Kirk and Sweeney 23-Year

The first tasting was weird, cork is not exactly "tight" and it has small particles floating in it. It also tasted a bit dilluted. It is supposedly made from cane juice. After some time on shelve, I tasted strong vanilla, additives probably.

Tobacco and prunes, with a zesty kick of lime and Sherried orange peel.
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very similar to the Millionario Rum
very sweet and without a particular original flavor
but a good Rum

This is by far the best rum I've tasted. Its not too sweet. Tastes of caramel, and vanilla. I buy the Kirk and Sweeney 18 frequently and its a great rum, but there is some batch to batch variability. The 23 taste more mature and balanced.

Very good rum, well balanced just lightly sweet. There is little bitterness in the middle, but continues to longlasting aftertaste which is more sweeter

Yes! Excellent flavor with notes of vanilla and toffee. Incredibly smooth and great as a sipper. I'm making a point of keeping this in hand always.

Very well balanced and smooth flavorful with aged oaky finish. I really enjoyed this rum but like the 18 more which has more pronounced vanilla and flavors to me

This was the first aged rum I bought. I thought it was really great. After drinking half the bottle I’m not so sure. It’s a very nice rum. Smooth, not too sweet. Not a lot of hang time though. I’m givin’ it a hard 8 if it’s really made from cane as they claim.

Long a fan of the Kirk and Sweeny 12, I had high expectations for the 23 year. While priced substantially higher ($44 for the 23 vs $27 for the 12 year), this once again proves that neither age nor price make a good rum.

Side by side with the 12, the 23 is quite a bit darker. It certainly smells much older. Almost damp and cellar-like. It has much darker woodsy notes, a bit of chocolate, and a bittersweet note. It lacks the bright vigor and fruity notes of the 12 year. The 23 has a more acidic note, and seems a bit rougher in the aroma. It has a heavy mouthfeel, but a smooth finish.

You may love the 12, but don't assume the 23 year to be any better. It is just different. Not better, not worse, depending on your taste. When it comes to value, the 12 beats the 23 without question.

Did a side by side with zacapa xo. This was smoother with equal depth and flavor. Best rum I’ve ever had.

Instantly among my favorites. Remarkably smooth & has a subtle sweetness to it. ZERO burn. The oakiness (is that a word?) on the front end adds nicely to the complexity. Will continue to purchase this in the future & look forward to checking out the 18yr for comparison.