Post #244437 by Helz on Sat, Jul 22, 2006 6:10 AM

Well, being that most of the rums have been covered, I will stick to the one unique contribution that I can offer...

J. Bally Rhum Vieux, Agricole, Martinique

The bottle that I have is labeled as being distilled in 1979 and bottled in 1997. Which is interesting, because the only other bottle they had of this said it was distilled in 1990 and bottled in 1997.

This rum is an absoulutely beautiful carmel color, slighty darker and redder than Appleton's Estate. Being 90&#186, it has a bit of a harsh nose to it, but definitely has that sweet, spicy smell to it, and you can definitely pick up the oak distinctly.

This rum definitely has some kick to it, and a bit of heat on the finish, but the flavors are very deep and warm. And after the heat dissipates, the finish is very smoky with very little of the molasses/sweetness that you would expect.

Once this crash course is completed, my intention is to make one pristine Mai Tai with this and the Appleton's 21 year, along with the best ingredients that we find here.

Thanks Chip for one of the most entertaing and informitave threads I've read!