Lemon Hart & Son Rhum Demerara Rum 151 Proof

Lemon Hart is one of the oldest names in Guyanese rum, the historic bearer of high-proof navy Demerara, and this 151 proof bottling carries that lineage at a full 75.5%. It is molasses based and built for power, the dark, treacly style that defined British naval rations rather than a gentle sipper.

The Diamond distillery now runs every surviving Guyanese still, and the profile here leans into the heavy, caramelised end of that house: woody and nutty on the nose, then spicy and roasted across the palate with leather and coffee, finishing peppery and warm. At this strength it shows real heat, so a splash of water or its use in a rich tiki build coaxes out the chocolate, treacle and Christmas-pudding depth hiding underneath. Sweetness is unconfirmed, but the impression is more old-fashioned grog than polished after-dinner pour.