Doctor Bird Jamaican Rum

One of the surprises of 2017 was the introduction of this new rum from Jamaica by way of Detroit, Michigan. This pot still rum is created at the Worthy Park Distillery where it is aged in used American Oak Bourbon barrels for six plus years. It is then transported to Two James Distillery located in Detroit, Michigan. There it is aged for an undisclosed time period in Moscatel sherry casks before being blended to 50 abv.Appearance
This rum comes in a 750 ml bottle with a classic label style reminiscent of the early 20th Century. In the bottle and glass the rum holds a shiny copper appearance. When it is agitated it creates a thin band that spins off fast moving legs.
Nose
A funky aroma and most Pot Still Jamaican rums tend to go hand and hand and this rum does not disappoint. The ester-rich aroma delivers notes of passion fruit, ripe strawberries, coconut husks, pineapple and a hint of pencil lead.
Palate
As much as I enjoyed the aroma of the rum the flavors did not fail to disappoint.  From the first sip dark caramel flavors and smoky charred oak form the foundation with the coconut husk and pencil lead notes providing a mineral twist to the flavors. The fruit flavors of pineapple, strawberries and lemon peel create the mid and high notes of the flavor profile. As the finish begins, the strawberry notes become more dominant with oak tannins and copper mineral notes weaving and lingering in a long interesting finish.
Review
For me personally I enjoyed this rum, but I tend to be drawn to Pot Still rums and enjoy the funkiness that a Worthy Park rum normally delivers. Add the Moscatel Sherry cask finish and I discovered the blender had managed to create a complex funky/sweet balanced product. My bias aside, I have been told that the rum is way too funky for some folk’s palates to sip neat, but they enjoy it in a range of cocktails that call for Jamaican rums.
Currently it is available in some regions of the United States and some online outlets. If you are interested in picking up the product, check your local stores for availability.

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