Review #703; Rum #155: Holmes Cay Fiji Single Origin Edition

This is a release from US Independent bottler Holmes Cay. A new line of product for them this breaks the mold of their single cask line to bring in single origin, in this case from Fiji. This is a blend done in partnership with The Rumcast is a blend of lightly aged molasses based post and column still from from South Pacific distilleries with no additives.

ABV: 46%

Nose: Lemon Zest, Black Pepper, Vanilla, Honey, Slight Plastic,

Palate: Medium mouthfeel, Vanilla, Lemon Zest, Black Pepper, Slight Plastic, Orange Peel, Hay

Finish: Shortish finish. Honey, Bread, Lemon Zest, Black Pepper, Faint Plastic

Rating: 6/10

Good base flavors here, very savory with some faint industrialness and plastic balanced out by the bread and honey notes that it brings. In terms of Fiji offerings, they are generally divisive for me and this is one where I will be seeking out a bottle. It nails that balance of being good on its own, working well in a cocktail, and being at a proof that will not scare away anyone but is not so low to keep enthusiast away entirely. 46% should be the starting proof for many rums like this in my opinion. Overall a very good, well executed rum release.

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