Kopparberg Cherry Flavoured Spiced Rum. Fair play to Kopparberg by labelling this rum as both Spiced and Flavoured along with hitting the minimal 37.5% ABV they are producing a Spiced/Flavoured rum in line with EU regulations. Rather than the numerous Rum based Spirit Drinks that have appeared on our shelves (alongside rum) in recent years.
Black Tot 50th Anniversary Rum. This is the fourth release from Elixir Distillers under the “Black Tot” brand. The first was “The Last Consignment” which was a limited edition bottling of authentic Navy rum dating from pre-Black Tot Day. Rum that would have been served as the daily tot. The second release was a 40 Year Old Demerara Rum which I was fortunate enough to get the chance to taste. Alas I am still yet to try “The Last Consignment”. Anyone feeling generous feel welcome to send a sample! Happy to pay the going rate!
Hampden Estate The New York Edition. When you’re in Nuuuu Yooooorkk………Apologies I can’t say I’m a big fan of that song. It’s just got in my head. I’m more a “Moving to New York” by The Wombats kind of guy, all told but never mind. Shall we talk about rum instead of music? Anyone would think I was trying to be Serge from Whiskyfun. Yes, let’s talk rum.
Appleton Estate 1999 Hearts Collection. Earlier this month I was extremely fortunate (and humbled) to be one of 300 people, worldwide to be invited to a tasting of the Appleton Estate Hearts Collection.
The Hearts Collection is co-bottling between Luca Gargano of Velier and Joy Spence of Appleton Estate. They consist of three vintage rums from 1999, 1995 and 1994. These rums were hand picked and selected by Joy and Luca. Despite having a variety of vintages and barrels to choose from, they did both pick the same barrels as their favourites.
Admiral Rodney Officer’s Releases No.1 – Port Cask Finish. Admiral Rodney is a rum brand, which is produced by Saint Lucia Distillers. It started off as a single name for one of their rums. Since then the rum has expanded into a range of 3 core rums, and a (dosed) Denmark only release. Now they are beginning a series entitled the Officer’s Releases.
A1710 La Perle Rare 2017 Canne Rouge R579. Or if you would prefer in English The Rare Pearl Red Cane. The R579 refers to the variety (is that the correct term?) of sugar cane used.
Set up in 2016 by Yves-Assier de Pompignan A1710 is a micro distillery situated at the Habitation du Simon, Martinique. It should not be confused with the nearby Distillerie du Simon, which is a much bigger, more established operation of course. That distillery produces rum for the Rhum Clement and Rhum J.M. brands, amongst others.
The Rum Advent Calendar – Drinks by the Dram. This particular article is more of an overview, rather than a review. I won’t be scoring the advent calendar. I will however, offer my humble opinion on the package and give some information on how I approach each years offering.
Now for anyone who has bought or is going to buy this and do not want any spoilers. I would stop reading now. I will be outlining some of the rums available in this years calendar. So if you want 24 complete surprises (I promise not to give away the running order) close your web browser now……..