Overview
Brand: Rolling Fork
Origin: Alcoholes Finos Dominicanos, Consuelo, San Pedro de Macorís, Dominican Republic
Still: Column
Age: 7 years
Finish: ex-Bourbon*
ABV: 56.6%
Rolling Fork is back in the spotlight with this rum from the Domincan Republic. While information about the rum itself is a bit sparse, I'm taking the educated guess that this was originally distilled at Alcoholes Finos Dominicanos– commonly known as AFD, which is perhaps the most common source distillery seen in Dominican releases from independent bottlers.
Domincan Republic 7 year was most likely produced via column still, and aged in ex-Bourbon barrels for 7 years. The single barrel's ID is HHR-224034, which could relate to Heaven Hill whiskey, perhaps even suggesting a rye cask maturation, based on the naming convention. I picked this bottle up at Lincoln Road in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and was excited to try some rum from the Domincan Republic that hadn't been adulterated.
Appearance
Amber, high clarity, medium-low viscosity
Nose
Vanilla, flower petals, caramel, blended tobacco, wet sand, brown sugar, ethanol
Palate
Honey, vanilla, caramel, cinnamon, clove, oak, brown sugar
Finish
Medium-long, warming, savory; salted soft pretzel, blended tobacco, vanilla, cinnamon
Rating: 7/10
Summary
This is an excellent example of a well-done, cask strength Dominican rum. There is a nice mix of floral notes enjoined with spices and tobacco blends, while sweet honey, brown sugar, and caramel shine through.
It's a bit on the strong side, with some uncontrolled ethanol burning my nostrils as I give it a nose, but the palate and finish are very well balanced and do not show the wildness of the raw alcohol. Still, the proof is very evident, but serves as an enhancing factor rather than a detracting one.
When cask strength, unadulterated Dominican rum is hard to come by, this Rolling Fork bottling is a great specimen of that exact profile. I'm glad I took the chance on it, and would recommend it for those interested.