I've always been enamored of BTI (the Beverage Tasting Institute). Yes, their reviews are flowery and unapproachable for even the advanced rum tasters. But at least they review, compare and report on ALL the rums. And their methodology and the bell curve of their results merit credibility.
If a rum scores 90 or higher with BTI, you'd better take note:
Here's the current list:
Free and deserved plug: BTI Link98 • English Harbour 1981 Rum $230.
Deep amber copper color. Fantastical rich aromas of warm chocolate pudding, caramelized bananas, pears, and nuts, maple are mesmerizing and follow through on a plush, vital entry to a dry-yet-fruity full body with superb depth, balance, and intricacy. Finishes with a seemingly endless flourish of evolving, oak driven flavors of caramel, tobacco, leather, and spice. An Olympian aged rum. (tasted on Jun-29-2010)
98 • El Dorado 21 Year Old Finest Demerara Rum $75.
Copper color. Rich mocha, toffee, pipe tobacco, and brown spice aromas. A rich, satiny and vibrant entry leads to a smooth, dry-yet-fruity full body of toffee, coffee, and brown spice flavors. Finishes with a seemingly endless, sweet nutty fade with evolving layers of tobacco, chocolate, and spice. A monumental aged rum that is one of the world's greatest rum drinking experiences. (tasted on May-24-2007)
96 • Cruzan Single Barrel Rum $31.99.
Lustrous deep amber color. Rich, resonant aromas of fresh creme brulee, nutty melted toffee, dried tropical fruits, and delicate brown spices follow through on a lush, satiny entry to a dryish medium-full body with superb depth, smoothness, and balance. Finishes with evolving, elegant reprise of caramel, vanilla, fruit , tobacco, and spice. An opus of an aged rum that hits all of the high notes. (tasted on Jun-29-2010)
95 • Ron Zacapa Centenario 23 Year Old Rum $40.
Copper color. Sweet, peppery spice and dried tropical fruit aromas. A round, supple entry leads to a glycerous, slightly sweet medium-full body of brown sugar, dried cherries, guava, pineapple, cinnamon, and caramelized roasted nuts. Finishes with a sweet, light molasses and ashy mineral fade. A nice, supple, and surprising sweet aged rum. Should mix brilliantly, or enjoy as an after-dinner sipper. (tasted on May-24-2007)
95 • Mount Gay Extra Old Rum $34.
Dee amber copper color. Rich aromas of dried coconut, banana and raisins, caramel buttercream, toasted pecans, and brown spices follow through on a round, vibrant entry to a slightly tannic, dry-yet-fruity full body with cascading waves of toffee, oak, and spice flavors and a long, lingering fade. A fantastic, world class aged rum for slow contemplation. (tasted on Jun-18-2008)
95 • Zafra Aged 21 Years Master Reserve Rum $39.99.
Rich burnished amber copper color. Polished aromas of dried stone and tropical citrus fruits, melted toffee, vanilla, mossy river stone, and spice cake have a distinct high toned bourbon barrel quality and follow through on a smooth, satiny entry to a dry-yet-fruity medium-full body with superb depth and poise. Finishes with a long, evolving cascade of tobacco, leather, cocoa, cedar, nut, and earth nuances. An elegant, seamless aged rum for contemplative sipping, or top shelf cocktails. (tasted on Jun-30-2010)
94 • 9 Casks 8 Year Old Oak Barrel Aged Rum $39.99.
Golden amber color. Aromas of mocha, creme brulee, buttery toffeed nuts, and gentle brown spices follow through on a round, supple entry to a dry-yet-fruity medium-full body with great depth and vibrancy. Finishes with a long interplay of creamy vanilla, dried stone and citrus fruit, mossy stones, and gingery, peppery spice. A lavish and lively well aged sipping rum that will also work wonders in crafty cocktails. (tasted on Jun-29-2010)
94 • Mount Gay Extra Old Rum $34.99.
Rich amber copper color. Lush aromas of dark chocolate, toasted coconut, caramelized nuts are inviting. A round, satiny entry leads to a rich full body of toffee, brown spices, ripe banana, and creamy vanilla flavors. Finishes with a long, sensuous fade of warm chocolate, cream, and bourbon barrel oak. A hedonistic delight with wonderful depth of flavor and complexity. (tasted on May-24-2007)
94 • Centenario Fundacion XX Años Reserva Especial Rum $39.99.
Deep amber copper color. Baked banana, roasted Brazil nut, and star anise aromas. A round, satiny entry leads to a glycerous off-dry full body of hot spicy nuts, cinnamon bark, banana custard, and tobacco flavors. Finishes with a long, sweet toffee and spice box fade with powerful pepperiness. Impressive. (tasted on May-29-2007)
94 • Plantation 20th Anniversary Extra Old Aged Rum $60.
Rich copper color. Bold aromas of coconut creme pie and creme brulee follow through on a rich entry to a fruity medium-full body with layers of dried tropical fruits and sweet baking spices. Finishes with a spicy praline, cherry, and toasted coconut fade with spicy cedar and leather underneath. A mildly sweet, very flavorful and appealing aged rum for sipping or fruity cocktails, especially piña coladas. (tasted on May-14-2009)
94 • Sergeant Classick Gold Rum $19.99.
Brilliant golden amber color. Robust aromas of fresh tobacco leaf, cocoa, dried cherry, raw sugar, and new suede follow through on a rich entry to an oily, very dry light-to-medium body with creme brulee crust, oiled leather, and dark roasted spice nut notes. Finishes with a long cigar box, saddle leather, singed cane stalk, and peppery spice fade. Outstanding rich, dry, and rustic-yet-elegant character that will bode well for sipping or crafty cocktails. (tasted on Nov-21-2008)
93 • English Harbour Reserve 10 Year Old Rum $50.
Burnish amber color. Caramel, mocha, creamy banana custard and spice aromas follow through on a supple entry to a dryish medium-to-full body with very good depth and balance of flavor. Finishes with nutty praline cookie, dried fruit , and lavish baking spice on the long fade. Excellent and stylish. (tasted on Jun-29-2010)
93 • Rhum Clement Premiére Canne Rum $28.99.
Clear. Grilled pineapple, guava, banana blossom, and faint mineral aromas. A silky, soft entry leads to a buoyant, dryish medium body of waxy pear, roasted tropical fruits, white pepper, and sweet brown spices. Finishes in a gentle yellow-green banana and banana leaf fade with wet gravel, powdered sugar and pepper notes. A very complex and flavorful white rum. Remarkable! (tasted on Jun-13-2007)
93 • Rhum JM Rhum JM Vieux 1997 Rum $90.
Brilliant amber color. Sweet anise cookie, vanilla, banana raisin compote, and toffee aromas. A lively and silky entry leads to an off-dry full body of caramelized roasted nuts, figs, raisins, vanilla bean, and peppery brown spice flavors. Finishes with a long, warming fade of burnt sugar, cigar box, sweet spices, graphite, and pepper. An energetic aged rum with a great mix of dried fruit and spicy oak flavors. (tasted on Jun-13-2007)
93 • Rhum JM V.S.O.P. Rum $49.
Deep amber copper color with an olive rim. Perfumed dried peach, apricot, sandalwood, and spicy golden raisin compote aromas. A soft, supple entry leads to a spicy, dryish medium-full body of caramelized roasted nuts, brown spices, suede, and melange of dried summer fruits and raisin. Finishes with a warming, palate-enveloping fade of fruits, nuts, and rich peppery spices. A delicious and intriguing dark rum that will make a big impression in any cocktail with its spicy oak influence. (tasted on Jun-13-2007)
93 • Don Q Grand Añejo Rum $54.99.
Deep amber color. Rich aromas of salty butter roasted nuts, toasted coconut, dried orchard fruit, orange marmalade, and mocha follow through on a supple, satiny entry to a dry-yet-fruity full body with rich evolving layer flavors. Finishes with a very long, engaging fade of fruits, wood, spice, tobacco leaf and slate notes. A complex and classy sipping rum. (tasted on Jun-22-2010)
93 • Rubi Rey Reserve Rum $21.99.
Clear. Flax, whipped cream, mineral, and faint fig aromas. A supple, soft entry leads to a creamy, off-dry medium-to-full body of peppery spice, sweet coconut cream, toasted nuts, and honeyed fig flavors. Finishes with a long coconut custard, sweet spice, and pink peppercorn fade. A sexy and delicious white rum that will shine in cocktails. (tasted on May-07-2008)
93 • Flor de Caña 4 Year Old White Rum $11.99. Best Buy.
Clear with a blue nickel cast. Aromas of bananas and nuts in cream with a touch of stalk. A smooth entry leads to a supple, dryish medium body of clean banana custard, walnut oil, coconut cream, and powdered sugar flavors. Finishes with a nice dry, mineral, plantain, toasted nut, and warm peppery wave. Nicely put together and will make an excellent mixer. (tasted on May-22-2008)
93 • Diplomatico Reserve Blanco Rum $29.99.
Bright aromas of toasted coconut, whipped cream, and roasted nuts follow through on a silky entry to a dryish medium body with excellent depth and balance. Finishes with a long, creamy, smooth, and grassy cane, mocha and peppery spice accented fade. A delicious character loaded white rum for artisanal cocktails. (tasted on Jun-02-2010)
93 • El Dorado 3 Year Old Cask Aged White Rum $14.99. Best Buy.
Clear. Vibrant aromas of toasted meringue, coconut custard, hazelnut cream, and malted milk chocolate toffee follow through on a silky soft entry to a dryish medium body with nice sugar cane, molasses, and honey roasted nut notes. Finishes with a long, grassy, earth sugar cane, mineral, and custard fade. Excellent depth and character that will make very flavorful cocktails. (tasted on Nov-21-2008)
93 • Old New Orleans Cajun Spice Rum $19.99. Best Buy.
Golden amber color. Bright spicy carrot cake aromas and flavors with a nice dash of dried cayenne pepperiness on the finish. Clean, flavorful and very clever in flavor and conception. Will make outstanding cocktails. (tasted on Jun-23-2010)
93 • Matusalem Gran Reserva 18 Rum $39.99.
Deep amber color. Delicate aromas of honeyed nuts, dried papaya, tobacco, cedar, and spice follow through on a silky entry to a dryish medium body with very good depth and balance. Finishes with a touch of buttercream, incense, and spicy oak on the long, drying fade. Elegant and dry. A great choice for cigars. (tasted on Jun-23-2010)
93 • Ron Santa Teresa 1796 Extra Aged Rum $39.99.
Deep copper. Rich aromas of mocha, toffeed nuts, polished wood, and brown spices follow through on a smooth supple entry to a dry medium-to-full body with excellent depth and graceful balance. Finishes with a long, tobacco and spice accented fade. A elegant and reserved aged rum. (tasted on Jun-30-2010)
93 • La Mauny VSOP Old Agricole Rum $48.99.
Deep amber-copper color. Deep wood driven aromas of baking spices, dried stone and citrus fruits, vanilla bean, and melted chocolate toffee follow through on a round, vigorous entry to a medium-full body with great depth and intensity of flavor. Finishes with a long, oaky, cane stalk and leaf, earthy mineral, Asian spice, and copper tang fade. An impressive mature agricole rum that balances spirit and oak beautifully. Enjoy in a snifter or stately cocktails. (tasted on Jun-29-2010)
92 • Bacardi Reserva Limitada Rum $84.99.
Light amber color. Attractive aromas of honey dried fruits, sweet spices, chocolate, and polished wood follow through on a supple entry to a fruity medium-full body with great depth, balance and smoothness. Finishes with a very long, tobacco, toffee and exotic spice accented flourish. A delicious robust sipping rum. (tasted on Jun-22-2010)
92 • Ron Abuelo Añejo 7 Anos Reserva Superior Rum $19.99.
Brilliant amber color. Rich nut and caramel aromas follow though to a complex leather, tobacco and caramelized nut palate with a silky even medium body and a long, rich wood spice and leather-accented finish. A must for cigars. (tasted on Jun-06-2007)
92 • Rhum JM Gold Rum $42.99/Liter.
Pure old gold color. Creamy anise cookie, caramel, nut, and dried fruit aromas. A gentle entry leads to a moderately off-dry medium body of caramelized nuts, brown sugar, brown spices, banana leaf, and mineral flavors. Finishes with a pleasantly sweet and spicy, dark caramel and warm raisin compote fade. A rich, fruity and spicy gold rum that displays impressively deep and complex flavors for the category. Serve with a splash of spring water to evoke the layers of flavor. (tasted on Jun-13-2007)
92 • Pusser's 15 Year Old Navy Rum $49.99.
Burnished copper color. Dense aromas of cooked molasses, chocolate yogurt, burnt sugar, clay, and copper follow through on a round entry to a dry-yet-fruity medium-full body with earthy depth and vibrancy. Finishes with an unusual hint of melon, as well as mocha, black licorice, raw honey, and tobacco wrapper notes. A complex and somewhat mysterious aged rum that speaks of a different time. (tasted on Jun-29-2010)
92 • Ron Abuelo Añejo 7 Anos Reserva Superior Rum $19.99.
Rich amber color. Robust aromas of brown spice, cigar box, and toffee follow through to a rich, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body with lovely praline and creamy vanilla notes. Rich, long fade. A sensual sipper and great value. (tasted on Jan-11-2008)
92 • Dos Maderas P.X. 10 Year Old Aged Rum $39.99.
Deep mahogany color. Very pure aromas of black licorice, molasses, and chocolate pecan pie follow through on a supple entry to a off-dry medium-to-full body with good depth and a cinnamon raisin toast, toasted almond, peppery spice, and delicate sherry accented finish. Interesting and fun. Try in avant-garde cocktails. (tasted on Jun-22-2010)
92 • Elements 8 Platinum Rum $34.99/700ml.
Clear. Creamy coconut custard and nougat aromas. A soft, satiny entry leads to a dryish, glycerous medium body of coconut creme brulee, delicate spices, and wet stone flavors. Finishes with a long warming fade with a hint of hay. A very nice nice smooth white rum for elegant cocktails. (tasted on May-15-2008)
92 • Elements 8 Gold Rum $34.99/700ml.
Deep burnished golden amber color. Rich aromas of caramel, dried sour cherry, peppery spice, and lacquered cedar follow through on a round, supple entry to a dryish medium body with interesting notes of salt water taffy, nutmeg, and banana leaf. Finishes with a long, fruity toffee, sweet tobacco, mineral ore, lacquer, and pink peppercorn fade. A golden rum with a lot of wood aged personality and captivating flavor. Will excel in cocktails. (tasted on May-07-2008)
92 • Ron Barceló Imperial Rum $28.99.
Bright amber copper color. Aromas of buttercream, dried cherries, pineapple marmalade, and caramelized nuts follow through on a silky entry to a dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body with great depth and balance. Finsihes with a frosted carrot cake, cola nut, mocha, and robust brown spice fade. (tasted on Jun-23-2010)
92 • Diplomatico Añejo Rum $14.99. Best Buy.
Bright pale amber color. Aromas of creme caramel, spiced nuts, and chocolate follow through on a satiny entry to a dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body with excellent dimension and integration of flavors. Finishes with long, smooth toffee, cherry tobacco and robust spice flourish. A delicious, brilliantly oaked sipping whisky that will add great depth to cocktails. (tasted on Jun-02-2010)
92 • Fariñez Ron Añejo Súper Premium Rum $44.
Amber color. Roasted nut, burnt sugar, banana, tobacco, rubber sap aromas. A buoyant entry leads to a dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body of vanilla custard cake, praline, smoldering tobacco leaf, date, and peppery spice flavors. Finishes with a fruity caramel, oak spice and tannin, and white ash mineral fade. An interesting, elegant aged rum with a fine balance of dry and sweet elements for sipping. (tasted on May-28-2008)
92 • Castro Aged Rum $42/700ml.
Copper color. Coffee candy, dark chocolate, dried pineapple and peppery spice aromas follow through on a soft, silky entry to a dryish medium-to-full body with accents of oily nuts, wet stones, and oak. Finishes with a vibrant dry-yet fruity fade of dried tropical fruits and cherries, toffee, and tobacco. A nice flavor ride that will make for carefree sipping or serious mixing. (tasted on Jun-18-2008)
92 • Ron Abuelo Añejo 7 Años Reserva Superior Rum $19.99. Best Buy.
Brilliant amber color. Lush aromas of coconut creme brulee, melted chocolate, roasted nuts, dried tropical citrus and baking spices follow through on a round, supple entry to a dry-yet-fruity medium-full body with tremendous depth and gusto. Finishes with a very long, evolving fade of coconut cream, banana custard, cocoa, tobacco and spice. A fantastic sipping rum, or use for sensational artisan cocktails. (tasted on Dec-09-2009)
92 • 3 Praias Agricole Rum $44/700ml.
Copper chestnut color. Rich aromas of baked raisin ginger compote, nutmeg, cinnamon, and carrot cake are attractive and sweet and follow through of a supple entry to a fruity medium-full body with accented of cola, dried mango, and pistachio brittle. Finishes with a long warming ginger spice cake like fade. Very nice, but verges on spiced rum. Try with cola. (tasted on May-28-2008)
92 • La Mauny 1749 Aged Argicole Rum $24.99.
Deep amber color. Classic agricole aromas of exotic honey, caramelized bananas, fresh meringue, and faint flinty, fuel-like minerality follow through on a silky, buoyant entry to a dryish light-to-medium body with excellent balance and elegant depth. Finishes with a long, starchy cane stalk and banana leaf accented fade with talc-like minerality and white pepper in support. A spot-on, lightly aged agricole rum that will be great in artisan cocktails. (tasted on Jun-29-2010)
91 • Hispaniola White Rum $11.99. Best Buy.
Pale silvery straw color. Interesting aromas of eggnog, dried cherries, whipped cream, and white chocolate-graham cracker smores follow through on a satiny smooth entry to a fruity-yet-dry medium-to-full body with exotic spice notes and a long, vanilla and cream nuanced finish. A fascinating, liquid spice cake of a white rum that is sure to stimulate and challenge cocktailians. (tasted on Jun-02-2010)
91 • English Harbour 5 Year Old Antigua Rum $20.
Minutely hazy amber color. Aromas of butter roasted nuts, dark caramel, chocolate and polished wood follow through on a round, chewy entry to a fruity medium body with excellent depth and smoothness. Finishes with a lightly spicy and nutty, molasses tinged fade. A delicious sipping rum. (tasted on Jun-22-2010)
91 • Rhum JM White Rum $36.99/Liter.
Clear. Banana custard aromas with a hint of nutmeg, mocha, and toffee. A lively, silky entry leads to a dry-yet-fruity medium-full body of raisins, figs, nuts, vanilla custard, and banana puree flavors. Finishes with a bold, warming wave of white pepper, spice and mineral flavors. A powerful, rustic, and richly flavorful white rum that will energize any cocktail. Needs a touch of water to tame the beast within. (tasted on Jun-13-2007)
91 • Ron Abuelo Anejo Rum $12.99. Best Buy.
Golden amber. Creamy vanilla and toasted coconut and custard aromas. A soft and very supple entry leads to an off-dry medium body of creme brulee, dried fruit, milk chocolate and delicate cola nut flavors. Finishes with a long toffee and sweet spice fade. A very sexy and instantly appealing dark rum. (tasted on Jun-13-2007)
91 • Ron Botran 1893 Solera Rum $30.
Rich copper amber color. Deep aromas of brown spices, cola nuts, figs, and toffee. A soft, satiny entry leads to a dryish medium-full body of toffee, exotic spices, mint, and sweet tobacco. Finishes with a long, spice and cigar box fade. A rich, balanced, and elegant style. (tasted on May-29-2007)
91 • Bacardi Bacardi 8 Rum $20.99.
Brilliant amber color. Reserved aromas of caramelized bananas and nuts, chocolate, clay, and delicate lemon polished wood follow through on a round, silky entry to a dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body with very good depth and vibrancy. Finishes with a lively, spicy, dried cherry, fig, tobacco leaf, and lacquered wood fade. Impressively flavorful and balanced. (tasted on Jun-22-2010)
91 • Real Carúpano "Oro" Ron Añejo $22.99.
Medium amber color with an olive rim. Rich aromas of toffee, coconut creme brulee, buttery toasted nuts, leather, and latex aromas. A round, vibrant entry leads to a rich, dryish medium body of toasted coconut and cream, brown spices, and toffee. Finishes with a long, creamy coconut and brown sugar fade. Deliciously flavorful, velvety smooth and instantly gratifying. (tasted on May-29-2007)
91 • Ron Abuelo Añejo Reserva Especial $12.99.
Rich golden amber color. Buttery caramel and roasted nut aromas. A soft, silky entry leads to a dryish medium body with praline, cocoa, and sweet tobacco flavors and a graceful, lightly pepper spice fade. A great mixing rum. (tasted on Jan-11-2008)
91 • Olo Premium Silver Rum $25.99.
Clear. Coconut water, meringue, olive, and faint petrol aromas. A soft, round entry leads to a dryish medium body of interesting cane, rubber sap, mineral and allspice flavors. Finishes with a pink peppercorn, orchata, and gravel fade. An earthy and fascinating agricole-like white rum that will make for interesting cocktails. (tasted on May-07-2008)
91 • Havana Club Añejo 7 Años Rum $24.99/700ml.
Brilliant amber color. Banana blossom, caramelized roasted nuts, earthy sea salt, dried fruit,cigar box, and creamy mocha aromas. A soft, gentle entry leads to a dry-yet-fruity medium body of sweet toffee, sweet tobacco, date, tobacco, and dried cherry flavors. Finishes with a pleasing warm and spice with a touch of rubber sap and minerals. Nice complexity, balance, and finesse. (tasted on May-22-2008)
90 • Rhum Clement V.S.O.P. Rum $34.99.
Rich saffron gold color. Creamy vanilla, warm caramel, exotic spice, and dried fruit aromas. A soft, silky entry leads to a buoyant, moderately off-dry medium-full of coconut and banana creme brulee, nut, and dried fruit flavors. Finishes with a long fade of melted sugar, coconut custard, peppery spices and delicate wet minerals. An elegant and exotic treat. (tasted on Jun-13-2007)
90 • Brinley Gold "Shipwreck" Spiced Rum $19.95.
Deep amber color with an olive gray cast. Vibrant aromas of creamy vanilla, butterscotch, and frosted caramel cake follow through on a round supple entry to a fruity medium-to-full body with pure, nicely integrated cinnamon bark and nutmeg seed spiciness and a long, lightly peppery fade. Very stylish and well made. (tasted on Jun-23-2010)
90 • Savanna Rhum Créol Sinlgle Cask $59/700ml.
Lightly hazy amber color. Bold chocolate mint, light camphor, nut fudge, and tobacco aromas follow through to a vibrant fruity full body with warm peppery spice and rubber sap, and cane stalk accents. Finishes with a touch of iodine, wet slate, Coleman's fuel, and hot peppers. (tasted on May-15-2008)
90 • Plantation 1998 Old Reserve Rum $35.
Rich deep amber color. Aroma of coffee, dark chocolate, and spiced nuts follow through on a round, supple entry to a fruity medium-to-full body with honeyed raisin and vanilla cola notes. Finishes with long, penetrating peppery spice and tobacco accented fade. A fruity, sexy aged rum. (tasted on May-08-2009)
90 • Mount Gay Eclipse Rum $17. Best Buy.
Deep golden amber color. Aromas of buttered raisin toast, spice, banana, and caramel. A soft entry leads to a dryish medium body of coconut cream, mashed banana, nutmeg and wet limestone flavors. Finishes with smooth, gentle caramelized nut and pepper fade. Tasty. (tasted on May-07-2008)
90 • Ypióca Toucano Rum $27.95/Liter.
Golden amber color. Banana bread, mashed fig, cracked pepper, and faint fuel-like minerality follow through on silky entry to a dry-yet-fruity medium body with honeyed sweetness, caramelized sugar cane, and delicate spice note. Finishes with a banana peel, mineral, and sweet spicy meringue fade. Excellent complexity and balance. (tasted on May-22-2008)
90 • Clarke's Court Spicy Rum $17. Best Buy.
Golden yellow color. Spicy nutmeg eggnog and white pepper aromas follow on a bold entry to a dryish full body of creamy nutmeg and hot white pepper, toasted nut, and mineral flavors. Finishes with a tongue and lip numbing fade. A brash, but very purely flavored spiced rum that will add a great spicy character, when used in moderation, to punches and cocktails. (tasted on May-01-2008)
90 • Ron Abuelo Añejo Reserva Especial Rum $12.99. Best Buy.
Bright golden amber color. Aromas caramel buttercream, toffee, and dried tropical citrus follow through on a soft, satiny entry to dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body with smoothness and elegant depth. Finishes with a long, leather, cherry, spicy pepper jelly, and cocoa accented fade. Brilliant. 90 (tasted on Dec-09-2009)
90 • The Old Mill Gold Rum $19.99.
Golden color with minute haze. Attractive aromas of coconut buttercream, cherry creme brulee, delicate ginger, and brown spices follow through on a soft, supple entry to a dryish medium body with nice depth, balance and viscosity. Finishes with a long, smooth, sweetened butter, polished wood, and nut fade. A very nice, smooth sipping gold rum. (tasted on Dec-09-2009)
90 • Old New Orleans Amber Rum $16.99. Best Buy.
Brilliant amber copper color. Aromas of floral honey, spiced pear and peaches, and buttery caramelized nuts follow through on a smooth, silky entry to a dryish medium body with very good depth, balance, and creamy smoothness. Finishes with a deft touch of banana peel, toffee, molasses, and peppery spice. Excellent vibrancy and character. (tasted on Jun-23-2010)
89 • Zaya 12 Year Gran Reserva Rum $29.99.
Rich copper brown color. Rich aromas of chocolate pudding and brownies, roasted almond, and lacquered wood follow through on a round, supple entry to a sweet medium-to-full body with raisin puree and sweet baking spice notes. Finishes with a and polished wood and toffee and pepper fade. Pretty sweet but very tasty. (tasted on May-08-2009)
