Manchester Whisky Club – January 2015

Entering the second birthday of the Manchester Whisky Club, we decided to take a break from the whisky itself due to the January blues, and side-stepped into the world or rum as a one-off. Held once again at The Briton’s Protection, here’s a run down of the expressions we explored, and my tasting notes to accompany –

Plantation 3 Stars – 41.2%

Smooth vanilla notes on the nose, with a slight grass aroma similar to agricole. A velvet texture on the palate, very soft and smooth with a slight sharpness of dry spice to create a crisp, dry, lingering finish.

Pusser’s Gunpowder Proof – 54.5%

Originally named Pusser’s Old Blue. Rich vanilla nose with a slight toffee that lightens off with a hint of sweetness. A heavy burn on the palate to begin with but a mellow warmth develops with a sweet vanilla flavour.

Ron Zacapa Centenario 23yr – 40%

Rich toffee and treacle aromas upon the nose, yet softens over time. Very rich once it hits the palate, with plenty of toffee and fudge flavours blending well. Burnt sugar and a slight sharp, dry spice contribute to the long finish.

Plantation XO Barbados 20th Anniversary – 40%

Thick fudge notes on the nose, with a slight treacle followed by rich toffee and a banana aroma finish. Light on the start of the palate, developing into a thick hit of vanilla. Smooth, mellow and has a lingering sweetness. Superb.

Rumbullion! – 42.6%

Plenty of rich cinnamon and vanilla aromas upon the nose. The richness carries over to the palate too, with cloves and powdered cinnamon blending to create a thin, lingering dry spiced finish.

A great selection to experience, with only one of them that I’ve truly experienced before in the Pusser’s. The Plantation XO had the group buzzing to purchase, with some great nods of appreciation from staunch whisky lovers towards the rest. Roll n the next rum evening!

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