Review #757; Rum #191: Holmes Cay Mauritius 15yr (2005)

This is a release from American Rum Independent bottler Holmes Cay. This comes to us from the Grays Distillery in Mauritius. It was distilled on 100% column still and aged for 15 years tropically in an ex-cognac cask before being bottled with no additives.

ABV: 50%

Nose: Raisins, Figs, Nutmeg, Tannins, Black Pepper, Heavy Cherry Cough Syrup, Menthol, Lemon Peel,

Palate: Medium Mouthfeel, Big Tannins, Black Pepper, Cherry Cough Syrup, Grapefruit, Lemon Peel, Nutmeg, Cinnamon

Finish: Medium length finish, Cherry Cough Syrup, Big Oak Tannins, Graham Cracker, Lemon Peel

Rating: 6/10

Overall, this is a very good rum, it is also unique. This is the 3rd rum from Mauritius I have had and 2 of them have been incredibly strange in terms of flavor. The only comparison I have is the XXX/6 on Fine drams, which was aged for 9 years in FF bourbon casks, whereas this was 15 years tropical in ex-cognac. This comes off showing that tropical ageing with loads of oak and black pepper, it has a very heavy star anise / cherry cough syrup that runs throughout the drinking experience as well. The fruits and spices in it are nice and make for an interesting mix of flavors. This unique release one would be a blast to show people how weird rum can get.

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