Chairman's Reserve The Forgotten Casks Rum

I really, truly want to believe the story behind this, not due to the tragedy, but just because of the immense history and iconic nature that these so-called "forgotten casks" have been through. Plus, I was hunting for another good rum, and the tasting notes on this align well with my palate. Lots of age here, good barrels used, too, so what could go wrong? That's a great, deep color. Like caramel mixed with molasses, and just a bit of water to give it the translucency. This does have a bit of that sweetened, old earth smell to it, which pairs nicely with the aged sugar base that most rums adhere to. The barrel character is also on the nose in the form of vanilla, and just a wee bit of tobacco. As it's always worth mentioning, the scent (and likely the flavor) are bound to suffer due to the very low proof. As I pull away from the glass, I get just a touch of tropical fruit wafting in. The caramelized sugar enters the palate first, but this is expected. The wet earth flavor, not unlike some scotches have, is also present, but backed by oak and a small note of tropical fruit; very well mirrors the nose. The harsh characters described, like tobacco, vanilla, and caramel, are not really present in anything other than a placebo. The age time seems to have imparted the oak flavor well, but again, due to being watered down to 80 proof, this takes away the richer notes that can be more easily distinguished on the palate when there is less water present. As with most rums, the finish of bananas foster is present, but slightly heightened from the longer age. This is a fairly tasty rum. The price point is pretty steep, but honest and fair if the story behind this is true. It can stand up equally to being served neat or in cocktails, but you wouldn't want to mask the flavors too much. The palate on this one isn't too unique, but it's far too expensive to throw into a tiki-inspired drink with 12 ounces of different fruit juices to the 2 ounces of rum.

You get brown sugar and molasses first, followed by a Coca-Cola funk and band-aid/rubber/iodine. At the end you get some ashy smoke. The finish lasts long and is smoky and sweet. This is a really great rum for the price. If you like rum from Guyana and Barbados, and also whisky (Scotch) from Islay and Campbeltown then this is right up your alley. I'd even compare it to the El Dorado 12, but this one is less sweet but more smoky and Scotch-like. All in all it's an amazing rum!

I really wanted to like this bottle, but I ultimately challenged my boss to a drinking competition I neglected to participate in. Mahogany in color. Obnoxious aromas of imitation vanilla, sour, fetid banana, brown bread. Cloying flavors of brown sugar, sugar syrup, banana bread, cinnamon, mace. Decent length on the finish for 80 proof. However, why anyone would pay $50+ for this, is a mystery. This is tragically bad rum likely riddled with sugar

Aromas of caramel, tiramasu, dark fruit, and other nice things. The palate has a little oaky bitterness, but also sweet, featuring dried dark fruits and a lot of oak. The finish is a little dry and astringent. Overall it's OK, but it's not particularly memorable, and there are non-memorable rums I find far more enjoyable.

Gentle pineapple, hint of honey, and faint floral aromas. Tastes really good! Pineapple is the main flavor that sticks out for me. Texture is more watery than syrupy. Works well in a mixed drink but given the price it would be a waste to hide it in too many ingredients! Rating based on neat sipping.

After a pleasant floral nose when I pop open the bottle, this rum has a slight sweetness and a stronger oakiness that stays with me to the finish. On previous occasions I have had notes of vanilla and caramel. I rather enjoy this rum. It was worth the effort tracking it down.