Crossfire Hurricane Reserve
Introduction
Crossfire Hurricane Reserve. When the Rolling Stones announced their entry into the rum world with Crossfire Hurricane, there was the usual initial scepticism. Yet as I noted when I reviewed their entry level Crossfire Hurricane Gold, they delivered a highly competent, surprisingly funky Jamaican blend that didn’t hide its origins behind a wall of added sugar.
When I say “them” it was probably the Rolling Stones at E.A Scheer with assistance from producer Ian Burrell the Global Rum Ambassador, rather than Mick and Keef blending and refining distillates in some Jamaican ageing house in Trelawny with Ronnie offering his expert sommelier experience. That being said with his conk Ronnie should be pretty skilled at nosing…..though I think that has already been well documented.
It was a vibrant rum that felt appropriately energetic. Something you could image Keith taking a swig of to kickstart the day. The Reserve seems to be aimed at the more sophisticated end of the market so perhaps something Charlie Watts would sip contemplatively at the end of the day?
The marketing narrative behind the brand leans heavily on the band’s storied history in the Caribbean, particularly the time spent recording in Jamaica and the Bahamas. While the Gold expression was a blend of unaged and up to five year old Jamaican rums, the Reserve takes a different path.
We are presented with a blend of Pot and Column still distillates that have spent between three and seven years maturing in ex-bourbon barrels. The exact distilleries involved in the blend have not been disclosed, which is standard practice for many multi distillery sourcing operations..
It is bottled at a standard 40% ABV. I would have perhaps liked to see this expression at, maybe 43-46% ABV but as this is available for just under £40 at The Whisky Exchange currently – the lower ABV is perhaps inevitable
The Reserve sits in the same bespoke glassware as the Gold expression and it remains a genuinely striking bottle. It features rounded shoulders, a heavy glass base and intricate embossed detailing around the neck.
The iconic Rolling Stones “tongue and lips” logo is present, but it is integrated thoughtfully into the classic, vintage inspired label design.
It looks the part of a premium spirit and will certainly appeal to the “Pretty Bottle Brigade”. It commands a certain presence on the shelf. It is topped with a solid, cork stopper. Retail price sits a bit higher than the Gold which is to be expected.
Running the liquid through the hydrometer yields a reading of 40% ABV, exactly matching the label. This means there is no post distillation additives to be found here. In a market where premium celebrity spirits frequently rely on dosage to appeal to a sweeter mainstream palate, this commitment to a clean, unadulterated spirit is highly commendable and shows real respect for the rum category.
As this is a Jamaican Rum – I think presenting it additive free is particularly important with all the hubris surrounding their Geographic Indication (GI).
Tasting
Pouring the rum into a glass reveals a liquid with a dark amber hue, displaying coppery flashes when held up to the light. Its noticeably darker than the Gold. Though as this is a mainstream commercial release – rather than a limited run or Single Cask rum – a touch of caramel colouring is to be expected for consistency. I dare say the colour of both rums is entirely deliberate rather than being 100% au natural.
On nosing the differences between this Reserve and the younger Gold expression become immediately apparent. Where the Gold jumped out with an unmistakable, vibrant Jamaican hogo, the Reserve is a much more relaxed, “Appleton Estate” like affair.
It feels as though the extra years spent interacting with the oak, combined with a balanced blend of column still rum, have mellowed the profile into a very comforting, accessible rum.
The time this rum spent in ex-bourbon barrels is quite evident. You are met with a solid, hit of Vanilla, Oak, and a Caramel/Toffee. Further nosing reveals faint whispers of Orange peel and Allspice. It is undeniably pleasant and completely devoid of any harsh boozy notes.
It seems to be opting for approachability over “menace”, trading the raucous edge of the younger expression for an older Oak/Wood driven nose.
Taking a sip, the initial delivery is clean and fairly soft. There is minimal alcohol burn well certainly nothing akin to unaged Jamaican rums or younger “rougher” blends.
The initial flavours mirror the nose quite closely. There is a gentle wash of sweet Vanilla, Soft Chewy Toffee and some warming spices mostly nutmeg and a hint of cinnamon. There is a slightly bitter Oaky note as well which binds everything together nicely.
As the rum moves into the mid palate, the wood influence really takes the reins. The punchy fruitiness of the Gold expression takes a back seat here. Instead, you get a nice dry tannic Oakiness. There is a decent amount of Barrel Char present, along with a Peppery Spice that provides a mild tingle on the tongue.
It is structurally sound, unpretentious, and completely inoffensive. It leans firmly into its cask maturation, presenting a classic profile that feels designed for a relaxed evening pour rather than a deep, challenging tasting session.
The finish is of medium in length. It leaves a slightly drying woody note that fades out gently with it the last remnants of vanilla sweetness and a final hit of ginger spice. It does not overstay its welcome, leaving you readily prepared for the next sip.
Verdict
Crossfire Hurricane Reserve is a genuinely good, well constructed rum. It is not flawed, it is completely free of artificial sweetening, and it drinks perfectly fine neat or over a large cube of ice. Its not doing anything new or outrageous though and its a little on the safe side.
The Gold was a fun, slightly raucous, and punchy rum. The Reserve, by contrast, is the more mature, laid back older brother. It is heavily oak driven and presents a very safe, accessible profile that will undoubtedly please a great many drinkers.
For the hardcore rum enthusiast looking for high ester funk, it might lack a bit of complexity, but as a straightforward, well crafted aged blend, it does exactly what it sets out to do.
It is a highly competent, easy drinking spirit that leans nicely into familiar, woody bourbon cask territory.
Final Thought: A perfectly solid and transparent blend that trades the vibrant Jamaican funk of the Gold expression for a mature, easy drinking, oak driven profile.
