The Kraken Black Spiced Rum

"This spirit looks and pours like a rich cup of coffee with a deep brown, opaque hue surrounded by a light mahogany meniscus. Several swirls of this spirit in the glass reveal a hint of real coffee particulate that gather in the slow running amber kissed legs. Freshly ground and brewed Arabica and Robusto beans with the sweet smell of molasses, rich dark chocolate and undertones kissed with a touch of Lilikoi. This intensely rich, coffee-flavored rum is slightly lower in ABV, which facilitates the amazingly complex flavors achieved. The initial sip is a highly robust espresso coffee balanced with white cane sugar. The spirit initially presents itself as a well-crafted espresso cocktail. Then, it’s back to a dry finish of light vanilla, hints of chocolate and a wonderful coffee flavor that can only be achieved by a great barista. Second and third sips of this elixir present hints of tropical fruit, hazelnut and stone fruits in the finish. This is a remarkable spirit." —producer

"Kōloa Kauaʻi Coconut Rum presents itself as a white rum with a hint of Chantilly green opalescence, even and thick viscosity and well-defined, sparkling white legs. Intense coconut aromatics with light hints of roasted coconut and piña colada undertones. The initial taste is quizzically dry, probably from the pleasant 80 proof that Kōloa has kept the rum at, which then leads to the wonderful flavor of baby coconut flesh at the front of the palate. The spirit finishes with light toasted coconut, hints of fresh lime zest and the slightest bit of caramelized pineapple." —producer

"Intense chocolate color, with rich deep undertones, resembling fudge. Delicate floral notes with a balanced nutty, but not overpowering enjoyable cocoa aroma. The Cacao chocolate-flavored rum is creamy with mocha notes and even with an 80-proof ABV—which is part of what makes this rum so unique—it has a buttery smooth taste, highlighted by subtle notions of spice. The journey comes full circle with the accent of balanced cacao nibs and a pleasant strong coffee finish." —producer

"The aroma presents subtle notes of dried fruits and sweet, toasted breads, along with a base toffee, fresh honey and caramelized sugar. You can also appreciate a faint hint of almonds and vanilla. This rum is as pleasantly complex as the nose would suggest, offering a rich evolution on on the mouth–from fresh, sweet sensations to dried fruits. Finishing off each decadent sip, you’ll find endnotes that range from a distinct caramel, to sherry, to a well-balanced blend of almond and vanilla." —producer

"After blending hand-selected aged rums from throughout the Caribbean, Central, North and South America in Bourbon barrels, Port Wine casks and Sherry casks, this blend is further aged in Spanish Oloroso Sherry casks for an extended period of time, thus creating a flavor profile unlike anything Hemingway Rum Company has produced before. The result is a slight sweetness and uniquely spicy finish with a smoothness and complexity second to none." —producer

"Appleton Estate Rare Casks 12-Year-Old is a true expression of our Master Blender’s craft and passion. The rare, golden rums that make up Rare Blend are hand-selected, and have all been aged for a minimum of 12 years. The long years of tropical ageing give it its rich mahogany hue, confident woody character, and smooth robust taste – all of which make a bold statement of extraordinary quality." —producer

"Wonderfully intricate with honeyed butterscotch, spiced oak and raisined fruit, showcasing the complexity of the sistema solera ageing process." —producer

"The latest from Master Blender Allen Smith, Black Barrel is a small-batch, handcrafted blend made of matured double-pot distillates and aged column distillates. In a process called finishing, the blended rum is then matured for a second time in deeply charred Bourbon oak barrels. This unique process releases spicy aromas that are at once balanced and bold. On the nose, complex notes of spice, toasted wood, followed by fruit. Bold spice on the palate balanced with oaky vanilla and sweet caramel. Warm medium body with long finish." —producer

"Honeyed single estate rum from Venezuela with elements of bitter chocolate, nuts and buttery biscuits. It is made, unusually for a rum, through the solera process: casks of different aged rums are stacked vertically, the oldest (aged around 35 years) at the bottom, and as the distiller draws rum from one cask they top it up with younger liquid from the blend. Santa Teresa 1796 was awarded Best in Category (Aged Rums 15+) at the International Cane Spirits Festival 2007 and is best enjoyed over ice or mixed with mineral water." —producer

"Following a slow aging in whisky and bourbon barrels, Flor de Cana Centenario 12 Year Old Rum is a smooth, flavorful rum with abundant brown sugar, butter, vanilla, caramel, baked apple, dried fruit, and roasted nut notes. Enjoy this well-crafted spirit in a snifter to unleash its full complexity." —producer