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Archive for the ‘Dark Rums’ Category

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Review: Plantation Isle of Fiji Rum

Posted by Arctic Wolf on August 26, 2022

Cognac Ferrand has long had a special relationship with a variety of rum producers throughout the world. This relationship is based upon the rum producer’s need for quality oak casks to age their rum. Based upon this relationship, Cognac Ferrand is able to acquire certain old and unique batches of rum from various sources, which they bring back to France and finish in their own warehouses and of course in their own Cognac Casks. These special rums form the heart of the Plantation Rum line-up.

Plantation Isle of Fiji Rum was of course sourced from the Isle of Fiji. It was produced using traditional local methods and local sugar cane. This rum was first aged for two years in the tropical climate (within used bourbon barrels) and then transported to France to be matured for at least one more year in French Oak casks. The spirit was bottled at 40% alcohol by volume.

Here is a link to my review of Plantation Isle of Fiji Rum:

Review: Plantation Isle of Fiji Rum

“… The rum begins with a nice butterscotch, vanilla and oak flavour which which is accented by fruity impressions of pineapple, green grape and zesty orange citrus peel. There is a bit of a spicy bite which is tempered by a light butterscotch sweetness as well as a mild impression of menthol. Hints of cinnamon, some scattered cloves, and a touch of musty tobacco rounds out the flavour profile …”

Please enjoy my latest review!

Chimo!

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Review: Lamb’s Navy Rum  (80 Proof) 

Posted by Arctic Wolf on July 20, 2022

This review concludes my journey through the Lamb’s family of rums which I embarked on earlier this year.

In Canada, Lamb’s is one of the most popular rum brands. This brand traces its history all the way back to 1849 when Alfred Lamb opened his wine and spirits business in London. His original Navy Rum is reported to have been a blend of 18 separate rums from various parts of the Caribbean. Alfred Lamb’s method of aging his rum in cellars under the Thames River is said to be one of the secrets behind the unexpectedly smooth taste and popularity of his rum.

The Lamb’s brand was licensed for North American production to Corby Distillers in 1952 and since that time Lamb’s rum has been part of the Corby portfolio of spirit brands. (Halewood Artisanal Spirits hold the license to bottle the brand in Europe, Africa and Asia.)

In North America, the main portfolio of Lamb’s Rums includes, Lamb’s Classic White Rum, Lamb’s Spiced Rum, Lamb’s Palm Breeze, and Lamb’s Navy Rum (which is sold both at 80 proof as well as an overproof 151).

Here is a link to my review for Lambs Navy Rum (80 Proof):

Review: Lamb’s Navy Rum (80 Proof)

“… The first sip brings firm impressions of sweet molasses and caramel with ribbons of licorice and tobacco running right through. I also taste impressions of vanilla, cinnamon, cloves and brown sugar. My feeling is that the rum is a fairly standard dark rum which relies on added caramel and/or molasses to achieve the desired colour and flavour profile …”

Please enjoy my review which concludes with my suggested serving, Dark Rum and Cola.

Chimo!

Posted in Dark Rums, Rum, Rum Reviews | Tagged: , , , , , | 1 Comment »

Review: Lamb’s Palm Breeze

Posted by Arctic Wolf on July 6, 2022

Today I am continuing my trip through one of Canada’s most popular rum brands, Lamb’s. This rum traces its history all the way back to 1849 when Alfred Lamb opened his wine and spirits business in London.

The Lamb’s brand was licensed for North American production to Corby Distillers in 1952 and since that time Lamb’s rum has been part of the Corby portfolio of spirit brands. (Halewood Artisanal Spirits hold the license to bottle the brand in Europe, Africa and Asia.)

In North America, the main portfolio of Lamb’s Rums includes, Lamb’s Classic White Rum, Lamb’s Spiced Rum, Lamb’s Palm Breeze, and Lamb’s Navy Rum (which is sold both at 80 proof as well as an overproof 151).

Here is the link for the review to Lambs Palm Breeze sold at 40 % alcohol by volume:

Review: Lamb’s Palm Breeze

“… Butterscotch, almond, sandalwood and spice. It is the sandalwood and spice (rather than the butterscotch) which grows in the breezes as I let the glass breathe. I soon notice traces of white pepper and cinnamon as well as building citrus zest and banana peel …”

Please enjoy my review which concludes with my serving suggestion, the Spence Cocktail.

Chimo!

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Review: Barcelo Imperial Premium 30 Aniversario Rum

Posted by Arctic Wolf on May 4, 2022

Ron Barceló was founded in 1930 under the name Barceló & Co in Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic. The rum brand quickly grew in popularity growing into one of the largest in the Dominican, and the brand is now exported world-wide to over 25 countries.

When I dug further into the rum’s story I found that it had been created in 2011. At that time the spirit was blended from 10 year old reserves which were aged an additional 2 years in white oak from France, some from the Bordeaux house of Château d’Yquem. Whether much has changed since 2011 is hard to say; but the implication is that the rum is probably made from a blend of cane spirits which have been aged up to 12 years.

Here is a link to my full review:

Review: Barcelo Imperial Premium 30 Aniversario Rum

“… Fine oak spices and caramel toffee melded with with vanilla, rich brown sugar and baking spices. There is a whiff of apricot brandy and then even more fine wood spice pouring upwards. Notes of honeycomb, marzipan, bits of cola and even a light impression of my Mom’s cinnamon rolls seem to be floating in the air …”

Chimo!

Please enjoy my review of this exceptional rum from Ron Barcelo.

 

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Review: Barcelo Gran Anejo Rum

Posted by Arctic Wolf on April 19, 2022

Ron Barceló was founded in 1930 under the name Barceló & Co in Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic. The rum brand quickly grew in popularity growing into one of the largest in the Dominican, and the brand is now exported world-wide to over 25 countries.

According to the company’s website Barcelo Gran Anejo Rum is a blend of Dominican rums aged for up to six years in ex-Bourbon oak casks. This makes it a more premium rum that the previously reviewed Barcelo Anejo (see here). Although the Gran Anejo is reported to contain rums aged up to six years, I should point out that the spirit is sold without an age statement.  I think we can assume that the Gran Anejo Rum will have an average age somewhat less than the six years mentioned on the website.

In my locale (Edmonton, Alberta) the rum is sold at 40 % alcohol by volume in a 750 ml bottle, however I have also seen bottles sold at 37.5 % alcohol by volume in 700 ml bottles. This review is for the version sold at the 40 % bottling strength.

Here is a link to my full review:

Review: Barcelo Gran Anejo Rum

“… The Gran Anejo Rum does seem to be a step up from its younger sibling, Barcello Anejo. The initial aroma brings fine wood spices, hints of butterscotch and almond into the air. Accompanying notes of vanilla, orange and banana peel arrive as well as does a mild menthol grassiness. Perhaps I am noticing a light build up of baking spices (cinnamon and ginger) as well …”

Please enjoy the review as well as the suggested cocktail which follows, The Swift Turtle!

Chimo!

 

Posted in Dark Rums, Rum, Rum Reviews | Tagged: , , , | Comments Off on Review: Barcelo Gran Anejo Rum

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