Transcontinental Rum Line Fiji 2014

Rum tasting at The Oak Barrel, Sydney, May 9th 2019: Rum #6 Nose: Overwhelming hogo - esters practically leap from the glass - the scents are almost tangible. Diesel fuel, cardboard, burning tires, plasticine, putty, acetone, machine oil, decaying fruit, rainforest floor, turpentine, cockroaches, funky sweat, leather, worn-out shoes. I'm not exaggerating, and it's fantastic. Palate: Sweet and vegetal with a note of overripe citrus and banana. As it evolves, honey, lemon juice, cider vinegar, pickle juice, stuffed grape leaves (!), chutney, and briny olives become apparent. These are balanced by a sweet, aromatic, spicy, musty, nutty hogo. Pastrami on rye with sweet fruit relish, avocado, and a mushy mango. There's even a subtle smoky note! I swear I'm not fabricating this. Finish: Incredibly long. The remarkable palate slowly fades in intensity - over several hours. We sampled a potent spiced rum after this, but an hour later the lingering taste I experienced was still from this epic expression. This is the most Jamaican-like rum I've ever encountered that isn't from Jamaica. It doesn't just possess hogo; it's like an artistic endeavor using only esters as paint. It's neither sweet nor dry – it transcends those categories and enters a realm where only shades of mineral and vegetal truly matter. The most astonishing aspect is that it's *delicious*, provided you appreciate this style. Out of everyone present, only three individuals considered this the standout spirit of the evening. It wasn't my top choice, but I enjoyed it immensely – enough to purchase a bottle. If you prefer sweet, sugary rums, stay far away from this; it would be akin to drinking pure Worcestershire sauce when expecting orange juice. However, if you're a fan of hogo and are ready for an exciting journey, I highly recommend it. "Very Good": 85/100 (4 stars)

From South Pacific Distilleries, aged two years in a tropical climate, two years on the continent. It has aromas similar to the Holmes Cay, but somewhat less intense. It becomes more complex as it rests. It's pretty good. The taste features banana peel, a bit of caramel, and spice; it's not as grassy as the Holmes Cay. The mouthfeel is thicker. It's rather fiery, which diminishes it somewhat, and this is the main reason I preferred the Holmes Cay Single Origin to this. Both are solid products, and I will readily purchase more from this distillery when I see them.

The aroma is intensely molasses with herbal undertones. It's spicy due to the high alcohol content; adding water really opens it up.

it has a rich flavor, the main aromas are caramel, molasses and some subtle floral notes

Volatile rum aroma with a light feel.