Dead Reckoning Mutiny Single Barrel 21 Year Old Cask Strength South Pacific Rum (700ml)

A follow up release from Adelaide-based independent bottler Justin Boseley, Dead Reckoning is a massive single barrel bombshell. Sourced from the South Pacific Rum Distillery in Fiji, get past the initial wafts of alcohol and the nose takes on a strong Jamaican slant - funky and fruity, reminiscent of high ester Hampden (albeit a slightly less integrated version); Papaya, grilled pineapple, plantain, dried mango, new leather and liquorice bullets are echoed in a powerful, bittersweet attack. Add to that fruity dark chocolate, tongue-tingling alcohol and an aftertaste that unfolds with molasses cake, golden syrup, pineapple pudding and finishes with a superb fruity rebound. All tropically aged, 100% Pot distilled and disgorged at 65%, you get what the label says. Given the age, provenance and all-natural character, this is a bargain for rum purists. Named after the infamous 'mutiny on the Bounty', 285 bottles are on offer for Australia only. Non chill-filtered.

Other reviews... Nose: Funky Banana and tropical fruit salad, biscuit spices and some clove notes as well as a definite floral (frangipani?) presence in the mix there as well. Palate: The pot still origin of this rum is quite evident by the lovely oily mouthfeel it exhibits. A lot more delicate flavours apparent here than I was expecting too – much tropical fruit – but also fresh granny smith apple notes. Lovely biscuit spice flavours as well as vanilla, ginger and mixed peel. The high alcohol content is extremely well integrated with little burn or harshness (especially so considering the abv). What you do get, however, is a massive flavour hit and esters by the pound – man this is delicious! Finish: The absolute definition of a chewy finish on this one. Big, funky, tropical fruit salad but the sticky sweetness is tempered by the dry tannins from the 21 years in wood. Luxurious and constantly evolving, and so, so long – it stretches all the way to the moon and back … in fat, that’s the exact amount I love this rum!! The Mutiny – South Pacific 21yo is an absolutely massive rum. At 65% ABV that’s no big surprise – but what does catch you (well… me) off-guard is just how incredibly easy it is to sip on. It’s not harsh or hot or rough on the palate – but be warned… the high alcohol content is incredibly well integrated but have no doubt about it – the 65%ABV will smite you hard if you forget just what you’re dealing with! 4.5 stars - thefatrumpirate.com