Myers's Bitters & Bottles Single Barrel Select Jamaican Rum

Myers's has been a shelf staple for generations now, for years collecting dust at your local watering hole just in case someone happened to order a Hurricane or asked for a float of dark rum. Before the rum renaissance of the last several years, it was probably the only option for your Mai Tai as well. And it has always served these occasions with dignity, offering a good deal more flavor and rummy character than any of the other bar staple rums. It was likely the only one to contain any of the nowadays beloved Jamaican "funk", courtesy of the pot still component of the blend, which also contains more easygoing column still rum. However, it tended to stay on the back bar while other funky rums got all the attention.

When Sazerac bought the brand in 2018, it was only a matter of time before they did something new with the brand, giving it the attention it deserves and bringing it out from the shadow of the back bar. Given the barrels at the brand's disposal as owners of the Buffalo Trace distillery, it wasn't surprising that it should involve some barrel finishing, as hot a trend as that is in our current drinking climate. What we weren't expecting was a single barrel program, giving us the opportunity to select a store pick for our devoted Rummy customers. And what a surprising and delightful barrel it is! Finished in Sazerac Rye barrels, it is also bottled at a slightly higher 43% abv for a fuller texture and flavor.

The nose gives a good dose of that molasses-fruit funk that gives away the pot still component, and a solid peppery spice announces the cask finish. Alongside this is a raisinet note that almost hints at sherry like character, a welcome complexity. The palate is gentle and though higher proof, decidedly more easygoing than the standard Myers's bottling, with a deeper richness throughout the sip. Dark chocolate, vanilla cake, dates, and a slight amaro-like finish makes it an ideal candidate not just for tiki punches and Hurricanes, but more spirit forward drinks, playing with rich liqueurs and vermouths easily.