Down Island Liberia

Review #1511; Rum #810

From American Independent bottler Down Island this is a rum from the Liberia. This rum was distilled at Sangarplay Distillery in Nimba County, Liberia. They used fresh pressed cane juice from the Saccharum Officinarum / Spontaneum hybrid can varietal. It fermented for 120 hours with Wild and Commercial  yeast and was distilled on a 60 gallon pot still once before being bottled with no additives or chill filtration.

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Distillery: Sangarplay

Bottler: Down Island

Region: Liberia

Still: Pot

ABV: 43%

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Nose: Rubbery, Coriander, Cumin, Minerality, Earthy, Brine

Palate: Medium Mouthfeel, Grilled Bell Peppers, Minerality, Earthy, Brine, Coriander, Cumin

Finish: Medium Finish, Grilled  Bell Pepper, Minerality, Earthy, Brine, Coriander, Cumin

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Rating: 7/10

For my first foray into this spirit, it is great. This flavor profile runs very vegetal forward and would not be out of place amongst a tasting of Mezcal if IM being honest. The grilled bell pepper notes stands out as the backbone here, minerality, a bit of earth and spice make for a savory forward rum. It punches well above its proof as well which is quite impressive.

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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