Review: 2004 Fiji 16 yr. - Holmes Cay
2004 Fiji 16 yr. - South Pacific - Holmes Cay #4 - 58%
The US rum market has been rough over the course of my drinking life. Fortunately, over the last few years, the establishment of Foursquare stateside and the addition of LM&V's portfolio have improved things. However, when it comes to a robust independent bottling scene where I can try new distilleries at cask strength without additives - we're still way behind. But Eric Kaye and his Holmes Cay label are moving us in the right direction. So far they've released 2 casks from Barbados, one from Guyana, one from Belize, and this Fijian. The bottlings have been getting some pretty positive buzz.
Nose: Rich and layered. Barrel and sweets driven. Well layered. Sugar glaze. Savory, meaty spice. Cumin. Cedar. Eucalyptus. New plastic. Ginger.
Flavor: Brine. Frosting. Mature oak with charred vegetal notes. Salt water taffy.
Structure: Slow build. Explosive mid/late into the finish.
Alcohol Integration: Controlled. But it kicks. Water kills the nuance/character and steers things too frosting heavy.
Score: 8 (Stash One) Complex. Layered. Powerful. Composed. Backs up its price tag.
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Rating System
10 - Reevaluate The Budget
9 - Stash Two (If Able)
8 - Stash One (At The Right Price)
7 - Highly Recommend It To Strangers
6 - Solid - Above Average
5 - Acceptable For The Situation
4 - Not Vocally Complaining
3 - Anything Else To Drink?
2 - Nothing Nice To Say
1 - Drain Pour