Review #: 420
Description: Privateer Distiller’s Drawer #128 “Nexus”
Spirit: Rum
Background:
This is a single barrel from Privateer. Their Distiller’s Drawer line has now switched to barrels selected by the distillery rather than store or group picks. This rum was aged for a total of 5 years and 3 months, but spent 2+ years of finishing in a used rye whiskey cask. Prior to that, it spent time in virgin oak. Let’s see how such a long finishing time affects the spirit.
*Full Disclosure* This bottle was provided to me by Privateer at no cost without any conditions. My thoughts are my own.
Distillery – Privateer
Bottler – Privateer
Brand – Privateer
Selection – N/A
ABV – 59.2%
Age – 5 Years
Nose – Rye is apparent with some dill, savory herbs, rye spice, peppercorn, vanilla, oak, a little bit of the marshmallow note that I get a lot from Privateer sneaks in to remind you what this is, but it is hard to just smell and not think that this smells more whiskey than rum
Taste – First a hit of sweetness with vanilla, marshmallow, then gets a lot more savory, rye, dried basil. Very thick and rich mouthfeel throughout though
Finish – Big blast rye spices, toasted oak, pepper, burnt molasses, black coffee, oaky embers linger long
Score: 5
Would I buy a bottle? No
Thoughts: This is a fine spirit. I’m impressed with how well the distillate can adapt to the rye cask and work with the whiskey. But that is also the problem as it loses some of the distinct rum character that I love from Privateer. It’s tasty, but I just see myself drinking this when I want whisky, but then why not just drink whiskey? As with many Privateers though, it’s great to show exclusive whiskey drinkers what the world of rum can offer as it’s not all Malibu and Captain Morgan’s.