The Real McCoy 12 Year Prohibition Tradition Rum

Nose - Brown sugar, honey, and candy corn are present, along with some ethanol. There's also a touch of funk, fresh wood, and vanilla bean. While I desired greater depth on the nose, it was certainly intricate and multi-faceted. Palate - Sweet cream and caramel, with a subtle smoky wood taste that provides equilibrium. I also detected a whisper of orange citrus towards the end, and some ester-like funkiness. Just enough to signal that this is a pot still rum. Finish - Features a sweet, bourbon-like conclusion. The caramel notes are prominent. There is also a suggestion of prickly pear. Overall - This is an outstanding rum! It's complex, with several dimensions that evolve with every taste. Much is happening in each mouthful, yet it all seems harmonious. If there's a single drawback for me, it concerns the richness. It appears slightly diluted for a 100 proof spirit. Apart from that, it's another excellent find.

Real McCoy's Tasting notes: “Elegantly mature character – delicate, yet complex. NOSE: Pipe tobacco, charred oak, soft stone fruit and earthy notes. PALATE: Pronounced honeyed wood, spiced vanilla and caramelized nutmeg with hints of black pepper. FINISH: Familiar Bourbon styling, rounded, soft and lingering.” This is quite accurate to me. Vanilla, toffee, and caramel notes are prominent. A bit of sharp heat and ethanol when consumed neat. I preferred it with a large ice cube, which mellowed those sharp notes and heat. The empty glass smells superb. 4.25 neat. 4.5 with ice.