Review #: 28
Description: DOK High Ester Rum
Spirit: Rum
Background: Similar to the XXX series, DOK was selected to be bottled by the Aficionados group. Rather than a single cask, this is an unaged rum from an undisclosed distillery in the Trelawny Parish in Jamaica (very secretive), distilled from molasses and in a pot still, it boasts an insane 1488.8 g/hLAA of esters and 3193.6 g/hLAA of total volatile substances, E&A Scheer brokered the sale, probably amazed that some group wanted to drink this as it is more commonly used in cleaning solvents, perfumes, and flavorings and not really intended to be consumed as is. So naturally, let’s drink it neat.
Distillery – Hampden
Bottler – FineDrams
Brand – DOK
Selection – Aficionados
ABV – 69%
Age – Unaged
Nose – Holy fruit: pineapple, mango, compost pile, over-ripe bananas, seaweed on the beach
Taste – First thought: “holy crap.” This is like a rocket punch to the taste buds. Ripe tropical fruit, pineapple, mango, burnt caramel. Almost a sour note towards the end
Finish – Incredibly long, but not harsh: funk, caramel, grilled pineapple. It just goes and goes and goes
Score: 8
Would I buy a bottle? Yes. I bought a bottle and a backup
Thoughts: Well, my first jump into unaged rum, and also high ester. Wow, this was so unlike anything I have ever experienced. The flavors are so incredibly vivid. This is also not for everyone, as you will either love it or absolutely find it revolting (as my wife does). The taste will linger on your tongue long after you have eaten food and brushed your teeth, it will be there waiting for you in the morning. Despite how punchy it is, it doesn’t seem harsh or hot to me. It is surprisingly drinkable. However, the real shine for it is pouring a bit in a cocktail or mixed drink to give it that funky twist. Surprisingly, Ting soda really balances it out well. I love it and say, embrace the funk.