Robs Rum Guide

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Category: blended rum

Stade's Rum Barbados Bond No. 8

Stade’s Rum Barbados Bond No. 8

Friday, September 9, 2022 / / 0 Comments

With Stade’s Rum Barbados Bond No. 8, West Indies Rum Distillery goes back in time to rekindle a brand name that evokes the early days of rum production on the island of Barbados.

The Man Behind The Brand Name

German Engineer George Stade forever changed the method of producing rum on the island when he installed the first modern column still in 1893.

The company quickly grew to be the largest producer in Barbados and is today recognized as the most important export business on the island.Stade's Rum Barbados Bond No. 8

The Debut of Stade’s Rums

Two rums were issued in 2022 under this new brand, the Beach Vat No. 1 clear rum and this aged rum — Stade’s Rum Barbados Bond No. 8, a blend of aged column distillate and high ester rum made on the old refurbished Gregg’s Farm Copper Pot Still after a weeks-long fermentation.

It’s an interesting and artful blend of various marques from one to eight years old that varies from the modern styles often associated with the island of Barbados. This expression truly is a reflection of times gone by and a fitting tribute to George Stade — the man that set the modern standards for rum production on the island.

Awards and Recognition

The new Stade’s Rums have been gaining international recognition almost immediately. The 2022 San Francisco World Spirits Competition awarded Stade’s rum with double gold certification.

Tasting Notes

Aromas of toasted oak with raisins and stone fruit leads to a bit of cigar box and leather over a suggestion of caramel. On the palate, the toasted oak is complimented by a bouquet of dark fruit compote, baking spices and a hint of raw cacao. The taste profile finishes with echoes of toasted oak and tropical fruit.

This rum delivers fabulous flavor for rum cocktails that demand a robust profile and well balanced elements. On the rocks, it’s a fine casual sipper at a value price, and presents a uniquely satisfying aged rum expression when served neat.

The 750ml bottle of Stade’s Rum Barbados Bond No. 8, at 43%, is available widely for about $25.

For more information about types of rum, see Rob’s Rum Guide tutorials.
To stay informed about news and updates in the world of rum, subscribe to Robs Rum Guide.
View insightful and succinct video rum reviews: Rum Minute YouTube Channel.
Taste The Best Rums: Miami Rum Festival and Rum Renaissance Tasting.
Experience the ultimate rum travel adventure: Rum Renaissance Caribbean Cruise.
Ask the Experts: What is the Best Rum In The World?
Pusser's Select Aged 151 Overproof Rum

Pusser’s Select Aged 151 Overproof Rum

Tuesday, March 1, 2022 / / 0 Comments

The legendary Pusser’s rum brand presents a new expression in the U.S. market — Select Aged 151 Overproof Rum, aged in used Bourbon barrels. This rich and robust blend of rums from Guyana is bottled at full cask strength — 75.5% ABV.

Pusser's Select Aged 151 Overproof Rum

Aged a minimum of three years and chill filtered, the Select Aged 151 formula closely reflects the Admiralty’s regulations for official navy issue rum rations prior to 1970.

Pusser's Select Aged 151 Overproof Rum

Pusser’s Select Aged 151 Overproof Rum debuts in the U.S. market

The rum faithfully evokes the spirit of camaraderie of bygone days when wooden ships sailed the seven seas in the heyday of the British Empire. At full strength, it brings both robust flavor and bold strength to cocktails, an indispensable component for many a tropical libation.

Tasting Notes

Aromas of treacle and stone fruit compote are complimented by notes of dark cane syrup, marzipan, butter, black banana, spices and tobacco. On the palate, a small sip reveals the classic richness of an old wooden pot still from Demerara region, boldly delivering brown butter, intense dark fruit, tanned leather, earthiness and raisin over old oak. The finish is devine with long echoes of warm treacle and wood.

In addition to a fine component in cocktails, Pusser’s Select Aged 151 Overproof makes a first-rate dark rum floater on tall cocktails, providing an appealing dark crown that signifies an intrepidly authentic navy strength accent.

The Pusser’s Rum Legacy

Re-creating the legendary naval blend of rich dark rums for the modern era was a distinct challenge for the founders of Pusser’s Rum, and we find their blends succeed at expressing critical aspects of rum’s storied history.

The Pusser’s name represents a mutated slang pronunciation of the world purser — the officer onboard principally responsible for handling money and valuable cargo onboard, including the issue of the daily rum ration.

Pusser’s Rum Limited is a British Virgin Island Company with administrative offices in Charleston, South Carolina. Its products are imported into the United States by Shaw-Ross International Importers.

Pusser’s Select Aged 151 Overproof Rum, in the 750ml bottle sells for about $39.

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http://pussersrum.com/

 

For more information about types of rum, see Rob’s Rum Guide tutorials.
To stay informed about news and updates in the world of rum, subscribe to Robs Rum Guide.
View insightful and succinct video rum reviews: Rum Minute YouTube Channel.
Taste The Best Rums: Miami Rum Festival and Rum Renaissance Tasting.
Experience the ultimate rum travel adventure: Rum Renaissance Caribbean Cruise.
Ask the Experts: What is the Best Rum In The World?
Goslings Papa Seal Single Barrel Aged Rum from Bermuda

Goslings Papa Seal Single Barrel Aged Rum from Bermuda

Monday, January 28, 2019 / / 0 Comments

A new prestige expression from Goslings Rum of Bermuda — Goslings Papa Seal Single Barrel — sets the standard for luxury limited editions from this British island territory in the North Atlantic Ocean.

Papa Seal Single Barrel Bermuda Rum is pot and column distilled from molasses, blended, and then aged in once-used bourbon barrels with a medium char. The humid, salty air of Bermuda provides an ideal environment for aging.

A Very Limited Edition

Goslings Papa Seal Single Barrel Aged Rum from Bermuda

Goslings Papa Seal Single Barrel Aged Rum from Bermuda

Matured for over 15 years in twelve hand-selected bourbon barrels, only about 2,500 of these exclusive bottles will be released at a price of $199. Rum from each of the barrels, about 200 bottles each, is pre-destined for a specific geographic location.

At 41.5% abv, each bottle features the barrel number, bottle number, and bottling date hand-written on its label, while the name of the store it was acquired from is printed on the neck label. All bottles are housed in an elegant display box, complete with a slide-out tray, open view window, and satin finish foil label.

“Our obsession has always been with crafting the finest rums possible, not the most rums,” explains E. Malcolm Gosling, seventh-generation patriarch and CEO of Goslings International Limited. “With that mantra in mind, we proudly offer Papa Seal Single Barrel Bermuda Rum — the father of all rums — to our celebrated product line. We hope that dedicated Goslings drinkers and newcomers to super premium rum will have the opportunity to enjoy this special spirit.”

Goslings Papa Seal Tasting Notes

Luscious aromas of treacle and butter cookie over wet oak precede a slightly musty earthiness and old leather. On the palate, dark banana, burnt sugar and butter notes turn slightly dry at mid palate leading to creamy vanilla and baking spices over big charred wood. Hints of balsamic, dark prune and leather fade slowly in the very long finish.

Geographic Distribution

Barrel 1 will be distributed in Bermuda. Barrel 2 will go to Total Wine in Florida. Barrel 3 goes to ABC Wine & Spirits in Florida. Barrel 4 is for Crown Wine and Spirits in Florida. Barrel 5 is reserved for NH Liquor & Wine Outlets in New Hampshire. Barrel 6 goes to Blanchards Wines & Spirits in Massachusetts. Barrel 7 is for Total Wine and Spec’s in Texas. Barrel 9 goes to Bourbon Street Wine and Spirits, Phillipsburg, NJ. Barrel 10 will be sent to various retailers in New York State. Barrel 11 goes to PLCB Fine Wine and Good Spirits in Pennsylvania. Barrel 12 is reserved for Wally’s in Los Angeles, CA. The final destination of Barrel 8 is yet to be determined.

The Goslings Legacy

A family business for over 200 years, Goslings Rum is Bermuda’s largest export product and the only company that blends and bottles rum on the island. First exported to the United States in 1980, Goslings offers five distinctive, award-winning rums.

  • Goslings Black Seal Rum
  • Goslings Gold Seal Rum
  • Goslings 151 Proof Black Seal Rum
  • Goslings Family Reserve Old Rum
  • Goslings Papa Seal Single Barrel Bermuda Rum

Goslings Stormy Ginger Beer, crafted specifically for use in the trademarked Goslings Dark’n Stormy cocktail, is the number-one selling ginger beer in the United States. Goslings also markets a ready-to-drink Dark ‘n Stormy cocktail in a convenient 8.4 oz can.

https://www.goslingsrum.com/

Goslings Rums, imported and distributed by Castle Brands, are available in all 50 states as well as North American and European Duty Free, the Caribbean, Canada, Australia, and most European markets.

http://www.castlebrandsinc.com

For more information about types of rum, see Rob’s Rum Guide tutorials.

To stay informed about news and updates in the world of rum, subscribe to Robs Rum Guide.

View insightful and succinct video rum reviews: Rum Minute YouTube Channel.

Taste The Best Rums: Miami Rum Festival and Rum Renaissance Tasting

Experience the ultimate rum travel adventure: Rum Renaissance Caribbean Cruise.

Plantation Xaymaca Special Dry pot still blended rum from Jamaica

Plantation Xaymaca Special Dry Rum

Thursday, November 1, 2018 / / 0 Comments

Presenting an iconic flavor profile of legendary Jamaican pot stills, Plantation Xaymaca Special Dry Rum invokes local history and ancestral culture of the island – the Arawak’s land of wood and water.

The classic double-thumper pot stills of Jamaica, in concert with traditional long fermentation cycles, can produce high ester rums — with aromas and flavors of black banana and flambéed pineapple — often described as funky.

In particular, aged rums from the venerable John Dore pot still at Long Pond and the Vendôme pot still at Clarendon are among the most desirable and — until recently — the least available on the market.

Plantation Xaymaca Special Dry blended aged rum

Plantation Xaymaca Special Dry pot still blended rum from Jamaica

Lighter ester rums are blended with a dose of heavier rums from extended fermentations. The persistence of bold flavors remains notable in Xaymaca’s wide range blend, without being overpowering or intense.

Xaymaca Special Dry delivers just that — a well balanced blend of aged distillates from these legacy pot stills.

After resting in Bourbon barrels in Jamaica, the rum is rested for a second maturation of one year in Cognac barrels in Southwest France.

Xaymaca Special Dry took home a gold award at it’s first RumXP international tasting competition at Rum Renaissance Festival.

Xaymaca Special Dry Tasting Notes

Initial aromas of ripe banana, vanilla and smokey oak lead to hints of pineapple, brandy and fine herbs. On the palate, mixed ripe fruit and orange water precede the baked banana notes at mid-palate, with sour dough bread pudding, baking spices and almond butter fading into the medium warm finish.

Xaymaca Mission Statement

Alexandre Gabriel, founder of Maison Ferrand, said: “With Xaymaca Special Dry, I wanted to dive into the iconic culture that is unique to Jamaican rum. I wanted to work with these complex flavours of overripe exotic fruits with an almost animal intensity.”

“We can still find certain white rums with this famous ‘rum funk.’ I think, however, that this great terroir expresses itself perfectly in an aged rum. That is why we launched Xaymaca Special Dry – a tribute to this ancestral culture of rum.”

Xaymaca brings genuine classic Jamaican flavor profiles to tropical cocktails. Unlike some special editions, Plantation Xaymaca Special Dry rum is widely available and quite accessible in price.

At 43% abv, the 750ml bottle of Plantation Xaymaca Special Dry Rum sells for about $25.

https://www.plantationrum.com/

For more information about types of rum, see Rob’s Rum Guide tutorials.

To stay informed about news and updates in the world of rum, subscribe to Robs Rum Guide.

View insightful and succinct video rum reviews: Rum Minute YouTube Channel.

Experience the ultimate rum travel adventure: Rum Renaissance Caribbean Cruise.

Mezan XO Jamaica

Mezan XO Jamaica blended aged rum

Thursday, September 27, 2018 / / 0 Comments

From a no-nonsense rum producer, the Mezan XO Jamaica blend is a delightful and approachable expression that faithfully reflects the characteristics of the island’s venerable boutique distilleries.

Each release is a blend of casks from various stills in Jamaica, artfully combined for complexity and balance in small batches of 5000 bottles. Mezan XO Jamaica aged rum blend delivers authentic profileThe blend contains a base of light and medium ester rums that may have originated at the legacy distilleries of Clarendon, Worthy Park, Long Pond and Hampden Estate, further aged together in oak casks to marry the components, without any additives, coloring or chill filtering.

Mezan XO Jamaica Tasting Notes

The pale straw color is your first clue that the rum remains unadulterated. Aromas of funky banana, juicy fruit, and old wood lead to a suggestion of baking spice, earthy musk and burnt sugar. On the palate, green banana and bitter almond precede cigar box over spiced cake before the funky notes of mixed ripe fruit decay in the medium long finish.

Mezan Extra Old Jamaica blended aged rum delivers an affordable and accessible boutique rum experience. Taste it neat to step back in time and experience old Jamaica, or use it in cocktails like the Mai Tai and Jamaican Mule to bring that distinctly pungent and funky cool island vibe to mixed drinks.

Mezan XO Jamaica is the winner of many awards, including an International Rum Expert Tasting Competition Gold Award at Rum Renaissance Festival.

The 750ml bottle of Mezan XO Jamaica, at 40% abv, sells for about $29.

https://www.mezanrum.com/en

https://www.ourniche.com/mezan/

For more information about types of rum, see Rob’s Rum Guide tutorials.

To stay informed about news and updates in the world of rum, subscribe to Robs Rum Guide.

View insightful and succinct video rum reviews: Rum Minute YouTube Channel.

Experience the ultimate rum travel adventure: Rum Renaissance Caribbean Cruise.

NJoy Distillery Tour - Florida Mermaid Rum

NJoy Distillery Tour – Florida Mermaid Rum

Thursday, September 20, 2018 / / 0 Comments

You’re sure to enjoy a visit to NJoy Distillery, the producers of Florida Mermaid Rum.

Just beyond the bustling modern suburbs, remnants of the pioneer era of west central Florida remain hidden in plain sight. Several miles down a sandy dirt road, an old hunting cabin has been transformed into the paradisaical home of NJoy Distillery.

Persistence pays off as you near the entrance to this large ranch property just north of Weeki Wachee’s famed clear springs and mermaid shows, hidden within a massive undeveloped state park.

NJoy Distillery Tour

You’ll be surprised and delighted to discover what Natalie and Kevin Goff have created in this rustic environment. It’s more than a craft distillery, artfully tucked into a barn. It’s a working spirit production facility that begs to be seen and admired by rum enthusiast visitors from near and far.

N-Joy Distilery - the hand-hammered copper pot still

the hand-hammered copper pot still at NJoy Distillery

As you gaze off in the distance of this large farm, beyond the old water wheel, past the horse stables, six acres of tall green sugar cane — featuring seven different varietals — grows in long rows.

A small stream running from the picturesque waterwheel leads to a large pond with a tall fountain. This is old Florida revisited. This is a special place.

Kevin gives us the tour of the works, established in 2012, starting with the crusher, fermentation and distillation sections of the barn. They’re collecting rain water — filtered three times — for the mash and proofing.

This still is a beauty — a classic 300 liter (80 gallon) hand-hammered alembic-style copper pot still from Portugal.

Florida Mermaid Rum

Their popular Florida Mermaid Rum — with a nod to the local Weeki Wachee natural attraction — features their own boutique rum blended with a special Caribbean pot still rum, bottled at 100 proof, without colorings or flavorings.

NJoy Distillery - Florida Mermaid Rum

NJoy Distillery – Florida Mermaid Rum

Only steps away, the blended rum rests in 25 large Wild Buck Whiskey barrels in an outdoor shipping container for 90 days.

The nose begins with bold aromas of black banana, flowers and butter. Next, vanilla and almond emerge over oak with a big funky fruit basket.

On the palate, complex esters offer a delightfully fruity astringent entry that evolves to big warmth in the mid-palate. Wood and brown butter dominate before some baking spice as the finish slowly fades.

Florida Mermaid Rum is the recipient of many awards and accolades from numerous competitions, including Best In Class in the boutique rum category at the 2018 International Rum Expert Panel tasting competition at Rum Renaissance Festival.

Mermaid Rum is now available in many Florida locations, including ABC Fine Wine & Spirits and Total Wines & More, distributed by Republic National Distributing. The 750ml bottle retails for $39.95.

NJoy Distillery Products

NJoy is also home to Wild Buck Whiskey, made from 401 black rye grown on the farm, plus Ryes In Shine moonshine.

The farm also hosts 600 bee hives for pollination, as well as a source for delicious honey for sale. A local baker delivers fresh rum cakes every weekend, adding a delightful element to the visit.

The NJoy Distillery is open for free tours and tastings every weekend from 11am to 3pm, with tasty cocktails to imbibe on the shady deck by the pond. Take home a bottle of Florida Mermaid Rum, Wild Buck Whiskey, Ryes In Shine, some local honey and a rum cake.

The address is 7237 Wild Buck Rd, Weeki Wachee, FL 34613. Call 352-592-9622.

https://www.wildbuckwhiskey.com/mermaid-rum

For more information about types of rum, see Rob’s Rum Guide tutorials.

To stay informed about news and updates in the world of rum, subscribe to Robs Rum Guide.

View insightful and succinct video rum reviews: Rum Minute YouTube Channel.

Experience the ultimate rum travel adventure: Rum Renaissance Caribbean Cruise.

The Real McCoy 10 Year Old Limited Edition Virgin Oak Rum

The Real McCoy 10 year limited edition aged rum

Monday, March 19, 2018 / / 0 Comments

The Real McCoy 10 Year Old Limited Edition Virgin Oak Aged Rum is a robust expression from Barbados offering exquisite complexity.

True to it’s namesake, this iconic brand hearkens the days of prohibition-era rum running when Bill McCoy refused to compromise on quality. Only 3,000 bottles of this micro-batch have been released.

Pedigree

The Real McCoy 10 Year Old Limited Edition Virgin Oak Rum

The Real McCoy 10 Year Old Limited Edition Virgin Oak Rum is a robust expression from Barbados created by blending rums aged in both Bourbon and Virgin American Oak casks.

Crafted at Foursquare Distillery, this expression relies on a higher percentage of copper pot still distillate for a richer flavor profile. Two batches are aged separately. The first spends twelve years in used Bourbon barrels. The second, ages ten years in virgin American oak casks.

Carefully blended to balance flavors, the result is bottled at a hardy 92 proof, an example of the authentic style of fine aged rum that made Barbados famous the world over.

Tasting notes

Aromas of ripe banana, toasted butter pecan, big oak and vanilla are accented by a funky fruit. On the palate, brown butter over charred oak brings vanilla, toasted almond and tart dried fruit with a suggestion of burnt sugar. The finish offers long lasting notes of dark buttered toast and plenty of oak.

Quality and Value

The Real McCoy 10 Year Old Limited Edition Virgin Oak Rum appeals to connoisseurs, while remaining accessible to all spirit enthusiasts who appreciate small-batch quality and good value.

The 750ml bottle retails for about $60.

http://realmccoyspirits.com/

See also: The Real McCoy Story.

For more information about types of rum, see Rob’s Rum Guide tutorials.

To stay informed about news and updates in the world of rum, subscribe to Robs Rum Guide.

View insightful and succinct video rum reviews: Rum Minute YouTube Channel.

Experience the ultimate rum travel adventure: Rum Renaissance Caribbean Cruise.

Diplomatico adds Mantuano aged rum to Tradition Range

Saturday, February 18, 2017 / / 0 Comments

Mantuano Ron Extra Añejo rum’s name translates as “local nobleman” and is inspired by Don Juancho Nieto Meléndez, the 19th century character that inspirits the legend of Diplomático rums.

The Spirit of Diplomático

Mantuano Ron Extra Añejo rum

A rich dark medium-dry blend of aged rums from a traditional pot still, a unique batch kettle still and a modern column still, Mantuano is aged up to eight years and blended to perfection with great balance.

Don Juancho used his position of influence to benefit the development of his local region and to pursue his passion for travel and the discovery of new spirits, mainly rums. His significant impact on the rum industry and the appreciation of fine spirits in Venezuela is legendary.

This new expression in Diplomatico’s Tradition Range combines DUSA’s signature column, batch kettle and pot still distillates created from molasses and sugar cane honey.

Mantuano Tasting Notes

Aged up to eight years in white oak casks that previously held Bourbon and malt whiskey, Mantuano is precisely blended using 40% heavy pot still rum and 60% light and semi-heavy rums from the column and batch kettle stills for a fine balance.

Aromas of dried dark fruit, oak and a delicate spiciness are revealed. On the palate, a complex entry of dried fruits, wood and vanilla is well balanced, leading to a warm, semi-dry finish.

With a taste profile ideal for mixing in luxury cocktails, Mantuano’s rich body and delightful complexity will also appeal to those that prefer to drink it neat.

Mantuano is bottled at 40% abv and priced at $24.

Mount Gay Rum releases Origin Series – The Copper Stills

Tuesday, September 13, 2016 / / 0 Comments

The iconic Mount Gay brand of rum from Barbados recently announced a special limited edition aged rum package: Origin Series – The Copper Stills.

From Barbados, the new Mount Gay Origin Series: Volume Two, The Copper Stills Collection features two similarly aged rums created in two different stills.

The Copper Stills: Pot vs. Column

Origin Series, Copper Stills, Mount Gay rum from Barbados

Mount Gay releases their limited edition Origin Series Volume Two: The Copper Stills, featuring a selection of two aged rum expressions from Barbados.

The first was produced in a copper pot still, the traditional method of creating rum that dates back to the brand’s origins in Barbados in 1703. The second expression was created in a modern copper column still, a more efficient method for producing rum from molasses.

Each of the two rums included in this special package exhibits a flavor profile unique to it’s method of distillation. Mount Gay rums achieve their complexity and depth of flavor by combining these types of marques in their popular blends.

Tasting Notes

The Copper Pot Rum leads with aromas of sweet cane, vanilla and funky fruit. On the palate notes of dark chocolate, toasted coconut and almonds lead to butter and oak in the finish.

The Copper Column Rum offers aromas of butter and banana. On the palate, hints of sweet ripe fruit and delicate floral notes precede toasted oak.

The Origin Series Collections

“We created the Origin Series collections so that we could give rum drinkers the unique opportunity to experience rum by tasting the pure essence of the distinct distillation methods. We want to share a deeper understanding of how each part of the process can change the taste of rum entirely,” said Mount Gay Master Blender Allen Smith. “Copper Pot is a rich, intricate interpretation of signature Mount Gay aromatics, robust in flavor and body. Copper Column is a delicate and mellow expression of our classic profile.”

Like Volume One of the Origin Series – which featured Virgin Cask and Charred Cask varieties – Volume Two is presented in bespoke packaging of two 375ml bottles, along with a detailed booklet that gives an overview of the creation of the two rums.

The Origin Series Copper Stills collection, at 43% abv, will be available beginning October 2016 at premium liquor and spirits stores across the United States for a suggested retail price of $95.

Mount Gay Rums

The Mount Gay portfolio of fine rums also includes 1703 Old Cask Selection, Extra Old, Black Barrel, Eclipse and Eclipse Silver. Mount Gay is owned by Rémy-Cointreau SA, and is exclusively imported to the U.S. by Rémy Cointreau USA, Inc.

Visit the Mount Gay Rum web site or the Mount Gay Rum Facebook page for more information. Follow Mount Gay rum: @MountGayRum on Facebook and Instagram.

To stay informed of the latest rum news from Robert Burr, subscribe to Robs Rum News email list.

Caña Brava 7 year old aged rum from Panama

Tuesday, December 1, 2015 / / 0 Comments

A long awaited addition to Caña Brava’s line of fine spirits has arrived. The 86 Company today announced the release of Caña Brava 7 year old Reserva Añeja Rum, the first dark aged spirit in their portfolio.

Caña Brava 7 year old Reserva Añeja Rum from Panama is the latest release from the 86 Company, developed to make the finest classic and contemporary cocktails.

The 86 Company has announced Caña Brava 7-Year-Old Reserva aged rum from Panama, developed in concert with leading bartender of the world by master distiller and blender Don Pancho Fernandez.

Like the award-winning Caña Brava white rum, it was distilled and blended by legendary master of rum Don Pancho J. Fernandez in Panama with input from the professional bartending community for a spirit designed to excel in classic and contemporary cocktails.

Caña Brava 7 year old begins with a selection of young and fresh rums handpicked by the Master Distiller. The rums are blended to create an age base which is then further aged in used bourbon casks for over seven years before being bottled. Caña Brava 7 is a true aged expression of its lighter and younger sibling, Caña Brava 3-Year-Old.

After creating the Caña Brava 3-Year-Old Carta Blanca Rum, a small amount stayed in casks for further aging. After seven years of total aging this rum is now ready for a one-time release. Caña Brava 7’s character emphasizes the fresh cut sugarcane flavors associated with their style while the aging has added depth and richness you would expect from a rum with this age.

The surprisingly dry finish and higher than normal proof (45% ABV) give this rum additional body and flavor, making it very suitable for mixing in cocktails such as the El Presidente, Old Cuban and Rum Old Fashioned.

“We wanted to introduce a rum that would work like a rye whiskey in cocktails,” says Dushan Zaric, Co-Founder of The 86 Company.

The rum-making process begins with hand harvested sugarcane. The resulting fresh sugarcane molasses is rushed to fermentation and kick-started using Don Pancho’s distinct pineapple yeast. The molasses wash ferments for approximately 24 hours before being distilled in a vintage copper and brass still built in 1922.

The result is fresh aguardiente that is then aged in used American whiskey barrels for 2 to 3 years. This aged rum is gently filtered through charcoal before blending with fresh aguardiente to make the age base for Caña Brava rums. This blend is then further aged for seven years in used bourbon casks before being cut to 90 proof and bottled.

The 750ml bottle of Caña Brava 7 year old Reserva Añeja Rum retails for $44.99.

The 86 Company is comprised of notable industry experts Malte Barnekow, Kris Roth, Simon Ford, Jason Kosmas and Dushan Zaric. Their vodka, gin, tequila and rum products are created for mixing and formulated in partnership with highly respected artisanal distillers and recognized cocktail professionals. Their labels feature honest, useful information and a design tone of voice that mirrors the life style of a new breed of opinion former — The Career Bartender. This affinity trickles down to consumers in the know, making good drinks available to a broader audience.

Ron Duran 12 year old aged rum from Panama debuts

Friday, September 18, 2015 / / 0 Comments

A new aged rum, named for famed boxing champion Roberto Duran, was recently introduced to the U.S. market by Ekeko Fine Wines and Spirits of Houston Texas. Duran 12 year old aged rum, produced by Master Distiller and Blender Don “Pancho” Fernandez of Panama, was first shown at the Miami Rum Fest Trade Show in April.

Ron Duran 12 - From his copper column still in Panama, master blender Don Pancho Fernandez has created a masterpiece aged rum of 12 years in honor of famed boxer Roberto Duran.

Ron Duran is a fine aged rum produced in Panama by master blender Don Pancho Fernandez in honor of boxing legend Roberto Duran.

Ekeko today announced that Ron Duran 12 would soon be available widely in leading liquor retailers and venues throughout North America.

Roberto Durán Samaniego is a Panamanian former professional boxer, widely regarded as one of the greatest boxers of all time. He retired in 2002 with a record of 120 fights, 104 wins and 69 KOs. The Associated Press voted Duran as the #1 lightweight boxer of the 20th century.

As a tribute to the master fighter, this Ron Duran 12 year old aged rum was specially crafted by Don Pancho for strength of character. This exquisite flavor profile is achieved by a blend of rum aged for 12 years in white oak whiskey barrels.

Ron Duran 12 rum uses the finest molasses from Panama and is distilled in copper columns using a proprietary yeast from the master blender. Don Pancho developed Duran rum to truly capture the essence of patience, passion, perseverance and triumph.

Aromas of buttery wet oak, cola nut and pistachio lead to creamy dry vanilla, orange blossom, dried fruits and toffee over creamy vanilla before a subtle hint of anise. On the palate, a well balanced coconut husk entry walks a fine line between sweet and dry as it cascades through cream soda, dark fruit, custard, toasted oak and coconut husk before dry toasted wood with hints of anise. Through the long finish, the palate remains well balanced.

To stay abreast of developments in the world of rum, subscribe to Rob’s Rum Guide e-news.

Two Indies and Old Port rums from India

Friday, August 21, 2015 / / 0 Comments

Amrut Distilleries of Bangalore, India is the producer of many fine spirits, including two distinct rums — Two Indies Rum and Old Port Rum.

Two Indies Rum – a Unique Blend of East and West

Two Indies takes it name from the fact that it’s a combination of rums from the East Indies and West Indies, delivering an interesting fusion of characteristics to the blend.

Two Indies and Old Port rums from India

Two Indies Rum is a blend of East Indian and West Indian rums produced by Amrut Distilleries of Bangalore, India. They also produce Old Port Rum.

The Indian rum is made from Jaggery, a traditional solidified reduction of cane juice popularly used to make candy across the sub-continent regions of India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. The spirit is distilled using a seven plate column, then aged for three years in oak barrels, producing an aromatic sweet rum.

The authentic Caribbean spirits from Jamaica, Barbados and Guyana are distilled in pot or double retort stills producing very robust, high-ester spirits. These tropical aged rums are sent to India for the final blend.

The result is a balance of the delicate and aromatic East with the robust and full flavored West. Amrut’s stated goal is to bring the two historic cultures of India and Caribbean together and reflect upon their rich ancestral heritage.

Tasting Notes

With Two Indies Rum, initial aromas of butter and an earthy nuttiness lead to subtleties of apple and grape, then charred wood and pineapple, with a funky treacle and caramel note. On the palate, a big funky fruit basket of tropical delights evolves rapidly toward shortbread cookie before hints of apple-cinnamon, black tea and very ripe butter lead to a slightly dry finish.

Old Port Rum – Traditional Indian Spirit

Old Port is produced in a modern tall column still. This a traditional Indian rum is made from molasses and blended with spices and natural caramel to create a profile that represents the most popular style sold in India. A small portion of well aged rum is blended to give the spirit more complexity.

Tasting Notes

The intense vermilion color of Old Port reflects the flavored spices used in the blend. Aromas of light ethanol lead to butterscotch, nutmeg and vanilla, roasted pistachio, then pecan syrup with a hint of black pepper on creme brûlée. On the palate butterscotch and egg custard lead to eggnog with nutmeg, drying out quickly mid-palate, before vanilla and pistachio emerge into the medium dry finish.

Awards

Amrut Distilleries rums have recently earned prestigious awards from The Spirit Business and from the Ultimate Spirits Challenge competitions.

Plantation revives classic recipe with Stiggin’s Fancy Pineapple Rum

Tuesday, June 9, 2015 / / 0 Comments

Stiggin’s Fancy Pineapple Rum is steeped in history. In Charles Dickens’ immortal Pickwick Papers, pineapple rum — a sipping spirit par excellence — features prominently as the favored drink of the esteemed Reverend Stiggins.

An Artful Infusion of Pineapple Rum

Right out of a Dickens' novel, Stiggin's Fancy Pineapple Rum revives a classic recipe with a unique tropical profile flavored rum.

Plantation Rum has released a limited edition of their Stiggin’s Fancy Pineapple Rum, based on a character from a novel by Charles Dickens, aided by research from Cocktail Historian David Wondrich.

As a study in recreating such fanciful classic libations, Alexandre Gabriel, proprietor of Cognac Ferrand, with help from the spirits and cocktail historian David Wondrich, set out to revive this forgotten nectar. The result was a small batch of delightful liquid named Stiggin’s Fancy Pineapple Rum.

Gabriel and Wondrich relied on several ancient recipes to recreate it, and added a few traditional techniques from their own bag of tricks. The 1824 English Journal of Patent and Inventions and the 1844 Journal of Agricultural Society were their main sources of inspiration — along, of course, with Mr. Dickens. They infused ripe Queen Victoria pineapples in rich, aged Plantation Original Dark Rum for three months. Meanwhile, they macerated, also in rum, the bare rind of the fruit (where the pineapple’s essential oil chiefly resides) before distilling it, creating a bright pineapple essence to blend with the lushness of the infused Plantation rum. The result was stunning.

Stiggin’s Fancy Tasting Notes

On the nose we experience ripe pineapple and Madagascar vanilla, a good measure of oak followed by green banana, toasted coconut and pineapple hard candy with a mixture of citrus peel and dried fruit. On the palate, a buttery and oaken entry leads to big fruit, dominated by pineapple, then toasted coconut and cherry/almond notes before drying out mid-palate as the well aged Trinidad rum begins to shine through the fade to authentic pineapple.

Overwhelming Demand

Although his original intention was to create only 1000 bottles to share with rum fanatics and enthusiasts at the annual Tales Of The Cocktail convention in New Orleans, the overwhelming reaction created a demand that could only be satisfied by a greater production. A second batch was created and may now be available at select retailers in limited quantities.

A tip of the hat to Mr. Dickens and his loquacious character Reverend Stiggins, to cocktail historian Dave Wondrich and most of all — to Alexandre Gabriel and his production team at Plantation Rum for a uniquely delightful expression of rum.

The Duppy Share blended aged rum debuts in UK

Friday, August 8, 2014 / / 0 Comments

Ahoy the Duppy Share aged rum. The Westbourne Drinks Company of London has launched a premium expression of blended aged rums from Jamaica and Barbados — The Duppies Share — inspired by the legend of island duppies, the unseen gregarious forces of the Caribbean that conspire to steal a share of fine rum resting in barrels via evaporation.

With a wink and a nod toward the wayward duppies that steal their share of rum maturing in oak barrels, this new Duppy Share premium rum from Westbourne Drinks Company of London features a fine blend of aged rums from Jamaica and Barbados.

The Duppy Share features a delightful blend of aged rum from Jamaica and Barbados, imported into the UK by Westbourne Drinks Company.

In whiskey, the loss of spirit to evaporation is known as the angel’s share. Duppies, on the other hand are said to be nefarious and egregious spirits that cause trouble.

The Duppy Share is distilled in the Caribbean by fourth generation rum masters before being shipped to London for bottling. The blend features bold, tropical fruit flavors from a fine three year old Jamaican rum balanced by smooth, oaky notes of an exceptional five year old Bajan rum, matured in American oak bourbon barrels to impart a golden hue and add subtle oaky, caramel flavors.

Designed as a premium rum to be sipped straight or enjoyed on the rocks, this spirit also works well in cocktails that are complimented by a rich, full bodied aged rum with bold notes of tropical fruit, baking spices and buttery caramel.

The producers suggest The Duppy Share is a great rum for creating tropical punch recipes to be enjoyed at social gatherings and rooftop parties during the summer months.

A well designed bottle complements the fine taste of The Duppy Share blend, with an evocative label design inspired by 1930s travel posters.

The Westbourne Drinks Company is a new business founded in London by Rum Adventurer George Frost and start-up guru Jessica Swinfen. Before launching The Duppy Share, Jessica was at Innocent Drinks for almost 10 years. One of the early members of the core team, she helped grow the company into the international brand it is today.

George flirted with the idea of starting a rum distillery in London. Fleetingly. That was before visiting the Caribbean distilleries. That was before meeting the custodians of real rum — the master producers whose skills have been handed down through family-owned businesses for generations. That was before realizing that it’s the American oak barrels in the Caribbean climate that are key to aging fine rum.

At 40% abv, The Duppy Share launched exclusively into Selfridges in 70cl bottles for £37.99.

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