Plantation Rum - Xaymaca Special Dry Jamaican Rum (750ml)

A blend of 4 rum marques distilled in the old John Dore pot still at Long Pond and the Vendome at Clarendon, which are aged first in the tropics in American Oak, then sailed to Cognac for a double aging and blending in French Oak. The idea is to boldly assert the powerful and expressive character of these rums, while integrating them into a dynamic blend that is greater than the sum of its parts. With a nose bursting with overripe tropical fruit and a lengthy finish of carefully-integrated spice, Xaymaca's balance of funk and elegance is a perfect dance partner for classic Jamaican Rum recipes, from 19th Century punches to iconic midcentury tropical drinks like the Mai Tai, which rise to their original splendor with 100% pot-still, 100% aged Jamaican Rum.

Taste: Again, the funk is minimal here. And actually, I am on board. At 86 proof, this is delightful, light and sippable. Vanilla and oak, some oil nuttiness from the pot distillate, light banana and hogo.

Finish: Those esters and the heavy juice from the pot distillate come to rest on the tongue nicely. Usually a big, bad Jamaican pot still rum leaves a lingering flavor in my mouth, overpowering anything else I might drink for the night. This is gentle, no burn, goes down easy.