Review #874; Rum #252: Impex Collection Long Pond 15yr (2005) VRW

Impex Collection – Lond Pond 15yr (2005) VRW

This bottling comes to us from Independent Bottler Impex. This Jamaican rum comes to us from the Long Pond Distillery located in Jamaica. This is of the VRW Marque (Vale Royale Wedderburn) which was taken over by Long Pond from the Vale Royale distillery and clocks in at 150-250 Esters gr/hLAA. It was then aged for 15 years in oak before being bottled with no additives.

ABV: 52.2%

Nose: Star Anise, Black Pepper, Raspberry, Vanilla Cream, Guava, Mango, Toasted Coconut, slight Fennel.

Palate: Medium Oily Mouthfeel, Star Anise, Fennel, Guava, Raspberry, Black Pepper, Vanilla Cream, Passionfruit.

Finish: Medium length finish, Star Anise, Guava, Black Pepper, Allspice, Passionfruit, Vanilla Cream.

Rating: 7/10

This is a great offering of Long Pond rum. It brings great well balanced flavor that is enjoyable to drink that is also challenging. It’s a good level of challenge and intrigue without being a “High Ester” Jamaican rum. One of the best lower ester Jamaican offerings I’ve had and I will keep my eyes open for a 2nd bottling.

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