Review: Holmes Cay Single Cask Rum – Venzeuela 2007 and Barbados 2012 Port Cask
Holmes Cay says that its latest two offerings “are about us growing up as a company,” offering a retail bottling from a “mystery distillery” and round two of a previous hit. Details and tasting notes follow.
Holmes Cay Single Cask Rum Venezuela 2007 15 Years Old – Officially anonymous, this 15 year old expression of column still rum comes from Santa Teresa Distillery, aka Destileria Sofa from European independent bottlers. Heavy-duty on the nose, this expressive rum showcases notes of maple, gingerbread, and a bold cinnamon character. Equally aggressive and punchy on the palate, the rum showcases more of the same — maple plus lots of vanilla, then a fistful of baking spices. The alcoholic heat dies down with time in glass, letting a warming, lightly citrus-fueled finish wash over you. concluding with a layer of lush, buttery cream. 110 proof. A- / $100
Holmes Cay Single Cask Rum Barbados 2012 Port Cask – Holmes Cay previously bottled a Barbados Port Cask expression from the 2009 vintage, but it is long since sold out. This reprise of Foursquare rum spends 18 months finishing in second-fill Port casks, for a total of 8 years of age on it. The operation says it hopes to continue releasing Barbados Port Cask expressions over time due to their popularity and high quality. As with the 2009 version, the Port influence isn’t exactly subtle here. Bold raisin and spiced cola notes add depth to a nose of tropical fruit and plenty of cloves. The overall aromatic impact is akin to a quality spiced rum. Notes of applesauce and milk chocolate sweeten up the palate, here showcasing flamed banana, coconut water, and a light citrus character. Lots of caramel, laced with coconut and orange peel, on the finish, with just a touch of raisiny mulled wine in the mix. 110 proof. A- / $110 [BUY IT NOW FROM CASKERS]
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