Down Island Spirits

 

Down Island Spirits was the result of numerous Caribbean trip, which resulted in a longing for those wonderfully crafted, high-quality spirits unavailable in the United States at the time.  Each Caribbean Island has a rum that is synonymous with its own Island. Each rum being as unique as a fingerprint, exemplifying the passion and dedication of the wonderful people responsible for the production of these exemplary Caribbean rums.

1. Barbados Rum 2002 (20 years-old), distilled using a 100% potstill, matured in American oak casks and bottled at 48.1% abv.
2. Barbados Rum 2011 (11 years-old), distilled using a column and pot still, matured in ex-bourbon casks and bottled at 59.8% abv.
3. Jamaica Rum HD 2012 (10 years-old), distilled using a copper pot still, matured in American oak cask and bottled at 60.0% abv.
4. Jamaica Rum WP 2012 (9 years-old), distilled using a copper pot still, matured in American oak cask and bottled at 64.3% abv.

All samples are natural colour.

I've often heard so-called whisky connoisseurs say that all rums taste and smell the same, being made from fermented molasses, which is then distilled ( but isn't that the same for whisky? Malted barley, water and yeast!)  These are anything but the same, differences which be attributed to the styles of distillation and maturation from their respective island.

If given the opportunity to try and do a side-by-side comparison, the different still types, cask types, and differing maturation times results in rum that are truly magical.  The colour alone will let you know that there's something different- and that's even before you start nosing.

There is no mistaking the fact that these are rums, with the molasses sweetness ever present.  The two Barbadian rums are luscious and rich with touches of spice and caramel; whereas , the two Jamaican rums are lighter and fruitier with ester-rich aromas.  

With the days getting longer and warmer they're a must for any cookout, and will be welcomed either neat or incorporated into your favorite cocktail.  I thoroughly enjoyed mine neat, taking the time to appreciate the subtle differences.  Allowing myself to be transported back to the wonderful time I spent on Barbados with my family, who can testify to me sampling one too many rums.  I do believe that if you close your eyes, you can almost imagine Captain Jack Black standing over you with cutlass in hand, demanding his bottle of rum back! 

In summary, Barbadian rums are know for their smoothness and complex flavors, while Jamaican rums are known for their richness, fruitiness, and pungency.  These two rums have different production methods, a flection of the distinct cultural and historical backgrounds of the two countries, exemplified with these magical drams.

I do believe these will be available in Massachusetts at some point, well worth exploring and seeking out if you're a rum lover or new to rums.  As I always say, there's n such thing as a bad drink, there just may be others you prefer!

Slàinte mhath!