The house drink on our sailboat is a traditional Dark ‘n Stormy made with Gosling’s Black Seal Rum and Barritt’s Ginger Beer. Knowing our affinity for this drink a friend returned from Bermuda with a gift of Gosling’s Family Reserve Old Rum. The numbered champagne-style bottle, dipped in black wax came in a wooden box with straw cradling the bottle. The presentation alone created great anticipation for the taste to come.
About
The Gosling’s family rum recipe dates back over 150 years. Old Rum begins with their Black Seal Rum recipe which uses a blend of pot still and continuous column stills. The rum is then placed in dark barrels for years to deepen the characteristics. Like the treasured family recipe the exact time in the barrels is a greatly guarded secret.
He Said
“The initial nose provides a wonderful vanilla bouquet but with each breath the complexity of the rum comes through. It makes me wonder what the taste will be. Is it going to be smooth, strong, biting? I immediately get spice when it hits the tongue. The complexity of the rum opens up as it goes down smoothly. Second taste I pick up on more flavors. Sweet, smokey, and biting at times yet still a very smooth finish. Another layer is exposed with each sip.”
She Said
“The initial nose reminds me of a smooth cognac. Deeper inhales tickle the nose with vanilla, orange, and cloves. There is a slight bite on the tongue that immediately fades as it takes over the mouth. The finish is smooth and warm, comforting my soul all the way down.”
Overall
Old Rum is a slow sipping experience to be enjoy during a sunset in a quiet anchorage. As the hues of the sunset change so too, will the complexity of Old Rum. The taste and finish take you to the slow pace of Bermuda and how rum is meant to be enjoyed.
Overall rating: 4.5
Sipping Rum Scale
1 – An expensive mixer
2 – A quick celebratory shot
3 – Wouldn’t be embarrassed to share with friends
4 – Are my friends worthy of a sip
5 – Special moments rum
About Clint and Terry: We have sampled many a dram over our 31 years of marriage and quite often we don’t fully agree. Could be the difference is male/female taste buds. Or, somebody is just wrong.
