Two James Doctor Bird Jamaican Rum

What is "hogo"? This! In both aromas and flavors. Aromas of petroleum distillates and tropical fruit esters – think ripe bananas and acetone (like fingernail polish remover, if my wife is reading this, haha). It possesses that distinctive funky flavor we associate with Jamaican hogo. The sweetness is subtle; if you're looking for a sweet mixer, you'll need to add some form of sugar. It has that young rum taste. A small ice cube enhances the banana aroma and mutes the hogo. However, the hogo flavor becomes more prominent. Want a memorable mixer? This will do it. Want to awaken your rum palate? Take a sip. Are you a scotch fan exploring rum? Consider this the peated whisky equivalent of rum, in that it's boldly different – a Marmite rum, if you will. (It's not smoky.) I like the labeling; it resembles American traditional tattoos. Rating is based on sipping it neat.

If you typically drink rum, this might not be for you. However, if you're seeking a funky, handcrafted rum experience, definitely get this. You really need to have sampled a variety of rums to appreciate the quality of this pot still creation. I must admit, the initial aroma is challenging, but after a few deep inhales to identify the alcohol, followed by a sip and exhale, wow! It presents mineral water, elegant pot still character, sea salt, subtle cane sugar, and mild barrel char, along with sweet fruit. But discovering the fruit notes is entirely up to you. Banana, yes, but ripe. Strawberry, I do find it. Tart. Pineapple, indeed. It's all about overcoming that initial smell; nothing else truly compares. The craftsmanship and flavor layers are exceptional. It's a genuinely top-tier experience and highly distinctive.

Claimed to be up to 6 years old Worthy Park product, aged further in Moscatel casks in Detroit. However, the scent and pale gold color suggest otherwise. Initial aroma presents strong diesel, alcohol, hogo, animal notes, salt, and charcoal. It smells young, yet woody. The aroma evolves to reveal gros michel banana, tomato leaf, sea salt, and cane grass over time. It might have been aged locally before importation. The palate is sweeter, with the sherry contributing to a honeyed-vanilla finish. A sugary, melon-like sweetness persists. Truly enjoyable stuff.

Aroma: smells like decaying or overly ripe bananas, with a potent ethanol/rubber scent, almost like a strong perfume. Perhaps a hint of vanilla? Palate: slightly vegetal, still tasting of banana and high ethanol. Maybe a touch of pineapple? Over ice: The ethanol/rubber taste mellows significantly, and the vegetal notes become more prominent. The overripe banana flavor persists, and there are definitely some spices, possibly clove? Conclusion: Worth trying; it offers a truly unique flavor profile that takes you on a journey but remains enjoyable throughout.

The funkiest barrel flavors I've ever encountered in a rum – stewed tomatoes, overripe pineapple, coconut butter, and waterlogged oak barrel. Doctor Bird is not for the timid. If you're not into that funky, overripe note and a vegetal bite at the end, it won't be for you. For me, I found it a very unusual yet enjoyable rum. Definitely not what I'm accustomed to.

I love that signature Jamaican rum funk! Doctor Bird provides that hogo typically found in overproof white Jamaican rum, but it's nicely tempered by the Moscatel Sherry cask aging. The nose has tropical fruits, especially bananas, and raisin, leading to a pleasant caramel finish. Considering the price ($25 USD), I can't currently find a better aged, deliciously funky Jamaican rum.