Rum Diaries
Following the rise of artisanal gin producers in South Africa, artfully crafted rum has become the latest spirit to drip from stills across the country. Here are some of the latest bottles looking for a mixer.
1. NIHILO AFRIKAN
GOLD RUM
Produced via cold distillation,
this syrupy, molasses-based rum is aged in American oak barrels for a minimum of three months. Expect smooth caramel flavours with touches of cinnamon and citrus clove on the palate, and a warm, lingering, spicy aertaste.
R350, Tops at Spar
2. GERTIE’S GOLD RUM
Made by Cape Town food stylist Emma Wilson, Gertie’s is created using wine yeast and takes a minimum of six months to mature. Aromas of caramelised sugar, honey liqueur, spice, nutmeg and
toasted oak are complemented by dried apricot notes.
R400, Gertie’s
gerties_liquor
3. FLOATING DUTCHMAN CAPE RUM
In a slightly different approach, distiller Dirk Prinsloo finishes Floating Dutchman rum in red-wine barrels. Caramel, dried stone fruit and dark chocolate are at the forefront of this Michelangelo Silver Medal and South African Spirits Trophy Gold Medal winner.
R269, Yuppiechef
4. INNOCENT SPIRITS RUM62 OVERPROOF RUM
This rum is anything but innocent – it packs a serious (60% alcohol) punch. Created by Andrew Wheeler
and John Hardie, it’s slow-fermented and surprisingly smooth. It was voted best spirit and claimed gold at the 2020 Spirits Trophy, where it was said to match the best the Caribbean
has to offer.
R315, Liquor City
5. CAPE OF STORMS FYN BOTANICAL RUM
This botanically infused white rum is made in copper pot stills by Dylan Meiring. Essence of honeybush and naartjie features on the nose and the palate, as well as notes of cinnamon, allspice and coriander, with full caramel and butterscotch flavours. R290, Norman Goodfellows