaica. They mainly make Wray and Nephew overproof but over the years some independent bottlings have made their way out of Jamaica.
This rum was distilled from molasses on a pot still in 2019. The distillate rested in an inert cask (my assumption) until being placed into a First-Fill Ex-Bourbon barrel in 2020. It then aged for 4 years and was bottled at cask strength with no additives. The rum is the NYE/HM marque, which clocks in at 500-700 gr/hLAA on the ester scale. For comparisons sake on raw numbers, that is equivalent to HLCF at Hampden Estate.
Distillery: New Yarmouth
Bottler: Parhelia Spirits
Region: Jamaica
Still: Pot
ABV: 68.4%
Nose: Buttery Popcorn, Vanilla, Salt, Grilled Pineapple, Allspice, Soy Sauce, Blackberry, Lemon Peel
Palate: Thick mouthfeel, Buttery Popcorn, Grilled Pineapple, Soy Sauce, Allspice, Salt, Blackberry, Lemon Peel
Finish: Medium Length Finish, Buttery Popcorn, Grilled Pineapple, Soy Sauce, Allspice, Blackberry, Lemon Peel
Love me some high ester rum, especially when its from a distillery I do not have a ton of experience with. Overall, I think this is pretty great. It’s quite strong with butter popcorn and pineapple, nice soy sauce umami, some blackberry and lemon brighten it up. It drinks well under its proof and retains a ton of character even after 4 years in cask.
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.
