Episode #23: A Professional's Approach to Reviewing Rum w/ Jay West (AKA t8ke), Spirits Critic and Founder of the Aficionados Group (XXX Series)

In this episode, we talk to Jay West (whom the Internet may know better as t8ke), prolific spirits reviewer and founder of the Aficionados Group, the collective behind the XXX Series of rum releases and a recent string of high ester bottlings, including that DOK release you probably saw everyone talking about. Jay takes us through the stories behind those releases, what he’s learned from reviewing nearly 2,000 spirits, his approach to analytical drinking, techniques for improving your ability as a taster, spirits recommendations for rum fans, what’s next rum-wise for the Aficionados Group, and more.

Links to learn more:

• The Aficionados Group Website

• Whiskey Raiders, where Jay is Managing Editor

• Fine Drams, where you can find many Aficionados releases for sale

• Reddit’s r/rum community

Thanks to Holmes Cay for sponsoring this episode. Explore their current releases at HolmesCay.com and keep an eye for new ones coming this year.