Papa’s Pilar Dark Rum Review

Matt Watson -

BOTTLE DETAILS

  • DISTILLER: Papa’s Pilar Dark Rum sourced & bottled by Hemingway Rum Company in Key West, Florida
  • SOURCE: Sourced from Florida, Central America & The Caribbean
  • AGE: NAS – no age statement; Solera aged in bourbon and port casks, then finished in sherry casks.
  • YEAR: 2017
  • PROOF: 86 (43% ABV)
  • MSRP: $35-$40
  • BUY ONLINE: Wine-searcher.com

MATT'S NOTES

NOSE: Cane Sugar | Raisins | Dark Fruits | Carmel

TASTE: Sugar Cookie | Angel Food Cake | Vanilla | Rum Raisin Ice Cream

FINISH: Long and sweet for an 86 proof Rum.  The sherry finish gives way to a classic sugar cane finish combined with the essence of dark fruits.

SHARE WITH: Someone who respects and enjoys great sipping rum.  This is not a mixer (although it would be killer in eggnog).  Also share with someone who enjoys sherry finished spirits.

WORTH THE PRICE: Yes.  It’s sophisticated and nuanced and for under $40 is a home run.  If this were bourbon, it would cost over $100 MSRP.

BOTTLE, BAR OR BUST: For the price, it is worth picking up a bottle and seeing what you think of it.  I am primarily a bourbon drinker.  But I do enjoy sherry finished scotches and whiskeys.  I enjoyed this pour very much.  If you like to try before you buy, it should be readily available in bars that serve a nice rum menu.

OVERALL: At the first nose, it is sherry forward and reminiscent of aspects of sherry finished whiskeys.  However, the sugar cane is very present and clearly comes through the taste and finish.  It is very well blended while the bourbon, port and sherry notes all linger with the sugar cane.  It’s quite viscous and has a great mouth-feel that coats the tongue and throat.  It is balanced, with the finishes keeping the overly sweet sugar cane in check, creating a complex, sophisticated product.  I cannot stop sipping it.

BRAND NOTES

NOSE: Vanilla | Cinnamon | Dark Roast Coffee | Honey hints of port and sherry

TASTE: Earthy | Vegetal | Almonds | Apricot | Bourbon

FINISH: Robust, exotic and full bodied with a long deep, velvety finish.