Compared to Navy Island Jamaica XO Reserve 40° , Navy Island Navy Strength stands out in 2 ways:
- it contains only Jamaican rums distilled 100% pot still (as opposed to a blend of column and pot still for XO Reserve). 11 small-batch rums of varying ages have been selected and blended.
- this is a very slightly reduced version (57°)
57° is in fact the mythical degree used by the British Navy for the rums that it once distributed daily to sailors.
Its oily texture makes it easy to approach this type of "high proof" rum.
Nico's tasting notes
On the nose, the wild fruitiness of Jamaica expresses itself in rounded forms. Mango, jackfruit and pineapple are candied to perfection, as if reduced to a devilishly tropical syrup.
Aeration has removed the funkier aromas, but the rum loses none of its consistency, quite the contrary. It now approaches olives, aromatics and fermenting cane juice, while resting on a very exotic, fruity coffee variety.
On the palate, the attack delivers on the promise of a powerful, full-bodied rum, without exceeding the limits of comfortable drinkability. The fruit is in the process of being cooked, and has begun to stew and gain texture. The overall impression on the mid-palate is one of mellowness, tending towards a slightly pastry-like character.
The finish is lightly toasted, evoking a few pecans lost in an exotic fruit salad.
"A perfect rum for discovering both Jamaica and high degrees..."
