El Dorado 12-Year

Bought this on recommendation but was disappointed at first with the high level of sweetness and after-taste of sauna. After a few the taste grows on you. The dark bottle gives the impression of a darker rum than it is.

One week later I have changed my rating from 7 to 8. Really does grow on you

Unboxing reveals a rich Amber bottle with what is meant to be a wax 12 YO stamp on front. Slightly gimmicky, but the contents is what is important.
Pouring discovers that colour is darker to the bottle, a seamless transition of the visionary senses presenting a brown sherry almost treacle hue. Body is rich and full. This sexy brown beauty dances in the glass.
Aromas on the front are almost sharp, get through that initial stage and you are rewarded with sweetness, vanilla and a sultry smokiness, oak always present. Note: just let her sit there for a while...let her fully develop. This is one worth waiting for.
Caramel, brown sugar, sweetness breakthrough urging you to hold in the mouth, very full and rounds out smoothly.
Like sticky sugar, clings to every available surface in the mouth before gently easing of the palate.
Overall impression: well worth the $75NZD price tag. A scrumptious 12YO, holding its own to the very end. You won't be disappointed. Highly recommended.

Just got a bottle in the grand caymans while on vacation. This now replaces cruzan single barrel as my favorite rum. Super smooth.

alcohol burst first, then sweet smooth ending, tasty one.

Smooth, hints of toffee and vanilla. Over ice there is no burn or sharpness. I think it would be a waste to mix it!

I'm a simple Cuban guy who enjoys sipping his rum. Not quite a connoisseur but working my way up mostly in the value section of the market as I don't have deep pockets. This ED 12 is probably one of the best values one can currently find in the Ontario, Canada rum market ~38CAD. A bit on the sweet side but with lots of personality. I like its smell although I prefer the stronger smell of the Havana Club 7 years old. The taste and afterburn are great as compared to similar contenders. If this bottle had been a lady I would have proposed to her a long time ago ;-)

Excellent smooth taste of vanilla, burnt caramel and made using pure molasses

I remember liking this one, but it's been a long time since I tried it.

Very nice rum , not as sweet as Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva , but a fantastic sipping rum . The Demerara rum also combines well with a small amount of a decent cola when you want a longer drink. Most rums here in N.Z are pretty pricey but this is good value for money , need to try the 15 yr next !

En fin rom, let drikkelig med megen sødme og med et par sjove undertoner i smagen. Nogle snakker om lakrids - ved ikke helt om det var hvad jeg også smagte, men det var en god oplevelse :-)