Did I just type "Myers's"? Is that a typo? It is not. It is a concession to tradition that proves that modern marketing monkeys are not allowed on the property. Good!
I will always remember my dear Grandfather's single concession to alcohol, Myers's Original Dark Rum - with its now famous, amber glass flask-type bottle, and old fashioned, 1920's label featuring, what else - a stack of rum barrels, sugar cane and an old distillery. A rum from his era - when he drove one of the early, wooden spoked touring cars (a 1917 Owens Magnetic, currently garaged in a Pittsburgh museum). I have little doubt that he came upon Myers when he moved to Puerto Rico to house his growing coffee roaster business.
Dear Grandpa. I will always own a bottle. The reviews:
Sue Sea:
Me:Long before our rum tasting began, I remember one of our trips to the Keys when we stopped at an old bar for some cafe cubano - when Jim scanned the bar, spotted the ubiquitous Myers bottle and ordered a shot, neat, with a chaser. Then raised his glass and toasted the man he loved and revered. A memorable moment and portent of things to come.
I found Myers surprising. It's dark amber, take no prisoners bottle was NOT designed by the marketing department. You think "Is this medicine? Can I handle this 'full-bodied' rum?".
In the bottle it looks black - but in a tasting glass it's a more typical dark amber, swirls thick and with solid, slow legs. I was expecting to nose a strong alcohol, but to my surprise, I found a very pleasant light, almost grassy, reedy aroma with light vanilla in the background. Some coffee or perhaps hazelnut, and a solid, deep raisin. Myers's taste was consistent with notable raisin. The finish was a smooth lingering peppery, full-mouth warmth.
All said, I was surprised how smooth Myers was, much more pleasant than I thought, not syrupy, not clingy. A nice smooth, warm rum.
I will agree with Sue Sea up to point, the finish. It is well to remember that Myers is a very traditional Jamaican dark rum. Pot stilled and retaining lots of spicy clout. I too was impressed by Myers's initial aroma: light and sweet, yes a bit reedy (!), some light alcohol. Nose deep and you get a wonderful deep sweet coffee-molasses. This rum is indeed full-bodied and consistent, and does feature a deep raisin. The finish is quite peppery and warm, a real full-mouth finish. You glow. Myers leaves a tobacco aftertaste.
Sue Sea and I will part company on the finish. She found it smooth, I found the astringent, almost bitter end palate and tobacco ending a bit much. Of course Myers is a well accepted mixing rum that no respectable mixologist can afford to be without. Is Myers sippable? Yes, but only if its finish and aftertaste appeal to you. Try it.
Score for sipping (10 is best): solid 5.
Note: Again, if you do vote please do post and share your uses of Myers for mixed drinks...
