Gosling's Family Reserve Old

After reading so many comments from others, I picked up a bottle for the collection. Then a second so I may actually try and enjoy the product. First Impression:
Definitely needs time in the glass to open up after being cooped up in a wax sealed bottle.
Upon first sniff, there was dark chocolate & dark caramel with a hint of coffee bean.
A little sip and there was distinctive heat on the pallet, hence the need to rest.
After 15+ minutes and some swirling, marked scents & flavours of sweet maple, a real pronounced pipe tobacco / cigar leaf and that vanilla/ caramel.
Still hot on the tongue with a fairly high alcohol finish.
I was only able to sample 1oz on this first opening, but looking forward to a 3 finger pour and at least an hour of open air time.
I think is has some real potential and look forward to diving in.

Orange marmalade and molasses, bitter dark chocolate, cooked apples and black pepper. A little cedar.
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Definitely a particular rum,
not sweet,
bitter, strong, alcoholic.
It is not delicate, it is not aromatic.
For me it is not a good rum.

Received as a birthday present. Interesting display of wooden box. Upon pouring, it is rather dark, almost the color of cola. I think the aroma is light with an essence of molasses. The taste is lighter than expected - not as heavy on the tongue as expected. Overall enjoyable.

Relativ teuer. Nicht mein Favorit, aber auch nicht schlecht. Etwas gewöhnungsbedürftig für mich, erinnerte mich fast an Whiskey (natürlich nicht konkret vom Geschmack aber von der Komplexität her).

Bottle S/N: 7598/2006....marvelous taste for an Old Rum. Bottled in 2006 and experienced 12 years later in 2018. Well, I'd say its worth having a Cuban to justify the taste of an Old Rum with a spicy. smooth and elegant taste. I enjoy sipping it neat or on the rocks. On the rock, however, do spoil a bit of the smooth, dark, round bodied taste. Overall, I find it to be a rum one can appreciate and enjoy with a nice flavorful Cubano.

Excellent presentation; numbered bottle, wax seal in a wooden box.
I have been a fan of Black Seal, in particular in the Bermudian favourite Dark N Stormy, for many years.
When I heard about Family Reserve I had high expectations, however the rum didn't quite live up to them.
The initial nose is far more harsh alcohol than expected.
The flavour palette is quite intense, being felt in pretty much all areas of the tongue, however I found the finish to be a bit disappointing.
Overall, still qualifies as a sipper, not a mixer, but used for occasions where the fancy presentation is more important than than the actual rum quality.

Only tasted it once at a rumtasting a few years ago, but I remember it as very nice and sweet, but not too sweet.

A superb rum.Dark and rich.A wonderful sipping rum.I can recommend this one.

Purchased a sample from Master of Malt for about £6. Glad I purchased it to be fair don't think I'd fancy a full bottle of this. It's much much better than the standard black seal. There's treacle and heavy molasses on the nose it's a dark rum aged in charred oak I'm guessing probably ex bourbon There's definitely some raisin and other dried fruit there. This rum needs time to breathe it's a little too harsh otherwise. In the mouth it's sweet a little harsh but not overpowering its caramel and treacle, toffee with a touch of raisin all enveloped in a rich smokiness

Fruity nose and wooden barrel on the tongue, dry but smooth.