Penny Blue VSOP

Nose: Features molasses, almonds, crème brûlée, orange concentrate, caramel, vanilla, tropical fruit, and noticeable oak. It's a sweet and aromatic nose, also dry with hints of leather, tobacco, and spice (clove, allspice, nutmeg). Very well-rounded, pleasant, and surprisingly mature for its age. Palate: The initial taste is soft and fruity, but not excessively sweet. Banana, citrus peel, and vanilla emerge as it develops, alongside notes of tobacco and spice. The palate shares the same aromatic dryness as the nose, with a subtle presence of funky dunder. The texture is light and delicate, with a slight astringency. Similar to the nose, the palate suggests greater maturity than expected. Finish: Medium/Short. The finish is adequate, not exceptional, but good for a rum at this price. The palate flavors linger, concluding with a sharp spice note and some firm tannins. Penny Blue VSOP is a joint creation by the Medine distillery in Mauritius and spirits merchants Berry Bros. & Rudd. It includes rums aged at least 4 years, matured in a mix of ex-cognac, bourbon, and whisky barrels, with cognac barrels being the primary influence. It contains no additives and is not chill-filtered. Its demi-sec profile is reminiscent of young, lively Jamaican rum and some young Bajan rums. With time to rest, it becomes sweeter, and the vanilla and sweet nut aromas and flavors become more pronounced. It could reasonably be compared to "Doorly's 12 Lite". It's an enjoyable rum for sipping and excellent for cocktails (it makes a very respectable Dark 'n Stormy). I acquired my bottle a few years ago when it first came out but only recently opened it. It seems to have vanished from our shelves now, which is regrettable. Highly recommended, especially given its reasonable cost. I'm unsure of its current availability, but if you spot a bottle, seize it without hesitation. I certainly will. “Good”: 83/100 (3.5 stars)

I appreciate how these cask blends work together. This rum sits between bourbon, whisky, and rum itself. It's a bit spicy but still enjoyable. 78/100