Angostura 1919 Rum

Nose: French vanilla ice cream, cherry cola, ginger, caramel, honeysuckle, orange blossom water, and coconut. It bears some resemblance to certain bourbons. (Note: The dry glass has a surprising smoky aroma). Palate: It starts very sweet, but not with heavy molasses sweetness; it's softer and lighter. However, it might still be excessively sugary for some, feeling like being overwhelmed by cotton candy. It develops a spiciness around the tongue with cinnamon and orange peel before becoming mellow and warming. Finish: Vanilla, vanilla, vanilla... with spices and a hint of cocoa woven through the fairly short but pleasant finish. Some orange returns in the aftertaste. What an enjoyable rum – it evokes the image of a free-spirited young woman dancing on a beach. It's not a profound experience, and I understand why some might find it almost unpalatably sweet and heavy on vanilla (it genuinely tastes like vanilla extract was added). However, a light, sweet spirit can be very pleasant at times. It's smooth, incredibly sweet but not heavy, just spicy enough to be interesting, has no burn, and possesses a silky, alluring texture. Some rums are light and best for mixing. Others are serious, demand contemplation, and are best in small amounts or with a cigar to balance their intensity. This rum, though, can be enjoyed anytime (if you have a sweet craving). Think of it as a light, vanilla-flavored rum liqueur to get the idea. Average score: 78/100 (2.75 stars)

Nose: Vanilla, honey, apricot, and oak. Taste: Pepper is noticeable at the back of the throat; the palate has caramel, vanilla, honey, apricot, and white grapefruit. Finish: Lingering and causes salivation. Overall Impression: Nose: 3/5 Taste: 3.75/5 Finish: 4/5 Overall: 3.5/5 Repurchase: Yes Type: Daily Drinker

The aroma features molasses and prominent vanilla, of a high quality. I anticipated substantial sweetness on the palate given its origin, but it's only mildly sweet and concludes with an oaky bitterness. It's exceptionally smooth and easy to drink neat, though not ideal for a daiquiri. Arguably the smoothest spirit I've encountered.

Sweet butterscotch, molasses, subtle oak and vanilla, vibrant pineapple/tropical fruit, and a hint of tobacco. It's lighter and exhibits more fruitiness and a bit more depth than typical amber rums. It's a touch too thin for truly satisfying sipping, but it makes for an excellent mixer. It cost $48 in Ontario.

With smooth notes of vanilla and caramel, and a silky balance between an oily and watery consistency, I was captivated. It reminds me of Woodford Reserve: Distiller's Select, with its subtle smoothness and gradual development of flavors. However, I prefer Diplomatico.

I'm quite fond of this. It has vanilla and some subtle flavors but is easy to drink and mix. Some people mention fruitcake, and I can't explain why, but I agree. It works well as a mixer with lighter fruit flavors, like with an apricot or peach liqueur. Very approachable. Highly recommended.