Bacardi Reserva Ocho Sevillian Orange Cask Finish

I don't buy Bacardi all that much. Most people think mixer when Bacardi is mentioned. I've had the regular 8 which is a decent sipper. This however is fantastic! There's no fufu orange liqueur here (Pyrat). This is deep and rich. Memorable. Real rum aficionados will appreciate this. Buy it if you see it.

The title might make you think it’s gonna taste like a lot of orange but there’s really none at all. Maybe a little citrus on the finish but it really brings out the caramel and more brown sugar than usual. The bump up to 45%(as opposed to the regular 8-year being 40%) is not really felt but just adds a little more wood/oak character. This is probably my favorite version of the recent 8-year barrel finish expressions they’ve been doing lately.

While I do not taste any orange flavoring, it was less harsh than I thought it would be when enjoyed neat. Mixed, was pleasant too.

Aroma - fresh pressed oranges followed by root beer, ginger, and sweet cream

Taste - orange peels followed by oak, dried fruit, and a lightly charred barrel spice finish

Tasted at Laka Lono Kill Devil Club tasting May 29 2024
Appearance: gold
Aroma: floor cleaner
Flavor: brown sugar, some citrus, some dustiness
Notes: oh! This is surprising. The cask adds a delightful flavor and finish. This is a well made rum. The finish is quite nice, adds a bit of toffee.

Tasted at Laka Lono Rum Club on 3-24-24. Dark amber with ruby notes to the color. Interesting aroma that is citrusy, but not of oranges. Likewise, the flavor has the oils and curaçao like rind flavors with a mild and pleasant bitterness. Mandarins but not overtly orangey. Really good.

Don't have much experience with the standard Bacardi 8, but the orange cask was intriguing to get me to buy this. Nice flavor, very subtle orange. It comes off more like a nice brandy finish, which I really enjoyed.

Edit: I have now had the chance to compare this to the other Bacardi 8 expressions. This is by far my favorite, with Sherry coming in second, and the standard just ok (I hate rye so I skipped that one). Bacardi seriously surprised me with this rum, I keep coming back to it. It's just that good, and this is from someone who loathes Bacardi Silver.