Been a while since I found an accessible Single Cask rum from Guyana, but thanks to the Internet and the word of mouth, here we are. First time I’ve purchased a bottle from Dram Mor, which is understandable given that they are a new company.
Dram Mor Group Ltd. is an independent bottler from Dumbarton, Scotland and was started in 2019 by husband & wife Viktorja and Kenny Macdonald. The name Dram Mor means a Big Whisky in Scottish Gaelic, and while the company does deal mainly with whiskies, they have delved into the rum world as well.
The Guayana I’m reviewing comes from Diamond Distillery which boasts an impressive collection of unique stills used to make rum and not only. Thanks to Wes (thefatrumpirate), who already reviewed this bottling earlier this month, now I know that this was distilled using the Double Wooden Pot Still – Port Mourant. If you want to read more about Diamond’s still collection and what Port Mourant means just read here.
Dram Mor Guyana 2011 is molasses based, wooden pot still distilled and aged in ex-Bourbon casks followed by a 5 month finish in first fill Buffalo Trace barrels bringing it to a total of 10 years of maturation. Bottled at 55% ABV free of any adulteration.
On the nose it feels quite moreish. Vanilla pods, freshly polished furniture, pencil shavings, classic liquorice and sweet English Breakfast tea with milk. Peanut butter, white chocolate and banana flambe. Some pineapple juice and red apples with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon. I’m really enjoying the nose on this, but then I just love Port Mourant distillates.
On the palate it becomes quite spicy. Vanilla, biscuits, liquorice, walnuts and cappuccino. After Eights, black pepper, cloves and stem ginger. Aromatic tobacco, molasses and touch of burnt oak smoke. Some Tic Tac and flamed orange oils. It’s like the classic Port Mourant with a drop of vanilla essence, perhaps from the fresh Buffalo barrels – something that Wes noted on the nose as well. Toffee and some ground coffee. The finish is long with tobacco, liquorice and some wood spices.
Not too intense, not too light, just very balanced and fairly easy going for its ABV. I will finish this bottle way too quick, and given I spent only £38 (House of Malt) on this 55% ABV Single Cask Port Mourant, I have no regrets – such a bargain, no wonder it sold out. We need more rums like this that won’t sell out in milliseconds or break the bank in order to enjoy a decent dram.
Ticks a lot of boxes for me and will definitely keep an eye out on these guys!
Dram Mor Guyana 10 Year Old 2011 score:
Flavour/taste: 58/70
Value for money: 15/15
Transparency/purity: 15/15
Overall: 88/100
Cheers!
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