Make in a 10oz highball (not a 12oz+ Collins) and this is an assertively punchy cocktail with funky rum notes to the fore. And it's all the more delicious...
Like many of the 1950-1960's rum cocktail recipes, they are being adapted for more modern taste. You can always make the original if you like. I have the same issues with many of the Tiki/Caribbean drinks, but now I find them over spiced and way too sweet.