Oualie oak aged rum
ABV: 40%
Country: Nevis, Caribbean
Age: Unknown
Cask: Unknown
Still: Unknown
Price: £39
Distillery: Unknown
I first came across Oualie Rum at Manchester Rum Festival last year. It was one of those brands I hadn’t heard of before, which is always part of the fun at events like that. The name caught my eye and after a few hilarious attempts at pronouncing it (FYI it’s pronounced wah-lee) I was curious to find out more – especially when I learned it comes from an island in the Caribbean I hadn’t heard of before – Nevis.
Nose
A reasonably sweet profile with a pretty complex bouquet of spices blended together – nutmeg, anise, ginger and cardamon. A little wood is present without being too present in the profile. There is a bright grapefruit citrus that lifts this and rounds the profile off nicely.
Palate
On the palate this rum has a ‘smoothness’ (as much as I hate using that word) that I associate with sugar/sweetness. The pleasant blend of baking spices from the nose are present without dominating the palate too much. It’s lending depth to the profile that is complimented beautifully when paired with a ginger ale or Stratford Soda spiced.
5/10 – Whilst not something I would drink neat, this makes a wonderful mixed drink.
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.
