Admiral Rodney, HMS Royal Oak
ABV: 40%
Country: St. Lucia
Age: 6-12 years
Cask: American white oak bourbon
Still: Coffey (column) still
Price: £65
Distillery: St. Lucia Distillers
Today I’m revisiting a rum I’ve had for quite a while now.. yet hadn’t sat down and done proper tasting notes for! Part of the very impressive portfolio of rums of St Lucia Distillers including Chairman’s Reserve – the HMS Royal Oak is part of the Admiral Rodney range that are all named after ships that distinguished themselves in the Battle of the Saints in 1782 under Admiral George Rodney’s command.
Nose
Raisins, apricots and warm pineapple open this up with nutmeg and cheap white chocolate on the tail end.
Palate
Sweet pineapple contrasts nicely with dry bark, reminiscent of a wet coconut husk.
Plump raisins, baking spices (ginger and nutmeg) and a vegetal note, not unlike a pineapple prong.
Tobacco on the finish really gives this rum it’s sea legs. Sweet & Fresh to Old & Musky damp.
6/10 – The complexity bumps this up from a potential 5/10.
My scoring system, explained
- 10: Exceptional. This is best in class and a firm favourite of mine.
- 9: Outstanding. Near perfection, a bottle I would be sad to finish (and very happy to restock!)
- 8: Excellent. An evening spent sipping this would be a very good one.
- 7: Great. Add to cart, no questions asked.
- 6: Very good. At the right price I would definitely buy a bottle.
- 5: Good. If someone poured me a glass you wouldn’t hear me complain.
- 4: Above average. Not quite good but better than some.
- 3: Average. Average at best, this isn’t offensive but equally not exciting either.
- 2: Not for me. This simply means it’s not a profile I find enjoyable; rather than a reflection of quality.
- 1: Not the spirit. This is a poor representation of the spirit.
