2006 Worthy Park 14 Year "Worthy Then" Smuggler's Cove - K&L Exclusive Collaboration WPM Cask Strength Single Cask Jamaican Rum

Fans of Jamaican pot still rum are in for a treat. It seems so rare for us to see casks like this these days, with an age statement in the teens and a dark color that screams tropical ageing. From the instant you open the bottle, that rubbery, volatile petrol character alerts everyone in the room that this is serious rum. But don't be afraid of that; despite the wild, chemical aroma, this rum is remarkably refined. The palate boasts an abundance of crackling, caramelized sugar that perfectly sets the stage for the symphony of fruits and spices that follow. Brandied cherries, bananas foster, and a hint of melon strike the first chords, with nutmeg, allspice and decadent cocoa forming the harmony. Without adding water, it presents less fruity than I expected, leaning more toward savory and umami flavors, with just enough grassy and herbal character to keep things interesting. Truthfully, I enjoyed it a great deal in this state, where each sip felt immensely satisfying yet made me want to drink more and more. With water, however, the fruits explode in the glass. Suddenly papaya, mango and guava enter the mix with banana leaf and a more subtle nutty character rounding out the already insanely complex profile. The longer it's open to the air, the more nuance and length this shows, culminating in a final sip that leaves you asking, "why is the rum gone?" In a landscape with tons of exciting rums on the horizon, it's difficult to settle on one or two bottles. Let me tell you, this is absolutely one you will regret missing out on.