“Inspired by Ernest Hemingway,” the new Papa’s Pilar Rum brand is a blend of rums from, well, just about everywhere. Casks are sourced from the Caribbean, Central America, and the U.S.A., blended up solera style in Bourbon and Port casks, then finished in Spanish sherry casks. The rum is available in “dark” and “blonde” varieties, which we’ll discuss in detail in a moment.

As for the name: “Papa’s Pilar is meant to rekindle a sense of adventure in us all and replace the Hawaiian shirts and umbrella drinks with which rum has become associated. ‘Papa’ as Ernest Hemingway was known, was possibly the world’s greatest adventurer.  Papa’s Pilar was crafted to be near that same adventure, accompanying rum enthusiasts as they sink their teeth into life.  Named for his muse and one true constant, Pilar is the vessel that allowed America’s literary giant to reach beyond the shoreline, feast on life and remind us to never be a spectator.”

Thoughts on both expressions follow.

Now available in Northern California.

Papa’s Pilar Blonde Rum – A blend of column-distilled rums aged 3 to 7 years old. Blonde is a good descriptor of the color — it’s just vaguely off-white. There’s instant butterscotch on the nose, with cotton candy backing it up. The body features more of the same, plus some coconut and a little bit of funk. The finish brings out those coffee-like sherry notes quite clearly along with a husky, dusky finish. Lots going on here, but I’m not in love with the balance. 84 proof. B / $30 [BUY IT NOW FROM DRIZLY]

Papa’s Pilar Dark Rum – A blend of pot- and column-distilled rums up to 24 years old. Quite a different animal, with cola and root beer notes that provide a much different experience than the typical dark rum. These soft drink notes come across as well in the body, along with coffee, chocolate, and some amaro character. Cola’s the biggie, though, and it comes through from start to finish, hanging around for ages as it fades away. Again, a really weird, weird rum. Dare I suggest mixing it… with Coke? 86 proof. B / $40 [BUY IT NOW FROM DRIZLY]

papaspilar.com

Papa's Pilar Dark Rum

$40

8

Rating

8.0/10

BUY IT NOW

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Christopher Null

Christopher Null is the founder and editor in chief of Drinkhacker. A veteran writer and journalist, he also operates Null Media, a bespoke content creation company.

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