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

A distinctive aroma from this reddish amber colored rum permeates a room. Unique smells of vanilla, cinnamon, brown sugar, and light orange citrus. A tasting friend once mentioned they were able to identify this rum from several feet away just based on it's fragrance.  Pyrat XO Rum is very distinguishable with a bouquet of wonderful and unique flavors. This complex rum envelopes your tongue and whole mouth with the essence of citrus, cinnamon, caramel, and vanilla. A slight bit of warmth up font and a smooth finish leaves you with a smile on your face and you looking forward to your next sip.

Anecdotal Notes
Dave sent me my first bottle of this extraordinary rum last Christmas. It was a favorite of his and it was love at first sip for me. It has a unique flavor and aroma and is a real treat. I'm always happy when I open a bottle as I know what pleasure awaits. Pyrat XO Reserve rum is blended and bottled in Anguilla, an island known for its incredible white sand beaches, in the British West Indies.

RnD were lucky enough to visit Anguilla in April 2006 during a sailing trip. After a wonderful day roaming the white powder beaches with our adventurous wives, we made our way to the Anguilla Distillers facility which is owned by Patron Spirits (makers of ultra fine Tequilas). We were on a quest and this was one of the highlights of our trip. The facility had a very nice (and cool) aromatic tasting room where we were graciously treated to samples of the entire Pyrat family of rums including Pyrat Pistol, Pyrat XO Reserve, Pyrat Savage Orange Rum Liquor (only available on Anguilla), and the famous Pyrat Cask 23. (For those who’ve never experienced it, Cask 23 is one of the most exclusive and expensive rums in the world. Watch for our upcoming review!) We were allowed to take a short tour of the facility and met some of the fine staff at work bottling great rums. The picture featured in our profile was taken in Pyrat’s barrel room. Mmmm, did that room smell fine.)

This tragically funny story happened while we were preparing to leave. The Pyrat crew were filling a barrel in the tasting room, using a long hose with a nozzle right out of a gasoline station! (Hey, it’s the Caribbean.) When – oh no - the Cask 23 sprung a leak. The staff was quite surprised by our amusement as they mopped up the lake of rum on the floor. We didn’t know whether to cry or or get our own sanitary sponges. (Cask 23 goes for more than $300 US online!). It would be an understatement to say we were having a great day!

Taster’s Opinion
Roger - This is one of my favorite rums, period. It's good on any occasion and can be enjoyed often. I like it neat and I also enjoy it in a special mixed drink called the XO Cocktail. You can find the recipe on the Patron Spirit's excellent website. This rum has a flavor quite different from other rums. I consider it an incredible value, as its better than many rums costing almost twice it's price. I recommend it to everyone and will always have a bottle on hand. Fortunately it is widely available.

Taster's Rating (10 is best):  Roger - 9 Flasks

Most recently reviewed by: Roger in July, 2006 at RnD's northern tasting room in USA.

*750ml unless otherwise stated.