Time for another Rum review of a Duchess single cask bottling, this one’s 17 years old, bottled at a nice cask strength of 59.3%, in the Hummingbirds range of IB rums.
Nose: A lot of licorice to start with, then some rubber and a fruity note as well mostly of pears and maybe a hint of apple. Quite some oak in there (I like that!), and a solid wood varnish edge, which mixes nicely with the vanilla and butterscotch notes underneath – a big and complex nose, with the molasses all over.
Palate: not as sweet as the nose suggested, more on olive brine, licorice and rubber, with a salty edge, some spice in the form of pepper, bitter wood and wood bark, a touch of turmeric too, and bitter coffee grounds.
Finish : Bitter wood, licorice and more brine, salt and quite bitter ending to this one..
Conclusion: This is not an “easy” rum, it’s not as sweet and fruit as others, and accentuates mostly the olives/ bitter / licorice trio, while the nose is more welcoming, the palate and finish, require time, some water, and an effort, but it’s well worth it. Not the rum to start your Rum journey with, certainly. But for Rum die-hards, this one’s a lovely chapter. Good work, again by the Duchess.
Available on the Best of Wines site for € 91,90