Pusser's Rum 15 Year (DISCONTINUED)

A rich 15-year-old Naval Rum produced using wood distillation. It's the benchmark for rum where almost 92% of the rum evaporates during aging, meaning one bottle of Pusser's typically yields 15 bottles. It offers an aromatic beginning with notes of cane sugar, wood, fruits, herbs, and spices; while a creamy and fruity development adds flavors of vanilla, espresso, marmalade, marzipan, crème de cacao, and black pepper; leading to a long and syrupy conclusion. Bottled June 2017 / Opened August 2018.

Fortunate to have replaced this bottle last year, as it's no longer produced. It has an exceptionally rich and smooth texture with notes of caramel, coffee, oak, and tropical fruit. It's far more polished than the blue label or gunpowder proof versions, making it suitable only for careful sipping. I'm curious about the new 15-year offering, but the reviews haven't been favorable. A shame. Pusser's is the rum that converted me to the spirit; the older 15-year was once the finest rum I had ever tasted.

The aroma suggests cherry from a distance, but up close, it reveals brandy, caramelized sugar, a touch of cotton candy, and unroasted coffee beans, alongside a hint of rum raisin. It's smooth and very light, not as sweet as the smell implies, with a note of Pomerans. The finish is brief.

It was sweet, with light spices and dark fruit, leading to a long finish. I cherished owning that bottle! In my opinion, the current version is awful; I suggest sticking with the Blue label.

The pinnacle of sipping rum. Up to now, this is my preferred sipping rum.

Lots of vanilla and spice. Excellent for sipping.