This week’s theme: things that aren’t single malt whiskies. First up, a rum.

I haven’t reviewed very many rums on the blog; rarely going over 1 review per year. And all the rums I have reviewed have been from single distilleries. This one’s the exception. It is a blend of Jamaican pot still and Guyanese column still rums. The age and identities of the constituent rums are unknown to me. This was bottled for K&L in California a few years ago and went for the low, low price of $20. I have a horrible feeling that I am going to deeply regret having waited more than three years since receiving this sample from Sku to review it.

Golden Devil Dark Overproof Rum (57%; from a sample from a friend)

Nose: Molasses and (over-ripe) plantains and a slight rubbery note off the top and then the funk begins to come through bringing some diesel with it. Burnt caramel as it sits and a slight mossy note emerges as well. The funk recedes as it sits and it’s the plantains and caramel that dominate. A few drops of water push the funk back further and pull out some vanilla and aniseed.

Palate: Comes in sweet with the caramel leading the way; no rubber here and the funk is more muted. Quite approachable at full strength with a good texture/weight. With time there’s pepper and some aniseed and some herbal notes as well (sage). Water amps up the pepper and herbal notes and pulls the funk out faster.

Finish: Long. The funk emerges again here and then it gets quite salty as it goes. As on the palate with water with some additional bitterness.

Comments: A very enjoyable and drinkable rum that was just an utter steal at $20. I hope those of you who had access stocked up fully.

Rating: 85 points.

Thanks to Sku for the sample!