Duppy Share XO

Nose: Notes of oak cask, mild hogo, dried dates and figs, tobacco, leather, caramel, vanilla, toasted coconut, dark cherries, dried cranberries, and raisins. A dry glass reveals mango and strawberry notes similar to Duppy White rum. Palate: Begins with a refined, dry, fruity arrival that smoothly transitions to a sweeter, more fresh-fruit-forward development. Dangerously easy to drink! Hints of light baking spices, coconut, golden syrup, vanilla, and sweet cinnamon. The texture is pleasantly coating but not heavy. Finish: Medium. Lightly spiced dark fruits that persist. Reminiscent of Christmas pudding. Duppy Share is a rum brand from England recently introduced to the Australian market. It's readily available in UK supermarkets, but don't mistake it for a low-quality spirit. Their range includes four expressions, all sourced from Jamaican and/or Bajan distilleries, notably Worthy Park and Foursquare. This "XO Caribbean Rum" is a blend of aged dark rums from Barbados, primarily from Foursquare distillery (known for Doorly's). The components are reportedly 5, 8, and 12 years old, with a very subtle sugar dosage that's barely perceptible. Similar to the two previous Duppy Share rums reviewed, this is incredibly easy to enjoy neat. It also works well over ice or in mixed drinks, though it's a shame to dilute such a pleasant rum. In many respects, it resembles a slightly lighter version of Doorly’s XO. A very good rum, highly recommended. It's priced higher than other Duppy Share bottlings, entering a competitive category. Nevertheless, it holds its own, and I'm assigning it the same rating as their "Aged Caribbean" rum; both are excellent but possess distinct profiles. “Good”: 84/100 (3.75 stars)