Review: Case 1 Rum Whiskey Cask Finished

Baltimore’s Old Line Spirits is known for sourcing quality American single malt from Middle West Spirits in Columbus, OH as they wait for their house spirits to come of age. Old Line recently expanded their portfolio to include rum under its new Case 1 branding. Staying true to their founding spirit, Case 1 offers a Dominican-sourced rum finished in Old Line single malt barrels. Case 1 Rum Whiskey Cask Finished starts with rum from an undisclosed distillery in the Caribbean Dominican that matured in ex-bourbon barrels for at least 7 years in the Dominican Republic. Following tropical maturation, the rum was transferred to Old Line single malt casks for at least an additional 3 years of maturation in Baltimore, giving it a total maturation of at least 10 years.

Old Line openly suggests that Case 1 is intended to be used as a means to elevate a cocktail. Drinkhacker previously reviewed Old Line Aged Caribbean Rum – Single Malt Cask Finish, which is a very similar product but with a shorter finish. Packing a longer finishing period, how does the newest edition fare?

Right from the start, the nose is unmistakably akin to nail polish remover. After the initial burst of esters passes, the nose reveals toasted coconut and almond butter. Allowing the rum to breathe, a trace of vanilla rises to the top. While initially prominent on the esters, it quickly becomes muted.

The palate opens with a vibrant butterscotch candy that brought me back to digging through my grandmother’s purse as a small child. The sweet butterscotch delight quickly moves from there to burnt brown sugar and mild tobacco notes before transitioning to a wisp of cinnamon spice. Case 1’s finish offers up a lovely bready Nilla Wafer note that is quickly followed by a stronger blast of cinnamon. As the cinnamon slowly fades, sticky caramel and black licorice notes linger for a bit.

Old Line has again displayed thinking outside of the box by aging rum in single malt casks, and the malt whiskey leaves a nice influence on the impressionable rum. Though Case 1 Rum Whiskey Cask Finished is a respectable rum, it would not be among my first choices when looking to sip neat. However, it’s a fine choice for adding a bit of unique character to your favorite rum cocktail.

100 proof.

B+ / $40 / oldlinespirits.com

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