Review #814; Rum #223: Holmes Cay Guyana Uitvlugt 18yr (2003)

This rum comes to us by way of American Independent bottler Holmes Cay. This Savalle still rum was created at DDL in Guyana. This rum was aged for 2 years in Guyana before spending the next 16 in the UK. It was then bottled with no additives.

ABV: 51%

Nose: Caramel, Star Anise, Toasted Brown Sugar, Guava, Mango, Caramelized Plantains, dark chocolate

Palate: Medium oily mouthfeel, Star Anise, Caramelized Plantains, Raspberry, Guava, Toasted Coconut, slight hydraulic fluid, dark chocolate

Finish: Medium length finish, tart Raspberry jam, Star Anise, Guava, Caramelized Plantains, Allspice

Rating: 7/10

This is a wonderful rum. Heavy on the tropical fruits, some spices thrown in, and a bit of that weird industrialness that makes DDL such a treat to drink. While not raising as high as some of the Port Mourants I’ve tried, this is quite a good bottle that is well managed oak wise given the age.

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