Privateer True American Rum Amber Reserve (Privateer Intl LLC, Ipswich, MA); 50% abv, $27.
Dark straw yellow/flax color; flawless purity. There’s a smokiness to this opening aroma that’s pipe tobacco-like, nutty, leafy/vegetal, and candied all at the same time in equal strengths; another six minutes of air contact introduce a parchment quality that mysteriously adds to the bouquet, even though it seems incongruous. Entry is peppery, surprisingly dry, slightly bittersweet, and even slightly sherried; midpalate is delicate, honeyed, gently sweet, spicy, cocoa-like, and polite. Finishes medium-long, spicy, biscuity (vanilla wafer cookies) and cake-like.
Spirit Journal Rating: 4 Stars/Highly Recommended
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