Jamaica Rum 1834 (+/-40%, M.E. Bellows‘ Son of New York via The Colours of Rum, Guyana)
According to rum specialists—or at the very least those more versed than yours truly—this would likely be a rum of Guyanese origin, crafted in the Jamaican style (which rather brings to mind those American champagnes or Russian cognacs) and distributed by M.E. Bellows, wine and spirits importers and merchants based at 50 Broad St., New York. We’ve already had the pleasure of tasting a splendid American Old Medford Rum from 1876 as well as some whisky from these same people. This sample was kindly shared by Wealth Solutions, a thousand thanks to them. I presume it came from a venerable old bottle that was carefully transferred into tiny vials, no doubt destined for refined noses and palates such as our own (modesty, S.?) So once again, many thanks to Wealth Solutions. Colour: reddish amber. Nose: well, rum it remains, with prominent molasses, corn syrup, lashings of liquorice, hints of orange liqueur, and perhaps an overarching ‘El Dorado’ profile if one had to name it. It does not come across as tired in the least, nor does it feel recent or cloyingly syrupy. After nearly two centuries, one suspects the sugars have mellowed and ‘digested’ themselves, much as seen in very old Hungarian Tokaji. Mouth: I find this rather good, almost like a liquorice liqueur, the texture being oily and near thick, with minute touches of salt, mint, and anise sneaking in. Quite lovely, and honestly, rather moving. Finish: fairly short but soft, still brimming with liquorice, veering gently into coffee grounds. Comments: I do wonder whether these bottles might have been ‘topped up’ or ‘ullaged’ along the way. It’s known that when, for instance, a case of twelve is unearthed, certain enthusiasts might sacrifice a bottle to bring the others up to level, not unlike the practices of Bordeaux châteaux with their ancient vintages. Anyway, this was most enjoyable.
SGP:551 - 85 points (but please, do not take this score too seriously).