For another installment of spirits reviews , we turn to rum and cachaça ( a clear distilled spirit made from fermented sugarcane juice ). These sweet-and-spicy spirits have long captured the attention of mixologists , and have made inroads with connoisseurs as premium sippers .

The notes and ratings below come from the 11th Annual New York International Spirits Competition , a sister competition of Cheers @ Home . Judges for the NYICS are trade professionals — retailers , bartenders , buyers , etcetera — who blind-taste products based on price tiers . These reviews and ratings recognize spirits that represent both quality and value . The most recent series of NYICS competitions all occurred virtually .

DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL

Appleton Estate Rare Blend 12 Year ( Campari America ). The rum is distilled in Jamaica using a blend of 12- to 18-year rums aged in American oak barrels . It has a lovely dark copper color with long legs as it swirls around your glass . Brown sugar and spice and hints of citrus are on the nose . The pot still distilling brings hints of tobacco , along with vanilla and chocolate , as it coats your tongue and throat .

Cutwater Spirits Cask Strength Rum ( Cutwater Spirits ). A special release from Cutwater Spirits , aging the rum in American oak barrels that are charred to the # 3 level . The gluten-free rum is bottled at 64 % ABV . A dash of water will open it up to release the oak and vanilla and spice on the nose . The full body lies in the mouth with hints of leather on the edges of your tongue . The cask strength is felt all the way down your throat , with spices and vanilla floating on top .

Tanduay Double Rum ( Midway Trading Company ). Distilled in the Philippines and aged with a blend of 6- and 15-year- old rums before married and aged together for two years in bourbon oak casks . Tropical dried fruits and pineapple fill the nose . Pineapple and other tropical fruits along with hints of vanilla are found on the tongue . The finish is well balanced with remaining hints of oak and tropical fruit at its soft end .

Pinkertons Cocunut Rum ( Pinkerton ’ s Distillery ). Distilled at 30 % ABV , this rum from Texas starts off as their Platinum Rum . The coconut-themed presence starts when first lifted up to your nose . The blend of sugarcane forms the base as the top layer has fresh coconut . The finish is soft with a light coconut ending , and meant for cocktails or sipped over ice .

GOLD MEDAL

Bacardi Black ( Bacardi ). The rum aged in heavily charred oak barrels , giving

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