A Flowery Song

Background: This rum from Puerto Rico is aged for four years in ex-bourbon barrels. Maybe. Definitive evidence on this point is difficult to find.

Nose: Gark. This smells like imitation banana mixed with flowery perfume and caramels.

Taste: Sweet lead-in to a slightly oaked middle with notes of brown sugar and annoying esters. Finish is an almost cloying sweetness and more of the fake banana.

(Should I even bother adding water?)

Nose: More subdued, with maybe a hint of spice.

Taste: More of the same.

Overall: If for some reason you're forced to drink this supposedly “select” product, mix it with something. It might be bearable in eggnog. Maybe.

Background: Um.  It comes in a blue bottle.  It's gin.  (Can you tell I'm not a gin drinker?)  Flavoured with ten botanical ingredients.

Nose:  Juniper and citrus.

Taste: Juniper and rubbing alcohol.  Lemon overtones.  Finish is short and junipery.

Nose:  Spice notes become apparent.

Taste: More lemony, some herbal (liquorice) undertones; better balance.

Overall: The flavour has real potential, but the sharp spiritiness is off-putting.  Good as a mixer.