Review #774; Rum #203: Samaroli Yehom Evolution Rum 2013

Samaroli is an independent bottler based out of Italy that usually selects Scotch. This bottling is a blend of rums from various distilleries and countries. The rums were vatted in 2009, and then aged in new American oak barrels until bottling in 2011. They are as follows

• Barbados 1996

• Barbados 2002

• Demerara rum 1988

• Demerara rum 1990

• Demerara rum 1998

• Fiji 2001

• Jamaica 1992

• Jamaica 2000

ABV: 45%

Nose: Caramel, toasted Brown Sugar, espresso, Cement Glue, faint industrial smoke, grilled pineapple.

Palate: Lighter mouthfeel, Toasted Brown Sugar, espresso, Cement Glue, Grille Pineapple, faint industrial smoke

Finish: Medium length finish, Toasted Brown Sugar, heavy espresso, black pepper, allspice, cement glue

Rating: 6/10

I did not expect to find this as good as it is given the proof, but it really is quite impressive. It has loads of layers, that burnt caramel smoke, the spices, the tropical fruits, the plastic / cement glue, the espresso, the toasted brown sugar. There is so much going on but it all meshes really well, no one component overpowers the other and they all play together well. The only knocks on this for me is the proof, as the 45 really takes away from the experience. I think bumping this up to 50-55 would really improve the experience and allow more of the rum flavor. A very good rum, if overpriced when it was available.

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