I recently ordered a bunch of small production rums from Astor Wines & Spirits in NYC. They have a really impressive selection, and after a few recent really great experiences with high end rum, I decided a little hands on research was warranted. Somebody’s gotta do it!!
Here are my notes with links to Astor’s much more in-depth descriptions and tasting notes. Cheers!!
Clairin Vaval
Very funky nose. Almost overripe fruit. Plasticy. Cat box? Yeast? Like the green vines of cane sugar. Soil. Not like forest soil. Jungle. Very hot. 50.5% alcohol. Added a few cubes. Very little residual sweetness on the nose or palate. Slowly the underlying sweetness shows itself ever so slightly. Molasses. Brown sugar. Overripe banana skins. Smooth mouthfeel. A bit bitter on the finish. Almost vegetal. Not expected. Some acidity and dryness on the finish. Maybe this is an acquired taste???
https://www.astorwines.com/SearchResultsSingle.aspx?p=2&search=38095&searchtype=Contains
Hamilton Jamaican Pot Still Black Rum
Noticeably sweeter nose. Dark colored, but surprisingly thin on the palate, not syrupy. Definitely has that molasses thing going on, toffee, coffee beans, underneath a layer of soaked / wet oak. There is a dark roasted element up front, finishes dry and very long. Sherry cask. Something funky mid-palate. A bit off-putting. Is this what real rum tastes like? Seemed to improve with ice / water.
https://www.astorwines.com/SearchResultsSingle.aspx?p=2&search=31300&searchtype=Contains
Hampden Estate Single Jamaican Rum
Lighter colored than the Hamilton. Smells of firewood, lighter fluid. Hot and complex on the palate sipped straight. Real depth to the nose. Milk chocolate. Candied cherry. Some brown sugar. Toffee. Wafers. With a little ice, really nice sweetness on the palate. Undoubtedly “the one.” Nice sipper on the rocks.
https://www.astorwines.com/SearchResultsSingle.aspx?p=2&search=40023&searchtype=Contains
What are your favorite rums?? Would love to hear your recommendations and share a glass some time!!
