Review #768; Rum #200: Rum Nation Savanna 17yr (2004)

This rum comes to us by way on European Independent bottler Rum Nation. Sourced from the Savanna distillery, this traditional rum (molasses) from savanna was aged for 12 years (ex-cognac barrels?) in the tropics before being moved to Europe for an additional 5 years of ageing in ex-whisky casks.

Also rum review 200 whew, what a boatload of rums to have reviewed up to this point.

ABV: 55.2%

Nose: Black Tea, Dark Chocolate, Black Peppercorns, Espresso, Orange Peel

Palate: Medium oily mouthfeel, Dark Chocolate, Black Tea, Espresso, Orange Peel, Black Pepper Corns, Figs, Touch of Leather

Finish: Medium length finish, Leather, Espresso, Dark Chocolate, Orange Peel, Black Pepper

Rating: 7/10

So as far rums go this is a strange one. The whisky cask seems to be doing a lot of the lifting here as you are swarmed by an assault of savory bitterish flavors that are tempered slightly by fruits and some spices. As weird, an experience as it is I actually kind of like it. It’s not something I would reach for all the time when wanting to drink some Savanna rum, but the flavor profile lends itself to want something with a bit of age and oak integration, but wanting to stick with the rum category.

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