3 badge mixology Kirk and Sweeney XO

This 3 Badge Mixology bottling of Kirk and Sweeney XO draws on Dominican rum from the Bermudez distillery and presents it at full cask strength, 65.5%, a striking contrast to the soft 40% norm of the Spanish style. It takes the rich, dessert leaning Dominican profile and turns up the intensity without losing its smoothness.

The column still molasses spirit has been matured to a deep, sweet richness that recalls creme brulee: caramel, toffee, vanilla and molasses, all framed by roasted oak and a touch of sherried fruit. The finish stays warm and oaky with lingering spice. Despite the high proof the alcohol is surprisingly well behaved, though it rewards twenty to thirty minutes in the glass to fully open. This is a big, rich, sweet leaning sipper for those who want to see how far the Dominican dessert profile can stretch at cask strength, generous and warming rather than harsh.