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