– Famous spirits critic
Christopher Null
Drinkerhacker.com
As is the norm for Lost Spirits releases, Jamaica Rum is an immediate bruiser built to knock you off your barstool. You needn’t even taste it: The funky aroma and hyper-sweet (think overripe fruit) notes scream pot-distilled rum, with hints of dark chocolate, old wine, and a smattering of Christmas spices on the nose.
The palate is surprisingly approachable considering Lost Spirits’ on-your-face reputation. Surprisingly approachable despite a near-50% alcohol level, it finds notes of hogo funk, fresh apples, dried figs, bacon fat, cinnamon, and winey Madeira notes, which linger alongside some echoes of chocolate on the back of the palate as the finish unfolds for what seems like ages.
Lost Spirits isn’t exactly known for making versatile spirits, but after sitting down with the complicated Jamaica Rum for a spell, this might be its most approachable and well-rounded spirit yet. Fun stuff.
$40
TASTING NOTES (By us: not yet professionally reviewed)
Aroma: Soft perfume, grape jelly, cigar wrapper, rose, cardamom, citrus & honey. Somewhere between of my grandmothers' perfume and a soft scented candle.
Taste: More of the same. Opens citrus forward before going to perfume, tobacco, citrus and grape.
Finish: Lingering vanilla, tobacco, and orange.
Overall: I am quite proud of this.