Rolling Fork Spirits Jamaica (Wheated Bourbon Cask) 2016

I purchased this as part of a case deal price of $25 a bottle. At that price, this rum is a phenomenal buy. I’d heard some bad things about Rolling Fork—too much bourbon character from the secondary aging to the point of oaky astringency. None to be found here. ORVW on the label presumably means this was aged in Old Rip Van Winkle bourbon barrels in Kentucky after 4 years tropical. Nose and palate make up for a lack of complexity with a delightful richness after proper airing. Distinct notes on the nose of vanilla cream soda, butterscotch, smoke, and hazelnut butter—a salty, fatty, creamy nose that carries onto an equally rich palate. Mouthfeel is medium. Tastes a lot like a Jamaican/Guyana blend—there is a lot of butterscotch & bright tropical notes that reads as Jamaican, but a deep, raisin, molasses, coffee, licorice, and vanilla backbone reminds me of a Demerara. Not much more to praise but very little to criticize at this price point. Excited to mix some cocktails with this now and make a ghee-washed rum come fall.