Review #650; Rum #129: Privateer Distillers Drawer Respite

This is a distiller drawer from New England rum producer Privateer. Distillers drawer releases are experimental interesting single casks that are picked each year and released. This release, Respite, was distilled on a column still, aged for 2 years 11 months before being bottled with no additives. In addition to that it was put into the barrel at a lower proof point than their usual casks.

ABV: 52.4%

Nose: Pungent, Rich. Cocoa, Caramel, Leather, Black Pepper, Crème Brule,

Palate: Medium oily mouthfeel, Caramel, Faint leather, black pepper, dark chocolate, orange peel, Crème Brule,

Finish: Medium length finish. Black Pepper, caramel, orange peel, slight nuttiness, dark chocolate, black tea

Rating: 7/10

Depth of good flavors, leaning on the dessert side with a nice touch of leather and oak to really bring it all together. New oak does well with distillate and I think the low entry proof helped to develop a great range and depth of flavors in this bottling. A real winner in my book.

1 | Disgusting | So bad I poured it out.

2 | Poor | I wouldn’t consume by choice.

3 | Bad | Multiple flaws.

4 | Sub-par | Not bad, but better exists.

5 | Good | Good, just fine.

6 | Very Good | A cut above.

7 | Great | Well above average

8 | Excellent | Really quite exceptional.

9 | Incredible | An all time favorite

10 | Perfect | Perfect