Impossible to ignore rum these days. I’ve slowly been accumulating a stash of samples over the last 12 months or so. I’ll be drip feeding them into my reviews, today focusing on a T.D.L. bottled for Delia Whisky Shop, as well as two rums (one Cuban, the other Jamaican) from Wu DRAM Clan.

T.D.L. is a fascinating rum distillery in Trinidad, best-known for the Angostura brand, both the bitters and the rum. From the beginning it has been all about distillation in column stills. Originally in a Savalle column, which was decommissioned a long time ago. Now there are three multi-column stills on site. Check this article for detailed insight into their productions process.

Where Wu DRAM Clan’s Cuban rum was distilled, I don’t know. It is the oldest of the bunch we’re reviewing today. It has aged for 20 years in Cuba and an additional 11 years in Europe. But there’s much more detail on the Jamaican rum. We know the exact recipe, which turns out to be quite bonkers:

40% Moneymusk EMB 1995 – 23 years in Jamaica (tropical) and 6 years in Europe (continental)
32% Long Pond LPS 2001 – 23 years in Europe (continental)
28% New Yarmouth 1994 – 24 years in Jamaica (tropical) and 5 years in Europe (continental)

Nice, no? Okay, here we go!

trinidad tdl 17 years delias tropical rum cat

T.D.L. 17 Years Trinidad Rum (60%, Delias Rum Cat Collection, 2024)

Nose: An almost strangely floral first impression, but then slivers of oranges, even yuzu, followed by hints of mint, dark chocolate, and a tinge of mochaccino. Some warming baking spices too.
Taste: The alcohol is well integrated. You’d never suspect this to be a 60 percent rum. Thick, almost sticky mouthfeel, but not quite. Syrupy though. Sweet brown sugar, slivers of sweetened coffee, and treacle too. Maybe some prunes, then hints of peppermint and finally soft oak spices.
Finish: Medium to long. Dark (brooding?) coffee notes, but also some mild chocolate ones and sweet touches.

Conclusion

A very pleasant sipping drinking. Maybe not the most complex TDL (but certainly complex enough), and everything works well together. More treacly than fruity. Still available here.

8.6

Cuban Rum 1992 31 Years (50.7%, Wu DRAM Clan, 2024)

Nose: There are hints of charcoal, some fennel, and even black liquorice, but also dark vanilla notes, mushy banana, rum raisins and sugar-covered marshmallow. Then a tinge of soy sauce, quinine and brown sugar.
Taste: Hints of strong coffee, but also mocha, charcoal and molasses. Slivers of prosciutto di Parma too, as well as some light notes of star anise. Dark chocolate (85% or higher) too. And maybe a tinge of petrol? Let’s say there was.
Finish: Medium length. Hints of cocoa and coffee, but also vanilla and more molasses.

Conclusion

A Cuban rum with lots to offer. There’s nothing light about it. A tad molasses-forward at times, but also layered and complex.

8.8

jamaican rum blend 23 years wu dram clan

Jamaican Rum Blend 23 Years (57%, Wu DRAM Clan, 2024)

Nose: A very interesting combination of tropical notes, but also fresh tennis balls and something fragrant and floral. Then there are slivers of cedarwood, bananas flambé and grilled pineapple. Also a touch of meringue, just a sliver of wood glue and finally eucalyptus.
Taste: There’s this foundation of tropical fruits that’s highly attractive. Mostly papaya, maybe some mango, but definitely strong pineapple flavours. Again, touches of cedarwood, but also polished leather, herbs and a tinge of lemon pith. Seriously good.
Finish: Medium length. Herbacious, a touch of menthol, but fruity.

Conclusion

Wu DRAM Clan struck gold here with this blend of precious rums. It's a fascinating combination of influences that ultimately leads to a very balanced, multifaceted rum.

Samples provided by Delias Whiskyshop & Wu DRAM Clan