Rum of the Month August 2015

Bythefatrumpirate

Wray and Nephew White Overproof Rum of the month fat rum pirateAs it is supposed to be British Summer Time, I thought I would make this months Rum of the Month a summer rum.  So I decided to go with this fantastic Overproof mixer.

As you can see Wray and Nephew White Overproof Rum is traditionally drank on Jamaica with Ting.  A Jamaican grapefruit soda and plenty of ice.  This a potent Overproof mixing rum but nonetheless a very good one.  To read the original review please click on the link or photo.

As always please enjoy responsibly!

2015 Rum of the Month

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  • Wester Spirit Co. Hand Sanitiser and Limited Edition Rum – Press Release

    Bythefatrumpirate

    Wester Spirit Co. have released their first white rum as a limited edition bottle to help support production of hand sanitiser for front line key workers. 3 weeks ago the distillery switched production from rum to hand sanitiser. So far Wester has donated over 700 bottles of alcohol-based hand sanitiser to front line key workers across Glasgow.

    The profits from the sale of this limited edition bottle will enable Wester Spirit Co. to continue to produce and distribute hand sanitiser to those that need it most in Glasgow.
    Zander Macgregor, Co-founder and Director – “Since we began producing hand sanitiser a few weeks ago we have supplied front line key workers in care homes, nhs staff, royal mail, charities and children’s homes. Our aim is to continue to produce sanitiser for as long as the main supply chain is not able to fulfill demand. We are a small independent company and the sales of our new Limited Edition White Rum will enable us to continue to supply those that are most in need.
    It has been great to see distilleries come together and help their local communities right across Scotland.”
    The Limited Edition White Rum is fully fermented and distilled from sugarcane molasses at Wester Spirit Co’s distillery in Partick. This is the first white rum from the distillery and it is perfect for creating your favourite cocktails or serving with a mixer of your choice. Customers also have the option of sending a bottle to a friend with a personalised message. The Limited Edition White Rum is available from www.westerspirit.com
    Hand Sanitiser Requests
    Key workers who are finding it difficult to source hand sanitiser should email here with their name, work address and how many 200ml bottles of sanitiser they require.
    Wester Spirit Co.
    Wester Spirit Co. was founded in 2017 by school friends Allan Nairn and Zander Macgregor. The independent urban micro-distillery is committed to producing honest, flavour driven spirits in a natural and sustainable way.
    The rum is produced from scratch using sustainable, high grade sugarcane molasses. Wester have full control over the production process with fermentation, distillation, maturation and bottling taking place on site at Meadow Road in the West End of Glasgow. Wester’s spiced rum was awarded “Distilling Product of the Year 2019” at the Scotland Food & Drink Awards.
    Contact zander@westerspirit.com / 07885490870

  • That Boutique-y Rum Company Foursquare Distillery Barbados Aged 12 Years Batch 7

    Bythefatrumpirate

    That Boutique-y Rum Company Foursquare Distillery Barbados Aged 12 Years Batch 7 rum review by the fat rum pirateThat Boutique-y Rum Company Foursquare Distillery Barbados Aged 12 Years Batch 7. If I ever get around to releasing some rum, please remind if only for the sanity of my fellow bloggers not to call it The Fat Rum Pirate Rum Company. I would also be worried about getting sued for causing repetitive strain injury. TFRPRC….hmmmm doesn’t really flow of the tongue.

    That said neither does TBRC though in fairness it does look a little better. It’s still quite a mouthful though. Anyway, before I digress any further I’ll get on with todays review.

    Which I am quite excited about. Whilst a lot of Independent bottlers have released a number of Foursquare bottlings over the past few years, not many of these Independent bottlers are the Brand Ambassador for Foursquare Rum Distillery.

    For those who are new to the site and/or rum I am of course referring to Peter Holland who is perhaps after Ian Burrell, the UK’s most “famous” rum personality. Yes he is even more well known and (much more) liked than my good self. I’m probably not even third in the well known stakes and I dare say much further down in the liked category……I’m babbling again.

    That Boutique-y Rum Company Foursquare Distillery Barbados Aged 12 Years Batch 7 is a Single Blended Rum. It is a blend of Pot and Column Distilled rum from the Foursquare Rum Distillery, Barbados. The liquid housed in this 50cl bottle has been bottled at 50.7% ABV.

    The rum was originally aged in ex-bourbon cask for 5 years in Barbados. It was t shipped to the UK and moved into ex-sauternes casks for a further 7 years. So it 40/60 Tropical/Continental ageing. There were 451 bottles of this available and as of today (22/09/2023) you can still pick up a bottle via Master of Malt for £69.95.

    That Boutique-y Rum Company Foursquare Distillery Barbados Aged 12 Years Batch 7 rum review by the fat rum pirateThe rum is part of That Boutique-y Whisky/Rum Company’s “Cinema Series”. These are rums with a “Cinema” conncection. The front label takes inspiration form the 1996 Hollywood blockbuster (which pretty much means I haven’t seen it) Independence Day starring Will Smith and Jeff Goldblum. I assume this has some kind of link to Barbados declaring independence back in 1966. The label designed by Grace J Ward shows the flying saucer which destroyed the White House and Washington, in the film (obviously).

    So there you go I’m sure no-one needs an introduction to the Foursquare Rum Distillery but if you do check out some of my earlier Foursquare rum reviews. There are plenty to choose from……..

    I gave a favourable review to a previous Boutique-y Foursquare release. This release differs in that it has an additional ageing in ex-sauternes casks whereas the previous bottling was ex-bourbon only.

    In the glass the rum is a “classic” golden to dark brown with a slight orange hue. Nosing the rum you will find yourself in familiar territory. Light vanilla, some spicy bourbon notes, a touch of coconut all come through initially.

    Further nosing reveals some stoned fruits – light peach and some stronger notes of plums. No, not those kind of plums. Light toffee and a hint of sweetness from the sauternes cask.

    Sipped again you will find yourself in familiar territory. The rum is rich and warming with lashings of vanilla, toffee and some light acidic sweetness initially. On the mid palate you get more of the oak and bourbon-esque spiciness. This gives way to some apricot and peach notes, giving it a slightly softer mouthfeel.

    As we move into the finish That Boutique-y Rum Company Foursquare Distillery Aged 12 Year Batch 7 becomes drier and spicier. The finish is long with lots of dry oak spices and a touch of sweet ripe fruits.That Boutique-y Rum Company Foursquare Distillery Barbados Aged 12 Years Batch 7 rum review by the fat rum pirate

    This rum is “lighter” overall than most (if not all) of the recent Exceptional Cask and Velier releases of the past few years. It is more in keeping with the Doorly’s line up. Which is no bad thing.

    I’m a self confessed Foursquare nut and I am rarely disappointed by anything released under their name.

    I’m certainly not disappointed by todays offering. This is a really great rum. Although I know a number of you aren’t enamoured by 50cl bottles  I would make an exception and pick this up as at £69.95 it isn’t badly priced at all. Buy two bottles and you’ll have a litre of Foursquare for £140…….

     

     

     

     

  • Ninefold Distillery Barrel Aged Pure Single Rum – Release #1

    Bythefatrumpirate

    Ninefold Distillery Barrel Aged Pure Single Rum - Release #1Ninefold Distillery Barrel Aged Pure Single Rum – Release #1. This is the first aged rum release from Scotland’s Ninefold Rum Distillery. It follows on from last years unaged  release of Pot Still Pure Single Rum.

    The distillery is situated in the South of Scotland at Dormont Home Farm, near Dalton in Dumfries and Galloway. The distillery is house in a converted stone farm building. Their rums are produced on a Scottish made Copper Pot Still. Should you wish to learn more about Ninefold Distillery then their website is a good start. I also interviewed Kit Carruthers Head Distiller/Owner here.

    So, lets move on and see exactly what the make up of this rum is. First up the rum is a blend of the four “experimental” rums produced at the distillery in 2019. There are 4 barrels of this rum available and this is barrel #1. I am assuming the remaining barrels will be aged for longer periods and released at a later date. Quite an easy assumption to make I would think, unless Dr Carruthers has a time machine…….I wouldn’t put it past him.

    The rum is produced from imported molasses and distilled in small batches on a purpose built Copper Pot Still. This release has been aged for 12 months in a Virgin American Small White Oak Barrel. A fresh bourbon barrel if you want to think of it that way.

    There were 246 70cl bottles of Ninefold Distillery Barrel Aged Pure Single Rum – Release #1 available upon release. The rum has been individually bottled and hand signed by Kit. I have bottle number 78 as this was the year of my birth (and 13 had already been sold).

    It has been bottled at Cask Strength so comes in at a hefty 59.6% ABV. It is available direct from Ninefold and retails at £45.

    Ninefold Distillery Barrel Aged Pure Single Rum - Release #1 Rum review by the fat rum piratePresentation wise Ninefold have a very strong branding throughout their website and bottlings. Once again they have produced a very premium and very modern looking product. To be honest if I ever do a bottling I’ll be asking Kit who his graphic designer is, as I think the presentation is top notch. I love the 3/4 sized bottle and the chunky wooden topped synthetic cork stopper gives a very satisfying “pop” when opened.

    Which is exactly what I have just done.

    I’m not one for directing people to music videos (I find it a bit pretentious) but if you click on the following link and go to around 00:50 you will get my general impression of the nose on this…….

    Thick, indulgent, treacly, sweet, golden, syrupy goodness. Caramac bars, you might have to look those up (and probably everything that is about to follow), Highland Toffee, Tunnocks Caramel Wafers, Red Kola, Macaroni Pie, Haggis, Neeps, Tatties, Kilts, Russ Abbot Wigs (okay I may be making a few of those up)

    Seriously though the nose on this is a full on molasses assault. A bit of time in the glass to breathe is needed to see if anything else comes through on the nose. Which it does some super glue and pencil shavings kick in. Black Pepper and some menthol cough sweets. It’s medicinal with a nice back drop of some oak and freshly chopped wood.

    It’s fiery, boozy and menacing – the molasses notes are dark and rich. Thick and gloopy.

    Sipped at the full 59.6% ABV it is hot. Boozy and full of flavour. The woody notes of oak are warm and very intense. Lots of wood, ginger and fiery chilli pepper heat. It takes a glass or two to get used to this wee beastie.

    It’s worth sitting with though and giving time. Once your senses have recovered (and maybe you’ve added a drop or two of water) the rum really opens up.

    The initial entry is sweet with all the molasses notes promised on the nose. The mid palate is full of spicy green jalapeno’s and rich warming oak spice. The absence of vanilla is probably due to the Virgin Oak – I’d be keen to try this in an ex-bourbon barrel as it might give it a slightly softer, more approachable aura.

    That said I’m enjoying this. It’s finish is quite savoury with yet more spice and a slightly malty note. It’s long and it becomes very “minty” with lots of menthol and cough mixture like elements kicking in.

    Ninefold Distillery Barrel Aged Pure Single Rum - Release #1 Rum review by the fat rum pirateIn many ways this rum is a bit of a a funny one. It’s big, bold and brash but at the same time has a sweetness and a “more-ish” factor to it which really draws you in.

    Beyond sipping I think this will also work really well in any cocktail that demands a bit of “oomph”. Both in terms of ABV and full on flavour this really delivers. I dare say this would work well in a Mai Tai or as a very boozy Daiquiri. My signature serve a Rum and Coke has went down very nicely and I dare say this is very definitely fally down juice……..

    Hoots Mon! There’s joose, loose aboot Kit’s hoose………….

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Banks Connoisseurs Cut – Guyana 59.58% Dark Rum

    Bythefatrumpirate

    BANKSCONOISSEURSCUT GUYANABanks are probably best known for their 5 and 7 Island Blends.  In July 2015 Banks Rums were bought out by Bacardi.  What plans Bacardi have for Banks Rum is anyones guess.  So far no changes have taken place

    This Banks Guyana rum is part of their Limited Edition Connoisseurs Cut range.  It should not be confused with the rums from Banks DIH (Demerara Ice House) from Guyana who bottle their own range of rums – XM.

    Distilled in 1997 and bottled in July 2013 this 16 Year Old Rum is from the Port Mourant still at Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL).  Limited to only 205 bottles the rum has been issued at a very refreshing 59.58% ABV – which is noted as Cask Strength.  It is a single cask rum.  I’ve noted the ABV in the title of the review because their is another Guyana in the range bottled at 56% ABV.

    Retailing at just over £100 it is noticeably cheaper than the Banks Endeavour Rum (over £300) and for me much more desirable.  The Endeavour rum is a blend and to be honest hold no interest whatsoever for me.  Banks Connoisseurs Cut rums all come in a very nice mahogany wooden box with t a nice tall thin style bottle and a very nice corked enclosure.  The labelling is toned down compared to the 5 and 7 Island blends and is simple black font on white.  It gives all the information needed to identify the origin of the rum on the bottle.  Unfortunately it doesn’t give any information on where the rum was aged.

    At just over £100 it is more expensive than similarly aged bottlings such as the 1999 Port Mo(u)rant from Bristol Classic Rum (around £60) and Pussers 15 Year Old (approx. £45).  However, neither of those rums were bottled at Cask Strength.  In reality you have over 1 litre of spirit if diluted to circa 40% ABV.

    I wasn’t a huge fan of Banks 5 Island Blend but this rum should not suffer from any of that rums issues – it had too much going on in terms of mas it is single cask rum.  I’ve enjoyed Port Mourant rums in the past so I am quite excited to try this particular bottling.

    Banks Connoisseurs Cut - Guyana 59.58% Dark Rum Review by the fat rum pirateA refreshing thing to note about this rum is how light it is.  Almost straw coloured.  Which suggests to me that no caramel has been added.  The nose on this one doesn’t have anything which suggests additives either.

    The nose gives a very full and satisfyingly fruity nose. Reminiscent in many ways of Pussers Navy Rum.  Big, rich and fruity.  The Port Mourant is a wooden double pot still and its distillate is used in El Dorado 8,12,15 and the 25 year old.  It is used in most “Navy Rum” blends.  It offers a rich fruity experience with a hint of aniseed.  There is a slight muskiness to the nose as well.

    Taking the rum neat 59.58% reveals a lot of aniseed on the taste buds and for me too much tingling on the tongue to fully appreciate the rum properly.  A few drops of water allow a better appreciation of this rum.  It brims with aniseed and is very slightly bitter particularly in the mid palate. It has nice aged oak notes and smokiness/mustiness which adds an extra layer of complexity.  There is a slight “dundery” Jamaican funk to this note (I for a long time assumed Pussers had Jamaican rum in it).  There is upfront sweetness – tropical fruits such as Mango and Banana but slightly stewed or fermented.

    The finish even when the rum has been diluted with water is long and satisfying – it carries just enough burn on the palate continue to offer real flavour long after the rum has been swallowed.  Nice spicy oaked notes and a little orange zest and slightly bitter liquorice.

    This is a pretty impressive Port Morant and highlights just how the rum can dominate blends.  Despite its pale appearance this rum is pretty big (maybe not as full on as the Enmore rums perhaps based on past experience).

    A very nice expression.

    4 stars

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • The Rum Festival – Newcastle Saturday 5th May 2018

    Bythefatrumpirate

    The Rum Festival Newcastle Review 2018 by the fat rum pirateThe Rum Festival are actually a number of Rum Festivals that tour around the country. This is their second year and they have expanded to cover even more towns and cities all around the UK.

    Which is one of the things I really like about The Rum Festival events – they are pretty much on your doorstep. This particular event was even more convenient (for me) as there was a Daytime and Night-time session. So I opted for the daytime event which kicked off at 12 and finished at 5pm.

    The Rum Festival is organised by Lucy Douglas. The vibe is relaxed and Lucy sees the events as a party with a serious theme of Rum Education. Done in a relaxed and welcoming manner. I’m sure some of you may have attended Beer or Whisky festivals in the past and found them a little “stuffy”. Full of older men with beards and a touch of the anorak about them.

    Entry to the Rum Festival varies from around £8 to £15 depending on whether you get a concession and/or book an early bird ticket. I’ll give you a rundown on how I found the experience.

    First up was finding the event. Which was fairly easy – it was moved quite late on from Hoults Yard (where it was last year) to the Student Union building a Northumbria University. Which is a bit more central. I had been around 10 years ago and I was pleased to see the whole space had been modernised and brightened up considerably.

    I had to queue up as it was really busy but it was an absolutely glorious day. The Steel Drum Band were playing outside, which was a really good touch and really got you in the mood for some rum.The Rum Festival Newcastle Review 2018 by the fat rum pirate

    I was a little sceptical about a Steel Drum Band but they play some really good cover versions of tracks you might not expect. They really gave the whole experience a cool relaxed vibe. As the day was so hot I spent quite a lot of time outside – enjoying some great rum in the sunshine!

    Upon entry you are greeted by Lucy and her team. You are handed a very nice glass and a really informative brochure/menu. This brochure details all the rum you can sample at the event. We were processed efficiently and promptly. Although the space at Northumbria University was much smaller than Hoults Yard. I think it was still busier than last year in terms of numbers. The size of the venue was also much better and less confusing than the huge space of last year.

    I was also very pleasantly surprised to see people reading the supplied brochure. The Rum Festival has “bars” at each event. Categorised as White, Gold, Aged, Spiced/Flavoured etc. The brochure is broken down in that way as well giving people background on the rums they can try. It should be noted though that these are not “free tasting” bars.

    The Rum Festival Newcastle Review 2018 by the fat rum pirateAs the price of entry is fairly low you will have to buy some tokens. They are priced at £20 and £30. For £20 you get to try 4 rums (including a mixer) and for £30 you get to try 6. The measures are standard 25ml bar size. To be honest some of the rums you can try would set you back around £10 in many bars, in and around Newcastle. Being perfectly honest there aren’t a great deal of bars in Newcastle with a decent rum selection. Certainly not many with as many as were on display at The Rum Festival.

    There are some free tasters available from the likes of Old J and the newly formed Nelson’s Blood. As the festival travels around the country it is quite tricky to get brands to commit to so many events all over the UK.

    So instead of free tasters The Rum Festival gives you live entertainment and some more exotic cocktails in addition to the normal rum bars. Not only did we have the Steel Drum band outside there was also a full Latin Style band playing in the venue – something which again really helped with the vibe and experience.

    In addition to the normal rum bars was a Cocktail Bar – which was serving up a number of signature cocktails. Complete with all the panache and fancy flourishes that goes with fancier cocktail bars. Think Tom Cruise in Cocktail…only hairier and with tattoos.

    The thing I like about The Rum Festival is that people start thinking about what rums they want to try. Rather than just listening to marketing and downing free shots. It’s really interesting listening to people and their decision making. I was also quite pleased that I was able to recommend a few rums, that people really enjoyed and thanked me for introducing them to! Though to be fair I do keep myself low key at such events – I don’t go around saying I have a blog etc – most people wouldn’t know me anyway, if I am being honest! And I’d look a right tit.The Rum Festival Newcastle Review 2018 by the fat rum pirate

    At the event I tried a couple of new rums – I was particularly impressed with. One Love Rum was great – so watch out for a review of that soon.

    It was also good to see more people going to the Aged, Gold and even White rum stands. Rather than heading for the Spiced Rum. Sure there were plenty people their going for the Spiced Rum. A lot were very keen on the Cargo Cult Spiced Rum. It seemed a bit different to last years event where barely anyone entertained anything other than Spiced!

    The range of rums on display at The Rum Festival are also good in terms of value to the consumer and in terms of the price of the event. The rums are familiar commercial brands. Seeing people trying the likes of Doorlys XO and Chairman’s Reserve for the first time was refreshing.

    Having events such as these travelling around the country, should have a really positive impact upon the Rum Scene in the UK. I had a really nice relaxed day out and enjoyed chatting with people just getting into rum and looking to try new things.

    If one of these events is coming to a town or city near you then get yourself along. You’ll have a great day out!

    More details can be found at

     

     

  • Holmes Cay Single Cask Rum Barbados 2005

    Bythefatrumpirate

    Holmes Cay Single Cask Rum Barbados 2005 rum review by the fat rum pirateHolmes Cay Barbados 2005 Single Cask Rum. Holmes Cay are a new Independent bottler based in New York City. So for once US rum fans you have one over us Europeans! Add further insult to injury, this their first release is currently only distributed in New York. In part due to the US’s insane liquor laws.

    Which is a bit of a shame for anyone outside of New York but I am sure that the 504 bottles of this Foursquare 2005 bottling will sell out pretty quickly! So good news for Holmes Key and their founder Eric Kaye.

    You may well be wondering how I a native of the North East of England came by this particular rum. Well, I am reviewing this from a sample kindly provided to me by Eric at this years London Rumfest. Obviously before accepting this sample I ensure I knew exactly what I was getting in the bottle…..

    Holmes Cay Single Cask Rum Barbados 2005 was distilled at Foursquare Rum Distillery. It was aged for 11 years in the tropics before being bought by an independent rum broker and shipped to the UK for a further 3 years, for what we now term continental ageing. As mentioned earlier there are 504 bottles available of this release from two different casks. So a Foursquare completist may seek a bottle of both. The entire maturation has been in ex-bourbon casks. It was bottled in October 2019. it is as most Foursquare rums tend to be a blend of both pot and column distilled rum blended together in the barrel.

    My sample is from Cask no.2 and was bottled at 64.3% ABV Cask Strength. No additives and no colourings required. The rum retails at $149.

    Should you require further information on Holmes Cay or want a list of stockists then their website is here.

    Now I’m not in the habit of taking samples direct from bottlers/producers. Whilst I have around 400 samples at home around 95% come from fellow enthusiasts. Thing is I know this is going to be a decent standard, so what the heck!

    In th glass we have a dark brown spirit with an orange/red hue. Holmes Cay Barbados 2005 has a very familiar nose. I’ve reviewed so many Foursquare rums over the past five years that I can tell straight away now when I am presented with a Foursquare.

    This particular offering has quite a lot of coconut on the nose. Ripe banana, vanilla, a touch of peach and some lovely well integrated oak spice. There is a little more oomph here than with the 40-46% ABV Foursquare’s but it still has a really nice balance on the nose.

    Further nosing reveals chopped nuts, a touch of raisin, red grape and a tiny hint of citrus. A very slight oily note as well.

    It’s all really good and really beautifully balanced. Comparisons to rums such as the Exceptional Cask Series 2004, 2005 and 2007 are ineveitable. I would also add Rum Sixty Six Cask Strength to that mix. Should you wish to know how Holmes Cay Barbados 2005 fared in a blind taste testing of other Foursquare rums then you should visit Rum Revelations for a run down.

    Sipped at full ABV Holmes Cay Barbados 2005 is initially a little bit too much. You need a couple of sips to get accustomed to the high ABV. You might even need a drop or two of water. It’s very much your choice to drink at a ABV that suits your palate. Not everyone appreciates rum at such a high ABV.

    Holmes Cay Barbados 2005 is a spicy and quite oaky rum on the initial sip or two. Lots of oak and spicy ginger mingles alongside a good hit of white pepper and some wood chips. The more you sip the more you notice the flavours that were on the nose.

    Vanilla and coconut creep back into the mix as your palate settles down to this rum. Stoned fruits and some red grapes give the mid palate a slightly tannic note. This is a big complex rum. Yes it is typical Foursquare and isn’t a hundred miles away from a lot of other Foursquare rums, but it more than holds it own.

    Holmes Cay Barbados 2005 is a really well balanced and well developed rum. The mix of tropical and continental ageing has worked really well in this instance. At 14 years in the tropics this might have got a bit too woody. This is pretty much perfect in terms of maturation.Holmes Cay Single Cask Rum Barbados 2005 rum review by the fat rum pirate

    As you sip more you notice more complexity – almonds and peanuts come into the mix alongside banana and some ginger. The spiciness builds on the mid palate and as you move onto the finish you have a really complex and very long lasting array of spices and oak.

    A really good barrel pick from Holmes Cay. This is a great example of Foursquare rum. No second maturation all ex-bourbon aged. The base spirit really shines here.