Banks XM Royal (Extra Mature)

Objective Notes

Extremely Smooth (on the RnD scale of Harsh-Smooth-Very Smooth-Extremely Smooth). 

Banks XM Royal exhibits a hue of mildly polished copper that any aged rum would be proud to display.  The color seemingly influences your perception of the bouquet too, which smells slightly coppery, with a sherry sweetness and some mild pot still character.  Aromas of caramel, vanilla, blood orange peel, mango and a hint of ripe banana, then smoky charred wood and cocoa quickly follow, leading you on an exciting sensory adventure before you even taste the rum.  But take a sip, and you are rewarded with deeply smooth classic rum flavors of semi-sweet vanilla,caramel, and milk chocolate complimented by the tart sherry.  The body is medium-heavy weight, ensuring a long lasting finish that continues to deliver consistent flavors long after the rum is gone.

Anecdotal Notes

Dave –  Guyana’s Banks DIH is an aging and blending facility, not a rum distillery.  I’ve been told by reliable sources close to the sources that Banks XM rum is aged and blended from spirits expertly distilled on Barbados by Foursquare, and perhaps some Guyanese DDL rum as well.  It is aged for about ten years in used Kentucky oak bourbon barrels before blending and aging for another six months or so in used sherry barrels, a technique that is gaining popularity among premium aged rums.

What it is:  Demerara, Guyana and Barbados - they all combine to make an extremely fine rum.  The XM in Banks’ name stands for Extra Mature, and that it is, delivering wonderful aromas and deep aged rum flavors.

What it’s not:  Any confusion between Banks XM with Banks 5 Island Rum is purely intentional on the latter’s part. Apparently lacking sufficient creativity to think of an original name for their product, the founders of Banks 5 Island Rum simply appropriated Banks’ untrademarked name for their own bland blend of clear white spirits and Arrack sourced from distilleries all over the world.  Ahh yes, rum and piracy seem forever to be linked.  Stick with Banks XM Royal and avoid the pretenders.

Taster’s Opinion

Dave – Pity that Banks XM Royal isn’t more widely exported, because it’s a world-class rum.  Complex aromas, layers of flavor, and as smooth as any, Banks has produced a fine rum perfect for sipping and impressing guests.  My advice:  when on Barbados or in Guyana buy as much Banks XM as you can carry.

Taster's Rating (10 is best):  Dave – X.X Flasks

 

Most recently tasted by:  Dave, October 2011 while judging at the Caribbean Rum & Beer Festival on Barbados, where it won a Silver Medal, and again in December 2011 at RnD’s South Tasting room, USA.

*750ml unless otherwise specified.