Bumbu XO Rum, 70cl

Product Information

The new guard of terroir-driven rums are significantly less adulterated than their predecessors,” says Belanger. s East Village outpost, it’s important to remember the origins of rum when considering the spirit today, something that certain brands are actively striving to do. Bumbu XO is distilled and aged at a 120-year old Panamanian distillery and proudly uses only local sugarcane and pure spring water. I like the original bumbu, this has a few similar characteristics but is more straightforward and honest than its spiced flagship sister. Contrasted with the rich notes of coffee, chocolate, and tobacco found in my 2008 vintage bottling of Mount Gay Extra Old, and there’s really no comparison.

Both Taft and Belanger acknowledge that many people consider rum to be a very sweet spirit– and there’s some truth to that as many brands are legally allowed to add sugar, and do so. There has been some confusion about what the numbers on the bottles mean over the years, but a representative for the brand confirmed that they do indicate the minimum age of the rum–in other words, that 12 on the bottle means every drop is at least 12 years old. Poured over a large ice cube, the spicy flavors of Bumbu XO are muted creating a better balance of flavors. This special release is distilled and aged in Panama, where we created a truly unique – and unquestionably superior – rum. Mount Gay Black Barrel Rum (2020)– I’ve no older bottling of this for comparison, alas, but based on memory and my old tasting notes, the soul of Black Barrel hasn’t changed.The intricate detailing on the label and cap exudes elegance, with silver cross accents that catch the light and draw the eye. Zacapa XO is a unique balance of complex aromas and flavors resulting from the exclusive blend of reserve rums.

Ample fruit lingers on the back end, alongside light notes of spice and incense, both of which help to round things out and further elevate a solid, worthwhile rum.Aromas of toffee, toasted oak, and vanilla give way to orange zest, peppery spice and even a hint of coffee on the palate. It’s a very fruity rum on the nose and on the taste with an over riding taste of coconut, almost as if in the blend one of the rums was actually a coconut rum like Malibou or the likes.