Bacardi Reserva Ocho Rum (Rye Cask Finish) 2014

Reserva Ocho Rye Cask Finish is a limited Bacardi release that takes the brand's eight year Puerto Rican rum and finishes it in rye whiskey casks, a 2014 vintage bottled at 45%. The rye influence is the whole point, lending a spicy, grainy edge to Bacardi's otherwise soft Spanish style profile, though it carries some added sweetness.

The nose opens on an alcoholic rye note alongside fruit, vanilla and lemon. The palate is a dry mix of caramel and spice, with brown sugar and vanilla, the rye clearly noticeable through its peppery spiciness, before a finish of spice, wood, nuttiness and brown sugar. The alcohol is well integrated and the rye character genuinely comes through, making this an interesting crossover, especially appealing to drinkers who enjoy both rye whiskey and rum and want to see the two meet in one glass.