Celebrate National Rum Day 2020 With These 5 Robust Rums
PUBLISHED August 13th, 2020 10:11 am | UPDATED August 22nd, 2020 12:29 pm
National Day might be over, but there’s still cause to celebrate! With National Rum Day is fast approaching this weekend on 16 August, we’ve tried and tested variations of this spirit available in Singapore and rounded up five of our favourites. Fermented then distilled from sugarcane juice or molasses, rum might have gained a reputation as a pirate’s beverage, but a well-made rum embodies just as much flavour and sophistication as wine or gin.
BACARDÍ Gran Reserva Diez
The name BACARDÍ is practically synonymous with rum, and their latest Gran Reserva Diez (S$107) proves just why. As the name suggests, this rum has been barrel-aged for at least 10 years – the blend is a mix of liquids aged 10 to 12 years – giving it a complex flavour with a smooth finish. Its undertone of caramelised, slightly bitter vanilla is complemented beautifully by notes of tropical fruit like banana and pear, making this a luxurious sipping experience from start to finish. Best enjoyed neat and goes down easy too, at 40% ABV.
Shop Gran Reserva Diez at Wines N Spirits.
Six Saints Oloroso
Named after the six parishes of the island of Grenada in the West Indies – the capital is Saint George – Six Saints Rum has been handcrafting rum since 1937 and bottles all their expressions for sipping at 41.7% ABV. Their core product is aged three to five years in ex-bourbon barrels, but we’d fork out extra for the Six Saints Oloroso (S$120) that sends an additional six months in an Oloroso sherry cask. The nose of caramel of this limited edition single barrel release gives way to notes of toasted almond and stewed tropical fruit on the palate, plus a touch of spice on the finish.
Shop Six Saints Oloroso at Distilled.
Plantation XO 20th Anniversary
Plantation rum made waves in the spirits business earlier this year, when it announced a two-year rebranding exercise due to the link of its name to slavery – even though Founder Alexandre Gabriel originally named the brand due to its literal meaning, a large farm.
Whatever it’s called, Plantation has been making some tasty liquids since its inception and the Plantation XO 20th Anniversary Rum (S$125, 40% ABV) is no exception. The double ageing process – starting in Barbados and finished in southwest France – is employed here, imparting a deep, complex flavour. Expect to taste notes of chocolate, vanilla, and roasted coconut, as well as a fruity touch of ripe banana and fresh mango.
Shop Plantation XO 20th Anniversary at EC Proof.
Neisson Agricole Blanc
Hailing from the French Caribbean, Neisson Blanc (S$135) belongs to the lesser-known category of the Agricole rhum, which is produced with sugarcane juice instead of molasses. Made in sunny northern Martinique where the volcanic soil and climate greatly influences aroma and flavours, this rum is marked by an intense floral bouquet complemented by citrus notes. Full bodied and intense at 50% ABV, the supple sweetness of honey and coconut in the liquid is best enjoyed in a traditional Ti Punch.
Shop Neisson Agricole Blanc at Whisky.sg.
Rum & Cane Central America XO
Just as how different regions in Scotland results in Scotch whiskies of different profiles, the folks at Rum & Cane Merchants have applied the same theory in bottling their rums. Amongst their five regions including Asia Pacific and Spanish Caribbean, our favourite of the lot is the Central America XO (S$96) – a blend from two of the most prolific producers of world class rum, Guatemala and Nicaragua. While still embodying the caramel flavour found in many rums and a well-rounded texture, this blend has some candied and citrusy notes too, making it a great base for a classic cocktail like the Daiquiri.
Shop Central America XO Rum at Distilled.
