Hemingway Rum Papa‘s Pilar Dark Rum

Hemingway Rum's Papa's Pilar Dark is a US bottled molasses rum, a blend of rums of varying ages assembled into a soft, sweeter dark style and named for Ernest Hemingway's boat. At 43 percent it is approachable and dessert leaning, pitched at drinkers who enjoy a comforting, chocolate forward pour rather than a dry, structured one. The brand leans heavily on its story and easy character.

Distilled on a column still and sweetened, it shows caramel, vanilla, chocolate and orange on the nose, with a sweet palate of chocolate, vanilla and caramel moving to a finish of cinnamon, banana and spice. The added sugar gives it a rounded, dessert like body, though the modest strength keeps it balanced and easy to drink. It suits relaxed neat sipping or winter and dessert style cocktails, a newcomer friendly bottle for those who like the chocolate and caramel comfort of sweeter, bourbon influenced rums.