Holmes Cay Jamaica WPL 2012 Edition – RumLab NYRF23

The Holmes Cay Jamaica WPL 2012 Edition – RumLab NYRF23 shines when sipped neat or with a single large ice cube, allowing its complex flavors to unfold on the palate. This robust rum also excels in spirit-forward cocktails, particularly those with tropical or citrus notes, making it an ideal choice for warm summer evenings or as a rich, warming companion to spicy Caribbean cuisine on cooler nights.

Nose: Rich molasses and overripe banana hit first, followed by a wave of tropical fruits like pineapple and mango. There's a distinct aroma of caramel and vanilla, with hints of oak and a subtle spiciness reminiscent of nutmeg and cinnamon.

Palate: Intensely flavored and full-bodied. The initial taste is sweet with notes of brown sugar and dark fruits like raisins and prunes. This is quickly balanced by a sharp funkiness characteristic of Jamaican rum. Layers of complexity unfold, revealing flavors of toasted coconut, dark chocolate, and a touch of coffee.

Finish: Long and warming. The sweetness fades, leaving behind a pleasant dryness. Lingering notes of tobacco, leather, and a slight medicinal quality reminiscent of cough drops. A subtle smokiness and oaky tannins provide a satisfying conclusion, with hints of tropical fruit persisting throughout.

Holmes Cay Jamaica WPL 2012 Edition is a single-cask rum distilled at Worthy Park Estate using their classic pot still. What makes this rum unique is its extended tropical aging process - it spent a full decade maturing in ex-bourbon barrels in Jamaica's hot, humid climate before being bottled at a robust 58% ABV without any additives or coloring.

• Holmes Cay Jamaica WPL 2012 Edition is one of only 1,500 bottles produced from a single barrel of rum that mysteriously disappeared for several years. The barrel was rediscovered in 2023, having aged for an additional 4 years beyond its intended maturation period.
• This rum is distilled using a unique fermentation process involving wild yeasts native to Jamaica's Worthy Park Estate. These microorganisms contribute to the development of over 200 flavor compounds, creating a complexity that's nearly impossible to replicate elsewhere.
• Despite being 11 years old, the Holmes Cay Jamaica WPL 2012 Edition maintains an astonishingly high ABV of 62.4%. This is due to Jamaica's tropical climate, which typically results in a 6-8% annual loss of liquid (and corresponding increase in alcohol concentration) known as the "angel's share" - nearly triple the rate of loss in Scotland or Ireland.