1998 Long Pond 22 Year Old "Plantation - Bardstown Bourbon Finished" Single Cask Jamaican Rum (750ml)

It's not very often that we get to introduce our customers to a product for the first and last time in one go. While the world of rum is vast and complex, there is one clear theme that we can easily describe - Jamaican Rum is special. The history, diversity and quality is second to none and while the world of spirits has spent the last 70 years focusing on efficiency and consistency, the traditional producers in Jamaica have been quietly producing spirits the same way they had for centuries. The Long Pond facility in north eastern Trelawny parish is one of the most historical and traditional on the island. It ceased production until 2016, when Maison Ferrand purchase a 1/3rd stake in the National Rums of Jamaica Company. They've committed to re-establishing the old production techniques and along with it gained access to some old stocks. This one in particular is extremely special and unique distilled on the high-ester Blair Column stills way back in the 1998. This now defunct still had not dissimilar goals to the column still used at the famous Caroni distillery in Trinidad - making high quality high ester rums continuously. Of course nobody 20 years ago cared about high ester rums so they've just sat there and this batch isn't over the top on the funk scale, but it is not at all lacking on the flavor scale. After 18 years of aging in Jamaica, transferred to Cognac casks and then to bourbon barrels, we've got flavor unmatched by any product in any category. Shall we? The color is chestnut oloroso. The nose is absolutely packed to the gills with gorgeous tropical fruit, vintage wood and exotic spice aromas. Let that first pour sit in the glass as long as you can because the congeners absolutely love oxygen. An initial hit of passion fruit quickly splits off into old mahogany and fresh tobacco. On second pass sweet vanilla and pungent clove stand out from the earthy wood and sweet tropical fruit. One more go and a wafting cola nut aroma blends with a rich roasted coconut character, hints of bitter seville orange peel and butterscotch add depth. On the palate the cola is king with tons of fruity sweetness and ultra decedent spice powering through. The finish is long and dry with that perfect twinge of funk popping up to remind us that indeed this is the real deal. An absolute tragedy that this product is no longer being produced and a serious honor that we've been lucky enough to feature this incredible spirits exclusively here.