Elizabeth Yard Port Mourant Single Cask Rum 2003

This rum from Elizabeth Yard is really dark and claims to be a Port Mourant on the label - if it were, it would be a minor sensation because colored PMs have been practically extinct for decades. I was convinced it wasn't a PM. 3 tastings later, I'm unsure Tasting #1: I have the 2003 Diamonds from Our Rum & Spirits in my glass 14yo & 13yo. The nose of the EY is much more intense than that of the ORSs, but also very similar. The notes from the coloring are dominant: caramel, roasted aromas and coffee. Behind this is a very present, somewhat artificial cherry, a ripe berry fruit, orange and mango, plus cloves and cinnamon - reminiscent of the SBS SVL 2003. In the mouth, the rum becomes drier and spicier. Raisins, prunes and oranges remain from the fruit. It is a little sour, with some bitter dark cocoa. The alcohol integration is great, but the rum is not 55%. The finish is similar to the palate, not overly bitter, cocoa, cloves, tannins and some orange marmalade. No. 2: Another Diamond Session today. The Elizabeth Yard 2003, the Two Flags 1996 and the Nobilis 2003 SVL are back. The TF1996 is the only secured rum from the Diamond Still, because the Savalle was still in Uitvlugt at the time. The EY stands out again. Again more intense and in contrast to the SVL and the TF with a resinous note that I did not perceive yesterday. I stand by the rating, although I like it more and more. No. 3: After a first PM cross-tasting (SBS 1990 and El Dorado 1999) I ruled out for myself that it was a Port Mourant, I have since started to ponder, also comparing it again with the SBS. Three extensive tastings later, I have an idea why it could be considered a PM. The EY has a herbal spiciness, something resinous that the other 2003s completely lack - but the typical aniseed is completely missing. It's much more intense than the rest - but much milder on the palate than true PMs. I am confused. My initial disappointment has faded, the rum has grown consistently. +1

Da ich ein bißchen angeschlagen bin, war es nicht ganz so einfach wirklich alles bestimmen zu können. Aber das was ich so gerochen und geschmeckt habe, hat mit ganz gut gefallen. Danke an lukasdrinkinghabits für den Split.

I'm also not sure whether this comes from the Port Mourant still or not. Not at all on the nose. There are a few salty notes on the palate, but not really the combination of the typical markers. But it doesn't matter: I find the rum quite tasty in any case - a nice surprise.