Old Monk Very Old Vatted Rum

Warrants a much higher score than a "50". I can name multiple bottles costing more (old monk is $20) that taste considerably worse. Made in India, carries a 7-year age statement. Nose: Molasses-dipped candy reminiscent of Wethers original. Raisin, ethanol, cherry cough syrup, rich dulce de leche. Palate: Brown sugar, toffee, tamarind, root beer spices. Lacking body but still enjoyable. Finish: This is where I don't grasp the negative reviews--it goes down wonderfully! Whether neat or mixed, this beauty was delicious. The ethanol aroma is absent, and the thinness on the palate results in a smooth finish. Easily the top rum and cola rum I've experienced! I usually despise them, but online sources claimed it was perfect for this purpose, so I made a few. A few turned into a second, then a third bottle. It made a perfectly drinkable colada, though it seemed a tad too butterscotch/toffee-forward. I'm curious if batch variations are significant here? There's no way the spirit I've been tasting is a 50/100; an 80-83 range seems much more fitting.

I've kept this rum on hand for some time and drink it occasionally. Seeing it hasn't been evaluated in years, I decided to try it again. This isn't a sophisticated spirit for special events, nor is it a bland white rum suitable only for daiquiris or those unaccustomed to rum. It sits somewhere in the middle. I appreciate rum generally for its versatility with fruits and juices, and this one meets my expectations. I've mixed drinks like the St Croix Rum Fix and used it as a substitute for another rum. However, the dominant flavors are syrupy sweetness with maple and sugar. Considering its cost, it's a great value and mixes well with all the fruits I've tried. Still, it's too sweet for me when consumed straight or on the rocks.

This is a spiced rum with vanilla and sweet notes (I'm not a tasting expert). As a Sri Lankan, the flavor is quite similar to Rockland Dark Red Rum (it's probable Rockland copied their formula from this). However, Rockland (and most Sri Lankan rum/gin brands) is significantly smoother regarding the alcohol's intensity. Old Munk has that rapid kick typically found in less expensive spirits (like Extra Special Arrack) common in Sri Lanka.

This rum isn't particularly good. It smells and tastes like straight rubbing alcohol from the bottle. I can't discern much else. Perhaps vanilla? But it's faint. This is not for casual drinkers. I'm giving it 2 stars because it blends well with other sweet ingredients. Definitely not for sipping neat.

Dark in appearance. Nose: Sweet vanilla and fruit, very smooth. The taste is similar. The finish is pleasant, without a strong alcohol presence, slightly sweet and smooth.

Acrylic nail tips, gasoline. Bitter orange and almonds. Not sweet at all. More interesting than good. I found myself trying it repeatedly but didn't purchase it.