Goslings Family Reserve

[Lew Barrett]

There may be a review and thread dedicated to this old warhorse elsewhere on the forum, but I'm going to take a crack at reviewing it, as I had my second glass of this rum tonight. I obtained a bottle six weeks ago and I'm feeling familiar enough with it to risk a short review.

I obtained this bottle of Family Reserve to help round out my education. It's little discussed here on the Ministry, and elsewhere that I can find for that matter, but carries a premium price and has a good reputation so I reckoned it was fair game to discuss.

I paid $69 for my bottle, but have seen it selling for as low as $60, and as high as $79 in the US. The packaging is attractive. The rum arrives in a wooden box with a clear plastic cover, and is nestled in a pocket of wood shavings. It has a luxury look and feel, with black wax flowing freely down the neck and onto the body of the darkly opaque frosted bottle.

In the glass, the rum is a dark reddish brown, Long, slow legs flow languidly down the glass after a swirl. The nose is unique and strong, hinting of macerated dark fruit, some muskiness with a trace of vanilla.

There is an immediate resemblance to Black Seal on first sip, with a bitter-sweet flavor that hits the tongue straight off. There are subtle hints of vanilla, but that muskiness/smokiness and dark fruits predominate. I get charred oak too, and then a long, slow finish emphasizes a pleasant, but not overly aggressive sweetness.
The rum is extremely smooth and pleasantly warming.

For me, this is not an everyday rum, and doesn't replace my other daily favorites. However, it's a bottle I am immediately glad I have for it's unique and unmistakable character. I expect I will learn more about it as I gain familiarity with it.

The thing is, it's not immediately a profile I would normally think I might enjoy, but as I work my way through the glass and the long pleasant finish lingers, on, I have to acknowledge that this is a unique and flavorful rum and it's growing on me. It's Black Seal, which I'm not over the top on, brought to a different place. If you like Black Seal, you'll love Family Reserve, because this stuff is like that, but sanded to 600 grit wet and dry with all the rough edges knocked off. If you don't dote on Black Seal, you might still like Family Reserve (that's sort of my situation; I like the former in Dark and Stormys and that's it's only use for me) but if you do like the former, I can't see how you wouldn't really like Goslings Old.

I expect some people will find the value-for-money equation a bit skewed for this product, but high end, limited production rums cost what they cost. In rum as with other luxury products, exclusivity is always obtained at a price. Some of the cost of this bottle might be explained by the fact that there are fewer of them to go around. The rest of the premium buys you an extensively aged and beautifully packaged product. Only you can decide if it is worth twice the cost of other premium rums
you might like as well. Whatever, you will not easily find another profile precisely like this one; at least, I haven't so far.

[Rum Runner Imports]

I like Black Seal in the Dark'n'stormy and would like to try the family..but its a little pricey up here>> 98.00 a bottle (78 USD). With the next most expensive being Pyrat XO and Appleton's MBL at 89.

Might have to come down your way if the price is right...or I guess since you gave a lukewarm review I could just drink yours?

[JMac]

Here in BC that rum is about $78-80 CDN loonies......I don't think its that much cheaper in the US although I haven't seen it down there...

[RonJames]

lew im with you all the way. I love the black seal but so far its a one dimensional rum but it might be good in other stuff I haven't tried yet. Maybe in cooking? Anyways that one dimension is dark n stormy's which it is the only rum that I use for them. As for the family reserve it is like a more ellegant black seal. I had it at a casino at our office holiday party (boss was buying so had to make it count) and although i couldn't appreciate the color with the bad casino lighting and my smell was corrupted as well I found the same smoky dried fruit taste and found it very pleasure able. Best this about the whole experience was that I found that it paired with my steak which was lightly charred perfectly. I consider the packaging the best in the industry. I know you can't judge a book by its cover by the attempt in this case shows some class.

[black_strap]

I actually just picked up a bottle of this stuff last week.

My only comments in addition to the original post is that this is one of the only rums that I would call truly dry. It also has an acidic bite that tingles on the tongue, for me. And even though my login name might hint toward my bias, I most definitely detect a flavor much akin to Cruzan Black Strap in it. The taste of molasses in this rum is rivaled by few, such as Black Strap itself or Myers Dark.

I don't think this is a rum that would convert non-rummies, like Pyrat XO or Zacapa 23 might.

It's far from my favorite sipping rum, but like stated in posts above, its uniqueness is well worth having around, and definitely worth the price if you're at all serious about collecting fine rum.

[TheRumelier]

I don't think it should be anywhere near the price as Appleton MBL as it certainly does not come close to that level. I was pretty disappointed when I first tried the Goslings, it looked so pretty. Mind you women can be like that as well.HMMR

[RobertBurr]

The old reserve is a wonderful expression of the Gosling's family. I enjoy them all -- the gold stands out among its peers, the 151 overproof is one of my favorites with plenty of punch and lots of flavor, and the classic Black Seal owns it's own corner of my patch quilt of classics.

Recently, my wife wanted to play "guess the rum" with me and served me a small sample of an old aged rum in a tulip glass, then challenged me to name it. The rich, oaky tones and mature buttery caramel and molasses told me this bold, full-flavored rum was aged well. It took me a few minutes by the process of elimination to decide it must be Gosling's Old Reserve. The process reminded me how much I appreciate this product, keeping it for special occasions to share with those that appreciate a superior spirit.

It is rather expensive, but that's due to its rarity, I suppose. Bob has a good point about comparing it to Master Blender's Legacy, although it should be noted that he has easy access to that dreamy blend and an incredible price to boot.

[RonJames]

ya, everything does have atleast one drawback and I will say it is a bit pricey. I can get it for 60US around here but might have drawbacks if it were more. The thing is its not the sort of rum you are going to drink every night of the week. It is a sip here, put it back on the shelf, take it down again when the mood hits. Im still laughing about the the rumeliers comment, so true.

[Lew Barrett]

I edited my review to include the price I paid and a reference to how I view that in respect to value for money. I'm a guy that is frequently satisfied by a number of the $30-40 rums available here, and have even been surprisingly happy with some $10 bottles purchased as bargains, so bear that in mind. I think it's not fair to expect a $60 rum to be twice as good as $30 rum, or a $120 rum to be twice as good again as the sixty dollar bottle. It usually just doesn't work that way for anything. The last increments of perfection are always obtained with the greatest degree of effort.

In respect to Old Family Reserve, my observation is that the more mature the reviewer is in respect to his tastes in rum, the higher this rum seems to be rated. It may be a measure of my own "newbieness" that I am still trying to make up my mind.

[Hank Koestner]

Nice review Lew, and great comments by all. Pricey, but a great sipper. IMHO, I could not compare it to the Appleton MBL, for they are quite different. I keep Black Seal always for the Dark and Stormy, and the Gold is my favorite in tonic with lime.

[RonJames]

Lew you are too humble your review is awesome. It says everything that the senses could want about this rum. drool.gif That table of yours is still something im stretching for

[Lew Barrett]

I have had some of my best Goslings moments in Connecticut, :D
Mystic and Dark and Stormys. A nice combinationlaughing.gif

[Paulipbartender]

That is a lovely review of an interesting rum, Lew. Even at 9 in the morning, you've whet my appetite sufficiently to want to try it again after lunch.

[black_strap]

I think it's not fair to expect a $60 rum to be twice as good as $30 rum, or a $120 rum to be twice as good again as the sixty dollar bottle. It usually just doesn't work that way for anything. The last increments of perfection are always obtained with the greatest degree of effort.


I'm slowly trying to come to terms with this. But even with that, I'm not sure Pyrat Cask is worth its price. (Yes, I do have a bottle.)

[Lew Barrett]

I'm flattered by you all. :)

[Texas TikiGod]

Dark and Stormy? :confused:

http://i511.photobucket.com/albums/s356/BigRigRob/6a00e54f8eb060883400e553fca2408834-.png

[Texas TikiGod]

OK, I found it...........it's a drink, a yummy sounding drink.
Duh! http://i511.photobucket.com/albums/s356/BigRigRob/pirate-smiley-01.gif

http://i511.photobucket.com/albums/s356/BigRigRob/6a00e54f8eb060883400e553fca2408834-.png

[Ben]

Thanks Lew for the review. The Reserve is available in LCBO at 54$ and I'll make sure I'll grab a bottle when I'll go in Toronto at the end of the month. I like the Black Seal and can't wait to taste a premium version of it. From memory, it's the only brand I know that is sold cheaper in Canada than the States.

[Rum Runner Imports]

Thanks Lew for the review. The Reserve is available in LCBO at 54$ .

25-30 dollars cheaper--almost makes a fella wanna move to Onterrible...almost!

What about SAQ Ben? How are the prices and selection overall?

[dom]

The prices at SAQ is almost the same as LCBO. For exemple, the Appleteon MBL is around 90$ in both and the El Dorado 5yo is around 30$ (that's CDN$).

You can check that out at www.saq.com and www.lcbo.com

The selection once was terrible, but now we are starting to see some new products like Santa Theresa 1976, Cockspur 12, La Favorite line, some Plantation. The SAQ signature alos have some high end products like the HC 15yo, L'arbre du voyageur and La Favorite cuvйe du Flibuste.

I'm dreaming of the day the selection in SAQ will be as good of High Times that Forrest and Rumdog are talking about (and as cheap too).

Dom

[Ben]

25-30 dollars cheaper--almost makes a fella wanna move to Onterrible...almost!

What about SAQ Ben? How are the prices and selection overall?


I could not say it better than my friend Dom. Prices are about the same, with a few differences in selection, like LCBO selling Gosling, Brugal Gold, Mount Gay XO and SAQ not, where as SAQ has some Martinique and Guadeloupe rums, maybe because of the French connection.

I like to check selections from all provinces. I'm going to BC in May, so I'll make sure to grab some Diplomatico. Alberta and BC have probably the best selection, but the highest prices as well. Selection in Canada can not be compared to New York, Florida or California, though.

[Lew Barrett]

Of course, the situation is somewhat reversed when it comes to cigars in respect to choice, as you have access to Havanas. But then, who can afford to smoke cigars in Canada? Apart from Don Piero, that is:D

[Bluehammer]

When I was in St. Thomas a few years back I picked up a bottle for $40. I did not know what it was at the time. I got trapped by marketing.

Wooden box - check.
Heavy bottle sealed with wax - check.
Fancy label with a bottle # - check.
The words "Reserve, old, and rum" - check.

All things considered it was a great buy. I have taken nips out of the bottle for a while now and look forward to buying my next one. Good excuse to go to the USVI.

:rolleyes:

[Jason]

I have an opened bottle of this lying around, and tonight the mood struck me. This now being the third time I've sipped from this bottle (#1765/07 if you're counting) I think that I'm starting to really enjoy this rum.

Gosling's Family Reserve was my first "expensive" bottle of rum that I've purchased. I bought it at work in a silent auction for charity. The $78 CAD I won the auction at seems like a reasonable price from the sounds of it, and since it all went to charity I was more than happy to shell out the dough.

I actually saved this for a few months before I opened it. I got it early last fall, and opened it Xmas day. No, not because I was saving it for an special occasion... But because I didn't own a snifter glass with which I could properly enjoy it :P

I find this to be a very complex tasting rum. What Lew called "dark fruits" I'm more inclined to call herbs and spices. Like the younger Black Seal there is a unique flavor that I can't quite nail down (closest thing I can think of is Jagermeister, to me the Black Seal tastes very much like Jager.) that is wonderfully tamed by the extra aging not present in the Black Seal. There are definite hints of vanilla sneaking out when I roll it over my tongue as well. The finish is smooth, and by smooth I mean smooooooooth.

All in all a wonderful rum.

Being a novice with rums I'm inclined to say that this rum may not be for the novice rum drinker; it's only after a couple tastings that I find I do actually like this rum. Having had both the Black Seal and the Family Reserve now I'm starting to think that these rums have a flavour all their own that could take some getting used to.

[lukehart]

I use Goslings Black seal at work in a corn n' oil, a cocktail wihch is not well known enough these days. I'm waiting until I can convince my boss to let me use some to the old reserve to try that as well. Basically its a dark heavy rum, Falernum, Angostura Bitters, and lime juice over crushed ice. A surprising but subtle and interesting drink.

[Edward Hamilton]

For my taste, the dominant characteristic that sets Old Family Reserve apart from many other old rums is that it is a dry molasses based rum while many other aged molasses based rums are sweeter.

In a corn 'n oil, I would think that the cocktail might benefit by the addition of slightly more falernum. But my first choice for a cocktail with Goslings Old Family Reserve would be an old fashioned, sazerac, or a manhattan where the rum has more of an opportunity to shine through the cocktail.

[RonJames]

Side question, does anyone know how long the "old rum" is aged? It always tasted sooo good to me that I've forgotten about this point till now.

[Dr Beat]

Hi Lukeart,
It seems that you are talking about a classical Tiki cocktail created by Trader Vic : The Yacht Club Cocktail.
Normaly it is very Barbadian : Mount Gay Eclipse, Lime juice, Cointreau and the famous Falernum liqueur. I drunk that in a speakeasy style bar in NYC, it is excellent.
Cheers mateparty2.gif

[bluewave6]

I could swear that there used to be a statement on their website that said it was aged 12-15 yrs...but I could not find it when I looked recently. I think this is a nice rum to keep on hand, regardless of the age.