Samaroli Cuba 1998

I don’t really like rum. Not at all. The few I’ve had is like sucking on a sugar cube. Until I ran into a sample of a Caroni. That blew me away. Then I ran into a small sample of this beauty. First of all...because of our ( US) relationship with Cuba, you can’t even find it here. It’s theoretically “illegal”, just as in those cigars or anything else from Cuba (actually, you can pick up limited items from there as a tourist, but there’s no mass distribution). That label of “illegal” makes it even more sexier. But honestly, even if it wasn’t, this is right up there with the Caroni. Aroma is penetrating bouquet of brown sugar and berries. You get a thick mouthfeel, like the Caroni. And pipe tabacco, oak and berries. Whereas the Caroni has more complexity, like scotch, this has a more floral and tabacco taste. It’s just a matter of preference whether you like Islay ( Caroni) or Speyside (Cuban ). Too bad I’d never be able to buy a bottle. But am thankful I got a small sample to taste, and a pour to bring back home and have at a quieter setting at some point.