Dràm Mòr, Trinidad

ABV: 58%

Country: Trinidad

Age: 13 years

Cask: ex-bourbon

Still: Unknown

Price: Unknown

Distillery: Trinidad Distillers Limited

Dràm Mòr were kind enough to send over a sample of their Trinidad rum, and I’ve finally had the chance to sit down with it. For those unfamiliar, Dràm Mòr is an independent Scottish bottler with a growing reputation for carefully chosen single casks; across both whisky and rum. This Trinidad expression showcases the bold, unfiltered style they’re known for, with only a limited number of bottles released.

Nose

There’s a spiky floral/herbaceous note that opens up like herbs growing in the garden, alongside some stone fruit. There is also a reasonable amount of wood – on the younger and wetter side.

Vanilla fudge sweetness contrasts against acetone/ethanol bitterness (nail varnish or vinegar perhaps) that is acidic and a little chemically. Some cracked peppercorns towards the end alongside a cherry that has been stood on and squashed into the bottom of an old leather shoe.

Palate

This has a very dense and chewy mouthfeel that borders on being heavy. The opening note is a big mouthful of smoke bordering on being peaty.

Despite this feeling rather savoury with old leather, dark chocolate, a little brine and heavy spices this maintains a sweeter side too that adds to the complexity of this rum with manuka honey, baked apples and cinnamon.

This continues to provide a bold and intense profile throughout the rather long finish with star anise, cardamon, pear and stone fruit.

6/10 – Not what I expected from Trinidad. A ‘high 6’ if such a thing can exist.