Review #879; Rum #256: Holmes Cay Long Pond 15 yr (2007) Lukas Selection

Holmes Cay Long Pond 15 yr (2007) Lukas Selection

This rum comes to us from American Independent bottler Holmes Cay. The rum came from the Long Pond distillery in Jamaica and consists of Molasses that is of ITP (their lowest Marque). It was aged for 15 years before being bottled with no dilution or additives for the Lukas liquor store.

ABV: 73.3%

Nose (Water): Grapefruit, Orange Peel, Pear Skin, Cinnamon, Licorice, uneven heat,

Palate (Water): Grapefruit, Orange Peel, Licorice, Cinnamon, Black Pepper, Mango, tanninc, uneven heat spikes.

Finish (Water): Tannic, Oak, Oak Fruity, Grapefruit,Licorice, Cinnamon, Black Pepper, uneven heat spikes.

Rating: 2/10

I hate to have to give something from Holmes Cay a score like this, but this is just one of the least favorite things I’ve had. I added a bunch of water to this and it brought out some fruit notes, which were nice, but even with a ton of water its searingly hot and god, the oak on this thing is staggering. It out oaks the 23yy Rest and Be Thankful Long Pond I reviewed recently. As far as this thing neat goes I was going to take some noes after my water added session, but it’s a closed off, hot, oaky mess. Some rums drink well below their proof and can be handled at very high abv’s. This is not one of them not even close.

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