"There’s nought no doubt so much the spirit calms as rum and true religion" – Lord Byron
It may be interesting to learn that Rum, which is made through the distillation of molasses - itself the by-product of the sugar-making process is very much like wine in that its flavour profile and quality are directly related to its craft, tradition and terroir.
Depending on how the rum is distilled (pot still or column), if it is oak aged or carbon filtered, the length of aging, as well as the inherent qualities of the sugar cane used in the making of the rum, it can result in a rum of varying complexity, flavour and regional characteristics.
To experience how complex and flavourful this noble spirit is capable of being, the Antigua Distillery English Harbour Five Year Rum (LCBO# 58792 | $29.95 /btl), which will be released to Vintages on May 10th, is the perfect opportunity. Awarded the gold medal for two consecutive years at the prestigious San Francisco Spirits Competition, and voted one of “Top 10 Most Remarkable Rums” by Forbes Magazine, only confirms that the English Harbour Rum is one of the finest in the world.
Originally produced in Antigua by a conglomerate of estate owners dating back to the early 19th century, the Antigua Distillery was officially formed from this partnership back in 1934. Their rum is produced with a skilful combination of premium ingredients, traditional distillation in copper sills, modern technology, and fine, charred American oak casts.
Among its major accolades, Wine Enthusiast recently awarded the English Harbour Five Year Rum its highest score (96-100 points). “The bouquet sparkles with notes of bark, oak, brown sugar, bacon fat, sauteed banana and maple. The palate entry is creamy, toffee-like and silky; the mid palate offers flavours of pastry, chocolate fudge, nougat, chestnut and honey. Finishes harmoniously with the sweet flavour gracefully melded to the texture. A perfect oak-aged molasses rum.”
Its flavours are so remarkable you can drink it neat, with a little ice, with water, or with any of the world’s most popular mixers, especially coconut water or ginger ale.
For more information about the history of rum, reviews or rum recipes, you can visit The Ministry of Rum, a website dedicated to the understanding and appreciation of this noble spirit. You can also visit the Antigua Distillery Website, or click here for tasting note.