Planteray Gran Añejo Guatemala & Belize

Aroma: Oak, orange zest, cloves, cinnamon, vanilla, apple, coconut. A very faint hint of hogo. The empty glass smells strongly of licorice and earth. Palate: A bold yet smooth entry with a wonderfully balanced texture. Honey, spices, orange, oak, almonds, dark chocolate. Notes of tobacco and leather are present, and it is generally dry and pleasingly free of added sugar. Finish: Long, with sweet spicy notes fading into woodiness. This was the final sample from a recent pack of six 100ml Plantation samplers. Three of the six were good (XO 20th anniversary, Barbados 5 year old, and 3 star white), and three were very good (this one, 2003 Trinidad vintage, and 2002 Jamaican vintage). If you see the "Plantation Artisanal Rum Cigar Pairing" set, it's definitely worth trying. This is a great rum - full of flavor and interest with genuine character. It's also very smooth and accessible, offering a rich overall profile with just a touch of complexity.

A very elegant bouquet, not ostentatious. Despite the proof, the mouthfeel is exceptionally silky. While the flavor notes might lack the utmost clarity or fidelity, the characteristics harmonize well. The finish is lengthy and slightly drying.

Earthy with abundant fig notes. It's good both neat and mixed with cola. Not bad, but superior options exist for the price point, such as Bumbu or El Dorado 12 Year Old.

Nose: Unusual, esters, honey, and fruitcake Palate: Sweetness upon entry due to added sugar to mask bitterness Finish: Bitter and spirit-forward

Nose: Very subtle, difficult to detect aromas Palate: Caramel, citrus, vanilla Finish: Sweet and smooth, faint sugarcane taste

Enjoyable, but excessively spicy and hot for my preference. It would suit 38-40% ABV better; 42% is too intense.