Review #831; Rum #229: Travelers 15yr Sherry Finished “1981”

This rum comes to us by way of Travellers Distillery, Belize’s oldest rum producer in honor of their independence. This is some of the oldest rum the distillery themselves have released. This rum was laid down in 2005, aged for 15 years in ex-bourbon casks, then finished for another 6 months in ex-sherry before being bottled. It is the first limited edition release from the distillery.

ABV: 64%

Nose: Heavy fruits, raisins, figs, orange marmalade, toasted coconut, nutmeg, Oak Spice, Raspberry,

Palate: Thick oily mouthfeel, Raisins, Figs, Orange Marmalade, Toasted Coconut, Nutmeg, Vanilla Cream, Raspberry,

Finish: Medium oily mouthfeel, big Fig and orange marmalade, nutmeg, vanilla bean, toasted coconut, dark chocolate.

Rating: 7/10

This is a great rum. It bursts with flavor and fills the air with its heavy dark fruit aromas and spices. The Figs and orange really punch through, as does the coconut. An oily mouthfeel reveals more of the same with some vanilla cream and raspberry coming into the mix. It finished with a good dose of oak (thanks tropical ageing) that permeates the experience. This walks right up to the line of oaky and over sherried (will depend on how you feel about both). But sometimes you just want the sherried goodness and oak punch to the face. (The Oak and Sherry keep it from rising above great for me, but still what a rum release from Travellers).

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