Archive for the ‘Rum’ Category

Review: Plantation XO 20th Anniversary Barbados Rum

Posted by Arctic Wolf on June 19, 2012

The Plantation 20th Anniversary Rum is a blending of the company’s oldest Bajan Rum reserves. These selected rums were first aged in the Caribbean (in ex-bourbon casks). Then they are transported to France to be blended by Plantation Rum’s Cellar Master at Château de Bonbonnet. The blended rum is matured a second time in small French oak casks for another 12 to 18 months. This “double aging” gives rise to a startling increase in both the body of the rum and its complexity, and is the signature of Cognac Ferrand’s Plantation Rum portfolio.

I was sent a sample bottle of the Plantation XO 20th Anniversary Barbados Rum by Cognac Ferrand for the purpose of a review here on my website. Here is an excerpt from that review:

“… The rum has the rich colour of copper pennies in the glass. The initial nose surprised me a little with its strong oaky presence and luscious smells of caramel and toasted coconut. Some nice orange marmalade chimes in as well as hints of marzipan and tobacco. As the glass sits, rich baking spices full of dark brown sugar, vanilla, and dabbles of cinnamon and nutmeg rise into the breezes. Then the oak wells up again and pours out of the glass. I love the aroma, and I could sit for hours just nosing the glass without taking a sip…. “

You may read my full review here:

Review: Plantation XO 20th Anniversary Barbados Rum

Although this is a great rum suitable for sipping I could not resist recommending a divine cocktail suitable for such a sipping rum, the El Padrino.

Please Enjoy my review and do try the cocktail suggestion at the end, cheers!

Posted in Cocktails & Recipes, Dark Rums, Rum, Rum Reviews | Tagged: Cocktails and Recipes, Dark Rum, Plantation Rum, Rum, Rum Review | Comments Off on Review: Plantation XO 20th Anniversary Barbados Rum

Appleton Estate 50 Year Old Rum – A Monumental Spirit

Posted by Arctic Wolf on June 17, 2012

The press release from Appleton Estate Rum begins as follows:

“… Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum is proud to announce the release of a world first in Rum, the very rare Limited Edition Appleton Estate 50 Year Old Jamaica Rum – Jamaica Independence Reserve

Appleton Estate 50 Year Old Jamaica Rum – Jamaica Independence Reserve comprises rums that have been aged for a minimum of 50 years in hand selected, oak barrels and it is believed to be the oldest rum available for sale in the world. Only 800 bottles of this very rare, Limited Edition bottling will be made available for sale around the world at a target Retail Price of US$5,000 per 750ml bottle…”

Wow… Five Thousand Dollars a Bottle!?

You may read my (somewhat controversial) thoughts on this new release here:

Appleton Estate 50 Year Old Rum – A Monumental Spirit

Cheers Everyone!

Posted in Dark Rums, Extras, Howls, Rum, Rum Reviews | Tagged: Appleton Rum, Dark Rum, Jamaican Rum, Rum, Rum Review, Super-Premium Rum | 1 Comment »

For Father’s Day – Ten Rums You Should Avoid

Posted by Arctic Wolf on June 14, 2012

Earlier this week I gave everyone a few recommendations for their Father’s Day purchases; I thought it only fair that I also list a few of the rum purchase decisions you should avoid. This is a list of sugar-cane based spirits which will help to empty your wallet, but will leave your Dad scratching his head in bewilderment. I have posted this list before, and it proved to be somewhat controversial. It seems that some of my choices are actually well-loved by some of my readers. If I have slighted one of your favourites please chime in with a comment to defend your rum of choice. But, having said that, I must confess, that these are anything but my rums of choice. These are my regrets, and I publish this list in hopes that I can help you avoid a regret or two this Father’s Day.

And so without further ado, here are…the Ten Rums you should avoid.

These Rums Ain’t Pretty… They just look that way!

Here is the video that inspired the original posting…..

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Posted in Dark Rums, Flavouerd Rums, Howls, Rum, Rum Reviews, Spiced Rum | Tagged: Father's Day, Rum | Comments Off on For Father’s Day – Ten Rums You Should Avoid

Review: Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum

Posted by Arctic Wolf on June 13, 2012

Recently, I was asked by some of my readers to revisit my review for Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum. It was after all written almost three years ago and was quite cursory in nature. So I contacted the PR company for Sailor Jerry Rum and they were quite happy to send me a sample bottle for a more complete review.

Sailor Jerry Ltd. was formed when Ed Hardy and Mike Malone partnered with a small Philadelphia clothing store to make running shoes, t-shirts and other assorted products featuring the tattoo artwork of Norman Collins (Aka Sailor Jerry). Collins, who was also a writer and a poet, as well as a radio show host, is best remembered today as one of the great pioneers of tattoo art and culture.

In fact, Larry Collins has become legendary in North America tattoo culture. He practiced his art in Chicago as a young man learning his craft from well-known tattoo artist Gib “Tatts” Thomas. Later, when working as a sailor aboard a steamer vessel, he went to Japan to study the techniques of the far east. When he settled in Honolulu, Hawaii in the 1930s, he opened his own shop, and word of his distinctive style was spread around the globe as the naval ships came and went, carrying upon them the sailors who has stopped by his shop for an original “‘Sailor Jerry” tattoo.

Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum was created in 1991 as a logical extension of the Sailor Jerry brand, and like the tattoo artwork of its namesake, word of Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum has slowly spread around the world. In fact, it is now one of the best selling spiced rum brands in the world.

Here is an excerpt from the review:

“… As I sip on the Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum, I am again reminded quite firmly of Dr. Pepper soda. I taste a lot of caramel, black cherry and vanilla. The other spices are laid further back in the flavour profile, but I can taste cinnamon, and nutmeg, a few scattered cloves, and hints of allspice… “

Here is a link to the full review:

Review: Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum

You might also enjoy my new cocktail, the Metro Swizzle.

Cheers Everyone!

Posted in Cocktails & Recipes, Rum, Spiced Rum | Tagged: Rum, Rum Review, Sailor Jerry, Spiced Rum | Comments Off on Review: Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum

For Father’s Day – Great Rum on a Budget

Posted by Arctic Wolf on June 12, 2012

Yesterday I posted a great list of budget-priced Canadian Whiskies suitable for Father’s Day. Today, I am posting a similar list, for those who would prefer rum over whisky. Again, the list is qualified as being only those rums which can be found for under $30.00 in my locale, and those which I personally would love to receive as a Father’s Day Gift.

And so in no particular order, I give you my list of 12 great budget priced rums suitable for Father’s Day. Beside each rum is the approximate price here in Edmonton.
(You may click each selection to read my reviews of each particular rum if you wish.)