Chairman's Reserve Spiced Rum

Ladies and gentlemen.. We have a winner! As a novice explorer of the rum world, I can confidently say this is one of the best spiced rums I've encountered. Even if you're not fond of sweet tastes, or you have a penchant for sugary treats... This rum is a must-try. How can anyone resist this at this price point? I can easily envision this being a go-to bottle for when I'm not in the mood for whiskey. It's also great in cocktails or for baking. Its quality enhances life, regardless of how you enjoy it. On the nose, it's very sweet and fruity with an underlying hint of citrus and cinnamon. On the palate, the sweet nectar aroma is dominant, with a cinnamon and cardamom aftertaste. The citrusy scent, however, doesn't make an appearance. An added benefit is the pleasant warmth it provides as it goes down.

Except for certain distilleries, I'm generally not a rum enthusiast. I find it excessively sweet or artificial. However, I needed a spiced rum for a French apple cake recipe. I purchased this one for $25, primarily because it appears to be infused with natural spices rather than artificial ones. The taste isn't bad… but it's not something I would typically buy. Sweet. Some vanilla and cloves. It seems designed for cocktails and mixers, not for sipping neat. But… the cake turned out incredible!

Very vanilla-forward, which is positive. Update: I enjoyed this at a restaurant, prompting me to buy a bottle, but it tastes completely different now, which is very confusing. The cinnamon is overpowering. I'm beginning to suspect the restaurant served me the incorrect rum. Update: Adjusting to the cinnamon. I wouldn't drink it all evening, but it's pleasant for a drink or two.

Aroma: Orange Peel • Coconut Taste: Orange Peel • Orange Blossom • Floral Finish: Coconut • Falernum • Clove I favor Chairman’s Spiced over Bounty Spiced, despite their similarities. Chairman’s Spiced includes orange peel, lime peel, coconut flesh, bitter tree bark, sour cherry, and wax apple. Its style is reminiscent of English rum.

Nose: honey and spice, sea air Taste: agave, cinnamon and allspice Finish: allspice and black pepper Not highly complex. Very straightforward. A respectable spiced rum with a maritime character.

This resembles Christmas mulled wine but with a slightly higher alcohol content and more prominent orange notes. It's sweet and easy to drink. An interesting selection for those who enjoy spiced rums.