Chairman's Reserve The Forgotten Casks Rum

I really, truly want to believe the story behind this, not because of the tragedy, but simply because of the immense history and iconic nature that these so-called "forgotten casks" have experienced. Additionally, I was searching for another good rum, and the tasting notes for this align well with my palate. There's a lot of age here, good barrels were used, too, so what could possibly go wrong? That's a great, deep color. Resembles caramel mixed with molasses, with just a bit of water to give it translucency. This does have a bit of that sweetened, old earth aroma, which pairs nicely with the aged sugar base that most rums have. The barrel character is also on the nose in the form of vanilla, and just a tiny bit of tobacco. As it's always worth noting, the scent (and likely the flavor) are bound to be affected 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 to be expected. The wet earth flavor, not unlike some scotches have, is also present, but supported by oak and a small note of tropical fruit; very well mirrors the nose. The harsh characteristics described, like tobacco, vanilla, and caramel, are not really present in anything other than a placebo. The aging period 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 enhanced from the longer aging. This is a fairly tasty rum. The price point is quite high, 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 first get brown sugar and molasses, followed by a Coca-Cola funk and a band-aid/rubber/iodine scent. 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 enjoy this bottle, but I ended up challenging a friend to a drinking contest which I then failed to attend. Mahogany in color. Offensive smells of artificial vanilla, sourness, rotten banana, and brown bread. Overly sweet tastes of brown sugar, syrup, banana bread, cinnamon, and mace. Reasonably long finish for 80 proof. However, it's baffling why anyone would spend over $50 for this. This is a terribly bad rum, most likely loaded with sugar.

Aromas of caramel, tiramisu, dark fruit, and other pleasant elements. The palate exhibits a slight oaky bitterness, but is also sweet, featuring dried dark fruits and significant oak. The finish is somewhat dry and astringent. In summary, it's acceptable, but not particularly memorable, and I find many less memorable rums far more enjoyable.

Subtle notes of pineapple, a touch of honey, and delicate floral scents. Excellent tasting! Pineapple is the flavor that really stands out. The consistency is thinner rather than viscous. It's great in cocktails, but at this cost, it would be a shame to bury it with too many components! This score is for enjoying it straight.

Following a delightful floral aroma upon opening the bottle, this rum presents a subtle sweetness and a more pronounced oakiness that persists through the finish. On prior occasions, I detected notes of vanilla and caramel. I quite enjoy this rum. It justified the effort required to locate it.