For a rum that smells sweet and smooth, Blackheart is surprisingly bold on the tongue. The flavor is syrupy and sharp – vanilla, with nutmeg, cedar, and a hint of cherry. “Rummy” flavors, such as molasses and oak are less prominent, and the whole affair is trailed by a lingering warmth. This last is no doubt thanks to Blackheart’s robust 93 proof – thus providing a bit more pep than many spiced rums (and many non-spiced rums, for that matter.)