Holmes Cay Jamaica Long Pond ITP 2007
Introduction
Holmes Cay Jamaica Long Pond ITP 2007. We are back (after quite a break to be fair) with another bottling from Eric Kaye’s Holmes Cay. For anyone not entirely familiar with them yet, they have built an enviable reputation in the rum community over the last few years.
While they do occasionally dabble in blends, this particular release brings us firmly into what Holmes Cay arguably does best: sourcing exceptional, fully tropically aged single casks and presenting them at full cask strength with zero compromises.
Today’s review focuses on a 15 Year Old Single Cask expression from Jamaica. If you look closely at the label, you’ll see this comes from the legendary Long Pond Distillery, located in Trelawny parish. Long Pond is a name that immediately commands respect, sharing the region’s historic terroir with Hampden Estate.
This specific release bears the “ITP” marque. For those who aren’t constantly buried in Jamaican Rum Marques and specifications, ITP stands for “Ive Trelawny Pot”. This is one of Long Pond’s medium/lighter weight Pot Still marques, originally created by Worthy Park decades ago before being adopted into Long Pond’s repertoire.
The ITP marque typically carries an ester count in the 90 to 120 gr/hlAA range. It is a marque built for balance.
We’re dealing with a Molasses rum, distilled in a John Dore Copper Pot still back in 2007 and left to mature entirely in the tropics for 15 years in a single Ex-Bourbon Cask – Cask Number 73.
Holmes Cay Jamaica Long Pond ITP 2007 was bottled in 2022 at 56% ABV. As always with Holmes Cay, there are no additives, colourings or chill filtration involved. Just pure rum straight from the barrel.
At £140 via The Whisky Exchange this 15 Year Old Jamaican Single Cask is a serious investment.
Let’s crack it open and see if this bottle deserves its high price.
Tasting
In the glass, Holmes Cay Jamaica Long Pond ITP 2007 is a deep Mahogany colour with vibrant flashes of Gold and Red.
On the nose the initial aromas launch into a wave of Caramelised Banana, Roasted Pineapple, and Mango. The fruit character is rich aand shows less of the more “harsh” sounding notes found in some of the higher ester Long Pond rums.
Underneath that Tropical explosion, there is layer of brown sugar, some Stem Ginger, and a delicate touch of Vanilla bean.
The oak integration here is nothing short of masterclass. Fifteen years in the Caribbean heat could easily destroy a lesser spirit. Here the barrel works in complete harmony with the distillate, contributing layers of Leather, Tobacco, and toasted coconut..
It is a warm, inviting aroma that you could happily nose for hours.
On the initial the Higher Proof gives it a commanding presence,. Despite this being a relatively low Ester rum we are not talking an Appleton Estate or Worthy Park style of rum. Even despite Worthy Park adopting this style many years ago in their old distillery.
No this is still pretty “in your face” kind of stuff. Not for the faint hearted.
Straight off the bat, your palate is hit with a glorious burst of flambéed Banana, and rich tropical fruit. Rotting Pineapple and Green Sour Apple. This has a real varnished note to it giving it a medicinal sweetness with a touch of petrol. There is also more than a hint of Black Tea
This transitions into a drier, highly spiced mid-palate. Notes of freshly cracked Black Pepper, Clove, and a touch of Nutmeg dance across the tongue, nestling with those big astringent fruity flavours.
The mid-palate complexity is outstanding. The oak tannins provide a refined, drying structure that balances the initial sweetness perfectly. Showing off the very best characteristics of long term Tropical aging without ever tilting into over oaked territory.
The finish is exceptionally long and complex. As the vibrant fruit notes slowly subside, you are left with a drying acidic sweetness which mingles with some oak notes and some tannins. It leaves you itching for the next sip.
Verdict
Holmes Cay Jamaica Long Pond ITP 2007 is an absolute masterclass in tropically aged Jamaican rum. It delivers a rich, highly sophisticated experience that sits near the absolute pinnacle of what Long Pond can produce.
Selecting the ITP marque at 15 years of Tropical maturation was a stroke of genius by Eric Kaye. Rather than getting lost behind aggressive wood tannins, the ester profile has softened into a lush, fruity spirit that compliments the oak influence perfectly.
Every element of this rum feels intentionally balanced, showcasing the raw beauty of the Copper Pot still alongside the transformative power of a top tier ex-bourbon cask.
Its shocking really that a lot of this type of rum is used as Food Additives or in Perfume.
While £140 is a substantial sum, the quality in the glass more than justifies the price tag. Considering the huge Angel’s Share lost over 15 years in Trelawny, this is a rare, bottling that genuine Jamaican rum enthusiasts will truly treasure.
It might not be what some of the “DOK” heads want entirely but I’ve always felt there is an element of “who can piss highest up the wall” or “who can eat the hottest curry” amongst such enthusiasts. Macho posturing with no real discernible outcome.
Holmes Cay has knocked it out of the park with this release. It is complex, deeply rewarding, and an absolute joy to drink from start to finish.
I’ve had a better rum from Long Pond another 15 Year Old from Duncan Taylor. Which is probably the reason I am giving this 4.5 rather than 5. Harsh maybe but this is a lovely bottle I’d highly recommend.
Final Thoughts A brilliantly balanced Jamaican Single Cask that captures Long Pond at its absolute best. Outstanding depth, flawless oak integration, and a must have for Pot Still devotees.
