La Marielita Rum Aged 18 Years

Extremely fine rum, well-aged, elegant, with hints of brandy in the bouquet, as is often the case with good, long-aged rums. Dense body in the glass; medium intensity and harmonious nose, with fruit, ground wood, flowers, herbs, vanilla, and sweet spices. Strong and warm start on the palate, with a light and somewhat oily texture. Notes of apricot, fruit, nuts, white pepper, and pine.

I've been buying this rum for nearly two years. It's my go-to for drinking neat and for giving to relatives and friends. It's flavorful, sweet, deep, and has very little burn at the end. Even my boss, who has been a rum enthusiast for years (drinking Pilar's, Dos Maderas, El Presidente), fell for this one so hard that I buy it for him on his birthday. It's money well spent.

This rum feels luxurious, with a rich, sweet, and velvety texture. It might be a touch excessive, but given it contains "no additives or artificial flavorings," it's deceptively enjoyable.