Experience the exceptional Holmes Cay Single Cask Rum 15 Years Old 2007 from Long Pond Distillery in Jamaica, a premium pot-distilled expression bottled at a robust 56% ABV. This distinguished rum showcases an enticing profile with ripened tropical fruit on the nose, transitioning to rich banana, mango, and brown sugar on the palate, complemented by nuances of bubblegum, vanilla, and bourbon oak. The long, balanced finish reveals complex notes of oak and tobacco leaf, creating a remarkable tasting experience. Aged for 15 years in ex-bourbon barrels, this limited release exemplifies the traditional Jamaican rum-making style from the historic Long Pond Distillers Ltd. in Trelawny parish, a distillery dating back to the mid-1750s. Perfect for connoisseurs seeking authentic, high-quality Jamaican rum with character and depth.
Process & Profile
The Holmes Cay Jamaica ITP 2007 is crafted from 100% molasses and distilled on the historic John Dore copper pot still at Long Pond Distillery in Trelawny, Jamaica. This expression represents a specific low-ester mark that has been produced since the 1980s, originally distilled by Worthy Park as Lluidas Plantation (LP). What truly sets this rum apart is its impressive 15-year tropical aging process in ex-bourbon casks. This extended maturation period in Jamaica's tropical climate allows for rich flavor development while maintaining the rum's distinctive character. Bottled at a robust 56% ABV (112 proof), this expression is presented without chill filtration and contains absolutely no added sugar, coloring, or other additives.
Tasting Notes
Appearance: The rum displays a beautiful orange-gold hue with medium clarity and viscosity.
Nose: The aromatic profile opens with ripened tropical fruit, complemented by notes of bubblegum, vanilla, pastry dough, and grilled pineapple. More complex aromas of kalamata olives, dish detergent, and molasses emerge with time.
Palate: On the palate, expect a symphony of flavors including banana, mango, and brown sugar. Additional notes of bubblegum, vanilla, red wine vinegar, bourbon oak, and complex rotting fruits (cherries, green grapes, pineapple, star fruit, banana) create a fascinating taste experience, with subtle hints of nutmeg.
Finish: The finish is long, warming, and beautifully balanced with pronounced oak and tobacco leaf. Additional notes of fermenting red grapes, dark chocolate, nutmeg, and cherry cough syrup linger pleasantly.
What Makes It Special
This Holmes Cay bottling represents a truly rare opportunity to experience a single cask from Jamaica's historic Long Pond Distillery. The ITP marque is known for its low-ester profile, offering a more accessible entry point to Jamaican rum while still delivering remarkable complexity. The exclusive tropical aging process is particularly noteworthy, as the rum spent its entire 15-year maturation period in Jamaica's warm climate, allowing for accelerated interaction with the oak and producing a depth of flavor that's difficult to achieve in cooler aging environments. As a single cask bottling with zero additives, this rum represents rum in its purest form—an authentic expression of terroir, distillation expertise, and the transformative power of time.
How to Enjoy
This premium rum deserves thoughtful appreciation. Serve neat in a tulip-shaped glass to concentrate the complex aromas. Allow it to breathe for several minutes before sipping to fully appreciate its evolved character. While primarily meant for contemplative sipping, this rum can also elevate special cocktails that showcase its distinctive profile—consider rum-forward classics like an Old Fashioned or Manhattan variation. Pair with dark chocolate, dried tropical fruits, or rich desserts to complement its complex flavor profile and enhance your tasting experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the alcohol content (ABV) of this rum?
This Single Cask Rum is bottled at 56% ABV, offering a full-strength experience that preserves the rum's complex flavor profile.
Where was this rum produced?
This rum was distilled at Long Pond Distillers Ltd., located in Clark's Town, Trelawny, Jamaica.
What type of still was used to produce this rum?
This rum was produced using a pot still, which contributes to its rich and complex flavor profile.
How long was this rum aged?
This is a 15-year-old rum, distilled in 2007 at the Long Pond Distillery in Jamaica.
What type of cask was used for aging?
This rum was aged in ex-Bourbon casks, which imparts specific oak and vanilla notes to the spirit. ## Tasting Profile
What are the main tasting notes of this rum?
The rum features ripened tropical fruit on the nose, leading to rich banana, mango, and brown sugar on the palate. It has a long and balanced finish of oak and tobacco leaf.
Does this rum have a typical Jamaican funk profile?
Yes, this Long Pond distillate exhibits classic Jamaican profile notes including bubblegum, vanilla, rotting fruits such as cherries and green grapes, along with bourbon oak influence.
How would you describe the mouthfeel?
The rum offers a full-bodied experience with a complex mouthfeel that carries its high proof elegantly while delivering its rich flavor profile. ## Distillery Information
What is the history of Long Pond Distillery?
Long Pond Distillery was founded in the mid-1750s as both a sugar estate and rum distillery in Trelawny parish, Jamaica. It has changed hands several times throughout its history, including ownership by J.B. Sherriff & Company Limited, Seagrams, the Jamaican government, and currently National Rums of Jamaica since 2006.
Who currently owns Long Pond Distillery?
Long Pond is owned by National Rums of Jamaica (NRJ), which is equally owned by the Jamaican government, Maison Ferrand, and Demerara Distillers Ltd. ## Serving Suggestions
What's the best way to enjoy this rum?
This premium aged rum can be enjoyed neat, with a single ice cube, or with a splash of water to open up the flavors. Its complex profile makes it ideal for contemplative sipping.
Should I add water to this high-proof rum?
Adding a few drops of water can help open up the flavors of this 56% ABV rum, allowing you to experience different aspects of its complex profile. ## Product Availability
Is this a limited edition rum?
Yes, as a Single Cask rum from Holmes Cay, this is a limited edition bottling with only a finite number of bottles available from the specific cask.
What makes Holmes Cay Single Cask rums special?
Holmes Cay specializes in sourcing exceptional single casks of rum from renowned distilleries around the world, bottling them at cask strength without additives to showcase their authentic character and provenance.
