Review #564; Rum #83: Chairman’s Reserve Master Select 8yr 50/50 JD1/Coffey Column “K&L Select”

50/50 John Dore Pot Still and Coffey Column Still.

This St. Lucia distillery began bottling these master selects rather recently as a blend of their various stills and ageing. This one was tropically aged for 8 years before being bottled with no additives. This will kick off a little mini series on some Master Selects so let’s see how well they chose.

ABV: 54%

Nose: Faint industrial funk, raisin, licorice, raspberry, allspice, toasted brown sugar,

Palate: Medium oily mouthfeel. Licorice, raisin, slighty over-ripe fruit, banana, toasted coconut, allspice, black pepper, faint industrial funk.

Finish: Medium length finish, warm. Licorice, caramel, faint over-ripe fruits, allspice, black pepper

Rating: 7/10

Overall, this release is pretty great for me. A great amount of complexity, and its well balanced between the funky, slight industrial, licorice side and the fruity and spicy components. Each time I come in for a sip or a smell it seems like I pick up something different. Overall, a great start to this mini review series.

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