Recently we looked at the single malts of the new ImpEx Collection, at which point I noted we’d soon get to the collection’s trio of independently bottled, single barrel rum releases from two famed distilleries: Long Pond and Clarendon, both located in Jamaica.

Well, here we are. Let’s visit a different, more tropical island this time around, shall we?

The Impex Collection Long Pond 2007 13 Years Old Cask #11ITP (Oak Barrel) – Classic Jamaican rum, with a nose heavy with hogo, banana leaf, and toasty cloves, fading to coffee as it develops. The palate is heavy with savory spices, dark chocolate, and more coffee bean, with a red fruit note emerging later in the game. Balanced with a maple-like sweetness on the finish. 107.2 proof. A- / $100

The ImpEx Collection Long Pond 2005 15 Years Old Cask #21VRW (Oak Barrel) – Two years of added age give this expression a more aromatic note that’s heavier on the clove spices and which shows a touch of mint. The palate is quite similar to the 2007, with a slightly more evident raisin/prune note and a somewhat more rounded and richer body. Chocolate notes are clearer here, and the sharper, wine-heavy finish is more expressive. 104.4 proof. A / $120

The ImpEx Collection Clarendon 2007 13 Years Old Cask #654MBKB (Oak Barrel) – A much different rum, sultry and showing a melange of incense, coconut, and brown butter. There’s a significant camphor character here that feels a little off, however. The palate pushes the camphor note again, along with notes of linen and lavender, giving the rum something of an impression of a young brandy. Heavy incense notes continue the floral theme. The finish is cottony and perfumed, a bit too flowery for my tastes. 102.8 proof. B+ / $90

impexbev.com

The Impex Collection Long Pond 2007 13 Years Old Cask #11ITP (Oak Barrel)

$100

9

Rating

9.0/10

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Review: The ImpEx Collection – Glen Elgin 2006, Orkney 1999, Caol Ila 2008, and Springbank 1993 Review: Holmes Cay Single Cask Rum – Belize 2006, Jamaica 2007 ITP, Australia 2012, and Jamaica 2014 EMB Review: Holmes Cay Single Cask Rum – Fiji 2004 and Guyana 2005 Review: The ImpEx Collection Secret Japan Single Grain Whisky 17 Years Old