Setting Sail Cocktails: Blackbeard Spiced Rum Review

I’ll be honest, I’m not the biggest fan of spiced rum. They tend to offer stronger notes of vanilla than my palate prefers. The irony of that statement however is in the past two months I’ve probably tasted more spiced rum than any other category of spirits (Seven Tiki, Black Heart, Captain Morgan Private Stock, Kraken, Sailor Jerry’s). But after having tasted such a large selection, and weeding out the good from the bad from the terrible I can honestly say I am beginning to acquire a taste for the “good” ones. Insert Black Beard Spiced rum, a recently released in the United States rum brought to us by Destilería Serrallés. For those unfamiliar with them (shame on you !), they are the makers of Peurto Rico’s number one selling rum, Don Q.  Now you’re listening right? Given Don Q’s credibility how can you NOT want to try Black Beard. Oh and don’t worry, Black Beard comes equipped with all the necessary stereotypes that come pretty standard in todays spiced rum marketing strategery (yes I said strategery !). Named after a famous pirate? Check. Interesting back story? Check.  Impressive nautical themed artwork on the bottle? Check. Here’s a bit of information on Black Beard to catch you up to speed:

Named after the legendary King of Pirates – BlackBeard – the tantalizing recipe for the 86 proof premium aged spiced rum combines the finest Caribbean spices, including vanilla, nutmeg and cinnamon with a secret blend of exotic tropical fruits to create a uniquely bold yet balanced flavor. The infamous BlackBeard carries a legacy of darkness and elusiveness that was romanticized well beyond his death. Renowned for his thick, black beard and fearsome appearance this iconic character will drive the personality and brand imagery of the new product.

Tasting Notes: Deep rich vanilla and caramel aromas hit you immediately upon opening the bottle. Get yourself prepared to walk the plank for the first sip. It’s very aggressive and offers an amazing burn. But after that it’s smooth sailing as the taste begin to mellow in your mouth. The spices blend together great with its initial base of peurto rican rum that the Destilería Serrallés have perfected for you. Like any product I initially sipped this but couldn’t wait to try it in a few different cocktails. It’s aggressive approach makes for an excellent base to many different types of cocktails; Perfect for tiki drinks, great for seasonal holiday cocktails as well. Blackbeard is reasonably priced at right around $15 so go ahead and give it a try. Below are a few cocktail suggestions that I would recommend that I often like to make with spiced rums. For more recipe ideas you can visit www.blackbeardrum.com which is currently under construction but should be up and running soon.

Spicy Morning:
1 oz Blackbeard Spiced Rum
2 oz Baileys Irish Cream
1/2 oz Kahlua Coffee Liqueur

Combine all ingredients in a glass and stir.

Blackbeard’s Grog Nog:

1 1/2 oz Blackbeard Spiced Rum
3 1/2 oz Eggnog
Pinch of Nutmeg

Black & Stormy:
2 oz. BlackBeard Spiced Rum
3/4 oz. lime juice
1⁄2 oz. ginger juice
1⁄2 oz. simple syrup*
Ginger beer

In a cocktail shaker, combine the first 4 ingredients, fill with ice and shake vigorously until well chilled. Strain into anice filled highball glass and fill to top with ginger beer. Garnish with a lime wedge and candied ginger.

BLACKBEARD Spiced Rum sample for review was provided courtesy of representatives of Destilería Serrallés.

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