Habitation Velier Forsyths WP single Jamaican rum 2005

$24 for 1.5 ounces at Tail Up Goat. This specific bottle might be hard to find now, but craft presentation rums generally impress me. There isn't a large collector's market, making these bottlings for connoisseurs. You can trust that a cask strength rum with good label information will offer bold flavors and a memorable experience. This offers an oak-forward experience. The tree bark essence reminds me of Orphan Barrel Rhetoric. However, the sugarcane base and higher alcohol content complement the intense oakiness better than in an "over-oaked" bourbon. Everything about this rum aligns with its dark appearance. It's bold yet smooth, like a Cajun suitor, with heavy, intoxicating toffee, tree sap, molasses, black pepper, paprika, and apple cider. The finish features drying oak, a sting of hot pepper, and a funky, musky aroma. My warning is that it has a core of deep molasses battling intense woodiness. It could be an overwhelming experience, with the primary flavor profile being a conflict between sweet and bitter. The "WP" indicates this rum is from the Worthy Park Estate in Jamaica. Younger aged rums from WP might be more approachable and suitable for most occasions. This bottle states the rum was aged 10 years in the tropics, with over 64% lost to the angels' share. Compared to cask strength whiskies aged for extended periods in tropical climates, selling for hundreds of dollars from producers like Amrut and Kavalan, this example demonstrates that rum remains very reasonably priced. Score: ** (unbelievably good) Bottle cost: $75-120. Very difficult to locate. My assessed bottle worth: $150

The nose is dominated by a strong firework scent and doesn't seem very sweet. The palate is intensely alcoholic, with abundant firework notes alongside some sweetness. The heat is slightly burning. There's a mix of alcohol strength, rye, and a somewhat off-putting medicinal cola-like flavor. It lacks the refined execution of Zacapa 23 and Plantation Trinidad. While I desire less bitterness, the richness is pleasing. It has a funky quality. Adding water doesn't reduce the pronounced bitterness. The flavor depth is great, but the bitter intensity is a bit much. Still, it's good. It's very smoky with notes of sweet caramel and fruit, comparable to an Islay Scotch.

There's a lot happening here in a way I appreciate. It's quite heavy on the barrel with good levels of vanilla, caramelized banana, and baking spice. The profile is somewhat like a rum version of a single malt scotch. The aroma is strong enough to be detected from several feet away. It's a bit intense but not as much as most barrel-proof bourbons.

This is my preferred rum for sipping, earning it top marks among my collection (which includes several Foursquare releases). It's thick and viscous, with characteristic banana flavors. It's less intensely funky than high-ester WP offerings but still possesses enough character to be intriguing. It currently holds a permanent place on my shelf until something surpasses it.