Doorly's XO

Category: Dark
Country: Barbados
Aged: 10 years
Alcohol: 40% (80 proof)
Availability: Very Limited
Price: US$24 (750 mL) in Barbados

Appearance (0-5): 5
Aroma (0-25): 23
Taste (0-35): 28
Smoothness (0-10): 7
Body (0-5): 4
Overall Quality (0-20): 16
Machete Rating (0-100): 83

Notes: Doorly's XO is given a second maturation with oak barrels "already seasoned in the aging of fine Spanish Oloroso Sherry." It sounded to me that this bottle I happen to come across in Bridgeport, Barbados could be a true gem. After all, additional aging in sherry casks was a key component in the Bacardi 8 Millennium recipe that sold for over $3000 a bottle. Though it didn't meet my lofty expectations - especially at first - I still enjoyed it. It poured with a nice viscosity and has a beautiful amber color. Great smell of citrus, molasses, and the unmistakable aroma of underlying brandy (or I suppose, sherry). I had it on the rocks with a splash of club soda, and it was subtly sweet and clean but a bit harsh at first sip. Subsequent sips, though, did get better and better as the melting ice softened the bite. Definite flavors of ripened grape, nut and vanilla. Pairs well with a Maria Mancini EMS Robusto. It took some drinking (and another glass the next day) to truly appreciate it. Overall it's actually a fairly smooth, clean, sweet rum with a long, delicate finish that's not widely available. Though it works on the rocks, a small splash of water, coke or juice can really bring out and complement the full complexity of this rum. Any more than a splash, however, would be doing yourself a disservice.

Reviewed: May 2007