Rum Review: Captain Morgan 1671Commemorative Blend

$19.99 / 750 ml

If you’re a frequent reader here at Leaf Enthusiast, then you already know my affinity for rum.  So when Captain Morgan released a new, limited edition rum a couple of months ago, then you know I’m going to check it out and let you know.

The interesting thing about the 1671 is that it commemorates Captain Morgan for the same battle as last year’s limited edition (see review here) although last year’s was simply called limited edition, kept in a clear bottle, and finished with sherry oak casks.  This year’s limited edition for the infamous 1671 battle of Panama is given a more commemorative name, sold in a totally unique bottle, and finished with Spanish Oak.  But as with anything, it’s what’s on the inside that counts, so let’s get to it.

Like it’s predecessor, the 1671 has a nose of vanilla, cherry, some oak but also some clove and nutmeg for this outing.  The initial palate notes include a sweetness with vanilla, oak and pepper.  Near the end, it has hints of chocolate and vanilla intertwined with pepper and clove for a somewhat medium finish that is a bit weak.

Because this offering is 70 proof, a bit weaker than Capt Morgan’s standard fare, and due to it’s sweetness, it’s easy for anyone to drink neat.  However, I felt the rum actually tasted better when mixed with Coke.  The soft drink seemed to temper the clove and pepper notes that were a bit strong for me.  Maybe it’s just my preference for my drink not to accentuate those notes, but it reminds me of my grandmother’s dressing for the holidays and not something I want prevalent in my liquor.  But I digress…

The Captain Morgan 1671 Commemorative Blend is a decent drink.  But at this price point, it’s too high, especially when there’s a similar product released in the last half of last year that I feel is better and a few bucks cheaper.  Maybe it’s because the 1671 is offered in a truly unique bottle, but I feel the drink should be no more than the $17.99 like last year’s limited edition in Sherry Oak.  And even then I prefer last year’s to this year.  But that’s my taste.

Over all, I would say that it’s worth checking out if you like rum and want to try something new.  Or maybe if  you like and want to experience some pepper and clove in the nose and palate of your rum.  But if those notes aren’t to your liking, then I’d stick with last year’s limited edition, which was a great deal in my opinion.