Holmes Cay decision
Hello fellow rum lovers. I have a question for you guys. I'm based in EU, but will be in London soon and plan on stopping by the Whisky Exchange to pick up a few bottles I can't get easily over here. Apart from El Dorado DHE/LBI, I'm specifically looking at some Holmes Cay bottlings and can't decide which one to get out of these:
- Holmes Cay Trinidad 2012 12y (Ten Cane) for 110GBP
- Holmes Cay Venezuela 2007 15y for 77GBP
- Holmes Cay Belize 2007 15y for 112GBP
- Holmes Cay Fiji 2004 17y for 155GBP
- Holmes Cay Jamaica 2007 15y (LongPond ITP) for 140GBP
Due to the prices, I can probably only get ONE of these. Now, a bit of background info about my preferences: I like complex, balanced, flavorful rums with well-integrated alcohol. Some favorite bottles so far: Foursquare Absolutio, Hampden Great House 2020, Black Tot MBR 2021. I do enjoy funk, but not over-the-top highest-ester stuff - it needs to be rounded and balanced, like in the Hampden GH 2020. What I DON'T like is so-called "industrial funk", as found in Caroni or St. Lucia pot-still (I do enjoy high-ABV St. Lucia column-still a LOT though).
Based on all this and the reviews I've found online, I'm leaning towards Fiji or Jamaica - for both, I'm just a bit concerned that they might be TOO "funky" for my taste, although the long periods of ageing probably help...? I've tried one or two Belize rums and wasn't that fond of the "peppery" notes, I've read amazing reviews on earlier Holmes Cay Belize editions though, not much to be found on this 2007 however. Venezuela sounds interesting to try something unsweetened from there, not sure if it's worth dropping that kind of money on though, especially considering the alternatives. And then Trinidad: I LOVE aged TDL, have a TCRL 2008 that is one of my favorites, but never had any Ten Cane before, I wonder how it would compare...
Anyway, I'd appreciate any input for this little luxury of a "problem" :)