Holmes Cay Monymusk 8yr 2014 EMB

Review #1042; Rum #370

Holmes Cay Monymusk 8yr 2014 EMB

Over the past week I have had the good fortune to try a couple of tropically aged rums from Habitation Velier from this distillery, why not try a similar bottlings from Holmes Cay. This rum, also from Monymusk / Clarendon, was distilled in 2014, aged for a full 8 years in Jamaica in ex-bourbon, then bottled with no additives. The mark on this bottling is EMB which falls between 240-250 gr/hLAA ester count. This mark was formerly produced at Bog Estate before it closed.

ABV: 61%

Nose: Over-ripe pineapple, star anise, cinnamon, mango, black tea, Floral

Palate: Medium oily mouthfeel, Mango, star anise, cinnamon, pineapple, black tea, vanilla, Floral

Finish: Medium length finish, mango, star anise, pencil shavings, pineapple, black tea, vanilla

Rating: 7/10

This is a great Jamaican rum. Though it may shock some folks, I don’t always need my face blasted off by the highest of esters. Though a “medium” ester rum compared to those, this is still higher ester than most rum out there. This is a delicious, fruity, slightly vanilla, and faint star anise rum that has enough oak structure and spices to make it a delicious package. This hits that sweet spot of complexity if you want it, but not punching you in the mouth to the point you can’t just enjoy a few ounces while hanging out.

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