Barrel strength releases (above say 50%) are only marginally meant to be imbibed straight.
What was intended was to deliver more value to the wise consumer, and to allow that consumer to add what he/she considered an appropriate amount of water. A barrel strength spirit, say 60%, is worth 1-1/2 times a standard 40%'r.
That's value.
Whisky afficianados KNOW this, and nearly all of them will add water to their high value barrel strength whiskies. Most will water them to sweet spot of around 43%, give or take.
But not Ruminsky!
Long ago I once posted one of his loooong treatises in which the theme was how much hair you had to have on your chest to sip a particular OP he was reviewing. He found unending ways to make that same point over and over. And over. This was not to mention his bizarre, Wolfy-inspired scoring scheme. But hey - people change and grow - and realize that if you're gonna put yourself out as a reviewer, you really need to learn how to do so.
Adding water is not optional. Barrel strength spirits need to be initially sipped straight - then - with a bit of water added. The reviewer properly will then discuss both the effect of water, and what he/she feels is an appropriate amount, if any. Not Ruminsky. For some reason he's regressed to his old ways and not for just an ordinary OP. Nope, this time its for what is really a fine barrel strength rum that deserves respect and proper treatment:
Velier Caroni 1994 Heavy Trinidad:
http://thelonecaner.com/velier-caroni-1 ... um-review/
Some exerpts (slightly paraphrased):
No body waxing for this leather and silver tongued writer (pun intentional, lol). What we're after is simple, honest, understandable and competent reviewing. I'm truly disappointed in a guy who surely understands the need for a few teaspoons of water, but prefers to spend his time demonstrating his ability to create a theme of overproof bravery and an example of look-at-me wordsmithing, but not rum reviewing. The old Ruminsky."I appreciate higher proof spirits topping 60%... As to make up for its mischieviousness... the Caroni turned serious with a hint of mean... a concussive drink... a buttery profile emerged from the maelstrom... As we drink this powerful shot (noting) the toughness of the maker, an unsubtle reminder of a man who makes... mean blasting caps that glance with indifference at (lower proof rums).
It's big, blunt and intimidating... not a rum for everyone... but it's power of proof is its appeal to those who are willing to brave it, who are willing to walk on the wild side."
Ouch. To be fair, I really like the guy and covet his rather extravagant rum budget and truly good selections, but I honestly wish he'd decide what's more important to him - his next novel or good rum reviewing. Please! This to me was a waste of a really fine rum.
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http://homedistiller.org/distill/dilute/calc
