Worthy Park 2007 WPM 13 Year Florida Rum Society Gemini Barrel – 56%
Stats: A twin barrel release of 432 bottles selected by the Florida Rum Society, this is a true “estate” rum with 100% of the molasses coming from Worthy Park grown cane. It was pot distilled and aged 13 long years in St Catherine’s Parish, Jamaica before being bottled at 56% ABV. This is the WPM marque, indicating ester levels in the 120-239 g/hL range, which is rarely seen outside of blends.
Source: Purchased through Sarasota Liquor Locker.
Conditions: Sampled neat in a Glencairn over the course of four nights, sitting with it for 30-45 minutes each session. No water added.
Nose: Funfetti cupcakes, bananas foster, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, rich molasses, cotton candy, a hint of brine, freshly oiled antique furniture, and quintessential Jamaican funk. With some time, coffee, allspice, orange peel, mulling spices, and green apple.
Mouth: Silky smooth mouthfeel, a simple syrup-like texture and sweetness. A delicate funk consisting of overripe pineapple, asparagus, slightly “off” milk, and day old trash in the best way possible. Some anise and nutmeg. Teriyaki jerky. Dark brown sugar. Heavy oak spice. Black tea. Treacle. Triple sec. A little bit of a Play-Doh character that I get from wheated bourbon. A touch of floral and some orange peel. It leaves a burn from the throat down the chest as an ashy funk lingers long in the mouth.
Final Thoughts: This warms the soul and melts my heart. An absolute delight! My favorite Worthy Park expression to date, hands down. It’s not that it brings anything spectacularly new or unusual, it’s just a fantastically well balanced expression. Has a depth of flavor and moderate (but not overpowering) proof that makes it very easy to drink. So much so that every time I pour a dram, I reward myself with a second, and usually a third because the lingering flavor in my mouth at the end of a glass makes me crave more. The warmth it gives makes me think it would be the ideal winter time dram, but honestly I could drink this every night, and I have.
If you can snag a bottle, I highly recommend doing so. It’s an absolute steal at the $100 retail price. Their 12 year which is bottled at the same proof is a lower marque (WPL) and retails around $150. While that one is a lovely expression, I personally feel it’s hard to justify that price point for what it delivers. This one though, with the extra year in barrel and increased esters, just comes to life. If this were a continuous release I’d plow through several bottles a year whereas I got their 12 year once and won’t buy another.
My Score: 5
My Scale:
1 – I don’t want this in my mouth ever again
2 – Best used for mixing
3 – Decent sipper
4 – Very enjoyable
5 – I’m buying a back up bottle
Back up bottle procured!
Austin Rum Society 