Rum Strikes Back
There’s more to rum than just a Cuba Libre. The spirit steps out of the shadows of its coarse past to make a splash.
The cup runneth over, at least for rum; unfettered from its plebeian past where it was labelled the choice of poison for crude pirates and inebriated sailors, and seldom celebrated for flavour. Over the past half-decade however, rum has been shedding its murky image to find place in the top shelves of cocktail bars all over the world. The appreciation of truly fine rum is growing, with connoisseurs waking up to the subtle complexities of the spirit and tastemakers realising its potential in creating unique cocktails. Apart from the usual cocktails such as the Daiquiri, Planter’s Punch, Pina Colada and Mai Tai, there are takers for innovative spirit mixes in all continents. With a valuation in the billions in spite of facing stiff competition, the drink is now being reimagined as a premium luxury beverage all set to redeem itself. And the Caribbean is in the midst of the action. The 26 countries of the Caribbean have their own language of brewing, tasting, and drinking rum and they all have a special place for the beverage in their shelves and hearts.
El Dorado 25
Those who claim to have seen El Dorado, the lost city of gold, claim to be gobsmacked with an incomparable sense of awe. The El Dorado 25 in essence delivers to your senses a similar feeling. There is little wonder as to why it has such a wild following in the rest of the world. The decanter has an ornate glass-topped cork that lends a calliphonic pop when opened. Your nose certainly knows the difference when it is enveloped by the enchanting aromatic fumes of brown sugar with hints of caramel, faint orange peel, spices and cinnamon. The mouth, on the other hand, experiences an even stronger hit with the richness of the Newtonian fluid and the flavour of fresh coconut shavings and berries among many others.
Appleton 21
Being the company’s first premium rum, Appleton 21 Years, really has a go at you with its deep wine reminiscent flavours; the tones of dried fruits intertwined with some carefully selected herbal notes. This Jamaican rum has a scintillating combination of robust notes arising from the burnt sugar and the timid notes from the light flowers that make for a well-rounded experience. Only later do you sense the tangy twist, where the familiar citrus tones make an appearance and a grand one at that. Being blended with rum aged in used Jack Daniels barrels, the intensity of flavours leaves you craving more.
Ron Zacapa Royal
A particularly decadent rum from Guatemala, it is noted for its distinct flavours of chocolate, nutmeg, and toasted almonds.
The flavour notes are extraordinarily intricate and pleasurable, some would even say intimate where the drinking experience is elevated beyond the usual high. This elegant and warm drink from Guatemala is aged in French oak casks from Le Bois De Roy, where woods from four 13th century forests are used to preserve its potency and reduce piracy.
Facundo Paraiso:
A premium line from the house of Bacardi which is also named after the founder ‘Facundo Bacardi Massó’, the sweet rum is double aged, initially in casks of white oak and then later in French oak. The oldest expression in the premium line, it is impeccably smooth with notes of almond, vanilla, some chocolate and woody notes. This light sipping rum has rumaniacs all over the world going gaga over this aged beverage as it is blended with some of the oldest rums the house of Bacardi has to offer. For those who enjoy sipping on a sweet, delicious and carefully crafted beverage, this is definitely a contender for the top spot.
Pyrat 1623 Rum
The flagship of the Pyrat brand in Guyana is inspired by the romance, adventure, and heritage stemming from the time of the pirates. Even its name is derived from the old English spelling of the word pirate. This particular rum is blended from aged Caribbean stocks as old as 40 years. It has a sweet citrus note of brandied orange and apricot with a slight tinge of tobacco followed by vanilla and butterscotch accents. The iridescent bronze colour of the syrupy liquor adds another dimension in the sensory experience that is distinctly Pyrat. This decadent indulgence is priced at $200 and worth every penny. Once you have poured one out and taken that memorable first sip of what has been described as smooth and voluptuous, you will know what it means to be bowled over. Daring and dramatic, this beverage earns its boast.