Gosling's Family Reserve Old

Very familiar aroma to folks who know their way around Black Seal. This is Gosling's premium rum and I was expecting a sort of upscale version of Black Seal, but was still disappointed to find that was kind of just what I got.

It starts of quite syrupy and sweet, almost as if someone had made a mixed drink with Dr. Pepper and let it sit long enough to go flat. The flavor quickly matures, though, and while it keeps that pepperiness, the straight sweetness mellows down into that characteristic molasses richness of Gosling's, giving way to vanilla, oak (really quite heavy on the bitter oak to cut through that sweetness), and maybe raisins or dates. Considering how sweet it opens up, the finish is very long, dry and woody. The texture of the drink is very smooth; another commenter described it as buttery, and that feels very accurate. It has a pleasant mouthfeel, though it finishes syrupy in the back of the palate.

Overall, it's nice, but there are many much nicer rums that are half this price. I don't regret revisiting Gosling's after all these years, and this would probably make an excellent mixer, but for the price, no one's going to want to get this just to make rum n' cokes. Get two bottles of something like R.L Seale's instead.

Opening a box and bottle is very impressive, but the rum inside does not fully live up to the 8 or 9 presentation. Smooth on the nose, very dark rich color first taste a lot of spice and a slight alcohol bite. A richer more complex variant than normal Goslings. I truly expected a little more.

Au nez, on sent le caramel, le chocolat et la cannelle.
En bouche, arômes de miel, de vanille et d'épices.
La finale est persistante.

Beautiful rum. Deep colour with levels of complexity. Keeps you coming back for more. Love the rustic bottle and packaging as well

Packaging is impressive. 1st pour shows a really dark rum. This is a nice sipping rum. Pour over ice with 2 shakes of bitters for a really nice experience!

Writhing this as I sip my first glass of this rather special run. Chocolate and tobacco in the smell, very dark colored and a spicy taste that is not too sweet. Chocolate in the after taste as well.

Has been recommended by a rum tasted and it hasn't disappointed...this rum is so smooth, so special!

Très beau rhum de dégustation, un peu dispendieux.

Mild. Not so strong, not so flavoured. Alcohol is very well blended with the aroma. Nice sweetness at the beginning. At the end a nice dark chocolate flavour.
One of my favourites!

Strong burnt sugar, chocolate, and tobacco on the nose. More oak on the pallet than I care for.