The splendid Cadenhead's Classic Rum is finally stateside. The 2017 bottling of this famous old label has already sold out in Europe and won't likely be around here for very long either. An essential expression of English style blended rum it arrives already firmly in the upper echelons of the rum hierarchy. The special William Cadenhead's Co is Scotland's oldest independent bottler and currently owned by J&A Mitchell of Springbank fame. They've got an incredible stock of old Demerara rums and this special blend of rums from throughout the Caribbean is easily one of the finest examples of the nearly lost style of heavy blended rum. They've done wonderful work here, offering products of great depth and complexity with rums between 5 and 10 years old. There's absolutely no sugar or caramel added. Deep toasty nose of boiling brown sugar, heady exotic spice and dense pot distilled spirit. The palate is rich and mouth filling with tons of sweet and funky rancio flavors and a big bold kick to finish. It wouldn't hurt to add a drop of water if sipping neat and there's no doubt this will shine in a number of classic cocktails.