Review #1051; Rum #379
A few years ago the Aficionados group had a chance for a collaboration with Fine Drams. Several casks of very old tropically aged Jamaicans were up for sale due to a broker that went out of business on the island of Jamaica. I was asked to be on the panel and so I accepted and helped taste through the set. I want to disclose to be as transparent as possible. I can assure you I receive no money on this, in fact it cost me money to buy all these rums! Now on to the rum.
Please note that due to pandemic related delays the age on the labels is slightly off.
Distillery: Clarendon
Bottler: Fine Drams
Region: Jamaica
Still: Pot Still
ABV: 68.3%.
Cask Type: Ex-Bourbon 22 Years in Jamaica, 3 years in Denmark
Marque: EMB 240-250 gr/hLAA
Nose: Sharp, Raspberry, Passionfruit, Pineapple bark, Star anise, black tea, leather, tobacco leaf
Palate: Thick oily mouthfeel, Passionfruit, Raspberry Jam, Star Anise, black tea, tobacco leaf
Finish: Long finish, Passionfruit, Raspberry jam, Star Anise, leather, Orange Peel
No score given due to being involved in selecting this
This is another winner for me. In my rankings this came in 2nd to the 1995 Clarendon but is still quite delicious. This is far more fruit forward and brighter, with touches of spice and leather throughout that tie it together. The oak is well managed and helps bind the sweetness with a savory backbone.