Introduction
I’ve been wanting to spend more time with high-ester rums, especially those from well-aged Trinidadian stock, so when I had the chance to try the TDL 2002 “Ester Hunter” selections, I didn’t hesitate. This pair of releases from The Whisky Jury—distilled at the Trinidad Distillers Limited (TDL) distillery in 2002 and bottled 20 years later—had an intriguing reputation attached, especially among rum enthusiasts who appreciate complexity. I was curious to see how the long tropical maturation and elevated ester count would come through in both aroma and flavour.
Nose
At first nosing, both versions of the rum made a strong impression. There’s no mistaking their age or origin, but each had its own personality. No. 3 had more restraint up front—elegance before intensity—with notes of dried banana, tobacco, and polished wood rising slowly from the glass. Underneath, I found papaya, a touch of varnish, and some well-worn leather.
No. 4, by comparison, felt bigger and slightly more wild on the nose. Burnt sugar, grilled pineapple, and lime zest leaped out more readily. The oak influence was more pronounced, but not overbearing. It also had a slightly brighter hit of menthol and dried ginger, giving it a livelier first impression.
Palate
On the palate, No. 3 leaned toward balance and structure. Its flavours were tightly woven, with a rich molasses base supporting tobacco, cinnamon, cardamom, and overripe banana. There was some minty dryness and a slight medicinal thread, but nothing too dominant. It offered a rounded, complex profile that rewarded slower sipping.
No. 4 went in a bolder direction—higher intensity, more pronounced spice. The oak was deeper here, but nicely offset by sweet toffee, orange peel, and echoes of funky mango. The esters were more prominent as well, creating a textured, almost waxy mouthfeel. A bit more heat developed mid-palate than with No. 3, though it remained well-balanced and layered.
Finish
The finish on No. 3 was long and graceful. Oak spice faded slowly into soft clove and vanilla, with a lingering trace of green tea and dark sugar. No. 4 stayed with me a touch longer but in a slightly drier and spicier way—leaving behind elements of charred citrus, menthol, and cracked pepper.
While both finishes were satisfying, I found No. 3 leaned into refinement, while No. 4 delivered more power and spice.
Price and Value
Bottlings from The Whisky Jury are rarely cheap, and these two from 2002 TDL are no exception. Given their 20-year tropical maturation and limited cask yield, they fall squarely in the premium category, especially for rum. That said, the quality is there—especially if you appreciate complex, mature spirits with clear distillery character. Between the two, No. 3 might be more universally appealing for its polish, while No. 4 will appeal to those chasing intensity and more ester-forward profiles.
Background
Both of these rums were produced by Trinidad Distillers Limited (TDL), known primarily for Angostura rum. These casks, however, represent a very different side of TDL—one showcasing the depth possible from long aging and heavier ester counts. Distilled in 2002 and bottled in 2022 by independent bottler The Whisky Jury under their “Ester Hunter” label, they come from individual casks and were bottled at cask strength.
There isn’t a great deal of official storytelling behind these particular casks, but their character suggests they were set aside specifically because they exhibited unique traits—either in ester content, aging profile, or both. For more about the producer, you can look at Angostura’s official distillery information.
Final Notes
Would I buy one of these bottles again? Personally, yes—though probably just one. No. 3 hits a nice mark for me in terms of finesse and sustained interest over a glass or two. Is it suitable for someone new to aged rums? I'd say No. 3 has more accessibility, but both require a palate that's already familiar with higher ester rums or long-aged spirits.
As for the kind of moment these suit, they're ideal for slow, focused tasting—more for reflective evenings than casual pours. Compared to other heavy-style Caribbean rums, these TDL bottlings are less funky than Hampden or Worthy Park but deliver excellent layering and complexity, especially if you enjoy more oak-driven expressions.