Review #: 150
Description: XXX/Four
Spirit: Rum
Background: Another XXX bottling. This one coming from South Pacific Distillers in Fiji in their pot still from molasses. It was then aged in The Philippines from 2004 to 2016 before then moving to England to age in American Oak before bottling on January 9th, 2020. Selected by Aficionados discord server and bottled and sold by FineDrams without any filtration nor additives. Currently, still available for sale.
Distillery – South Pacific
Bottler – FineDrams
Brand – XXX
Selection – Aficionados
ABV – 66.8%
Age – 15 Years
Nose – Rich caramel, papaya, maple syrup, there are some general “green” notes in there but not distinctive, ethanol has some kick to it.
Taste – More rich caramel, toffee, buttery and oily, sweet balanced with floral notes, barrel spice already starts to prickle on the tongue.
Finish – Toasted oak and marshmallow, chocolate, nutmeg, cinnamon, allspice just lasts and lasts and lasts.
Score: 8
Would I buy a bottle? Yes
Thoughts: This was insanely rich and just had a wonderful mouthfeel to it. The cask influence honestly is so well integrated in here. All the positives of the Ultimatum Fiji rum are here, but dialed up to 11. That’s the only reason I wouldn’t necessarily get a bottle of that when XXX/Four is available. It still is a bit pricey, but I am happy with my bottle.