Rum Nation Barbados 10 Year Old Rum (2001)

The rum Barbados 10 Year Old is a medium dark amber spirit that displays intense orange sparkles in the glass. A tilted glass shows a medium oily sheen that very slowly releases some stubborn oily feet. The initial aroma from the glass fills with a sweet combination of butterscotch, caramel and brown sugars, some rich smoke and woody oak spice. The fusion of oak spices to the sweet aroma of coffee and tobacco is quite exciting.

Allowing the glass to breathe enriches the aroma, also bringing rich spices (a mix of vanilla, caramel, brown sugar and cinnamon), some prominent notes of cola, marzipan, orange peel and marmalade into the breeze. Over time, I sense a musty building that includes notes of brine and algae as well as a hint of menthol.