Brix Select Cask Series Double IPA Finish – August 2023

AN EXCLUSIVE COLLABORATION WITH BRIX DISTILLERS! Brix Select Cask Series Double IPA Finish.

A proud collaboration with non-other than Sydney’s Urban Rum Distillery – Brix. A Double-IPA Cask finished, 58.5%ABV MONSTER of a rum EXCLUSIVE to the Rum Tribe (it’s even got our logo on it!).

The Brix Select Cask Series Double IPA Finish has been created from Bundaberg Molasses fermented with Champagne and Caribbean rum yeasts. Batch distilled in Brix’s hybrid copper pot still and then matured for more than 3 years in an Aussie Red Wine cask – then finished for a couple of months in a double IPA barrel.

All in all, three years and 11 months in the wood before being bottled at the cask strength of 58.5%ABV. If you’re wondering – a double IPA beer is a beer with an increased amount of hops and malt, this generally results in a bitter, but more caramel flavoured beer.

Brix Select Cask Series Double IPA Finish

Surprisingly, until Brix came along in 2018, Sydney did not have it’s ‘own’ rum distillery. Which is kind of astonishing as historically, Sydney and rum have gone hand-in-hand since 1788! A focus on quality and efficiency of production has allowed Brix to grow sales at 60% per year as well as set down ageing stock. This, in turn, has allowed them in 5 (short) years to not only have a core range of 3 high-end spirits (a dark rum, a spiced rum and white cane spirit) – but enough stock to plan, develop and offer special releases such as this Brix Select Cask Series Double IPA Finish.

Brix Select Cask Series are a series of single release small batch rums, created using locally grown ingredients, an Australian built copper still & unique oak barrels, previously used for local beer, wine & spirits. These rums have been selected specifically for their story, their flavour profile & their quality, allowing you to discover a new world of Australian Rum.

Brix Select Cask Series Double IPA Finish

Our Tasting Notes:

NB: Remember this is cask strength so I’ve put a few drops of water in mine!

Nose: Sweet, warm banana custard, cherries, sultanas

Palate: Begins oily and sweet with lovely malty notes but quickly changes tack and turns dry and crisp with equally delicious green apple, blackberry and sherbet notes

Finish: Dry and slightly astringent notes take this one out – espresso coffee, Dutch liquorice, dark chocolate and marmalade.

The Brix Select Cask Series Double IPA Finish is a complex yet easy to drink, sweet yet bitter, crisp and clean yet also oily at times yet all the while utterly delicious rum. I’m still pinching myself that there’s a Rum Tribe logo on this bottle. It’s big, yet gentle…it’s sweet, it’s dry, it’s rich and… did I say it’s BIG?

FOURSQUARE + HOLMES CAY = 11 YEAR OLD, SINGLE CASK, CASK STRENGTH GIANT OF A RUM!

  • PRICE : $159

  • ABV : 58.5%

  • BOTTLE: 700ml

  • REGION: Australia (NSW)

  • No Added Sugar / No Added Colour

Brix Select Cask Series Double IPA Finish

FROM BRIX

“With a mission to Reinvent Australian Rum & uncover new and varied rum styles, Brix has crafted this release, in collaboration with the team at The Rum Tribe, as a unique expression exclusively for their members. Brix Rums focus on flavour, using locally sourced ingredients, our Australian built copper still & unique barrels, each with a different story to tell.

The Brix Select Cask Series Double IPA Finish has been matured for over three years in a single Australian red wine cask with a further two month finish in an Australian Double IPA cask. For this single cask release, I wanted to reflect the quality, innovation & passion that Brix team brings to everything we do, to allow the drinker to discover a new style of Australian Rum. This has been one of my favourite releases to date and I hope the Rum Tribe members enjoy.”

Shane Casey – Head Distiller

Distiller’s Tasting Notes: Pine, Szechuan pepper, tarragon, green cardamom, orange, tangerine, apricot, crème caramel, burnt custard, vanilla, malt, croissants, honey baked ham.

ABOUT BRIX

‍Brix was born out of a love for rum. Over time this love turned into passion for discovery, experimentation, appreciation & adventure. We discovered that rum in Australia was not being reflected in the right light.

So we have set out for change.

Rum is fun. Rum is rebellious. But it should be loved and adored in respect for the effort and craft that goes into its production. The Brix vision is to share our passion and adventures with Australia and the world. 

In 2017, we set out to find a site where we could establish an urban distillery that showcased the best that Australia has to offer. We found our home on Bourke Street, Surry Hills & we love it.

We challenged ourselves to source the best quality Australian molasses, fresh organic sugar cane, an Australian made copper still, the best quality native spices and Australian wine barrels from some of the best wine making regions of the world.

Our goal: To combine these amazing ingredients to create a unique Aussie rum. A rum that can be enjoyed in the bars of Australia and in our own backyards. We now produce a variety of unique rums and are in the process of barrel ageing many more styles and varieties to be released in the years to come.

Khukri XXX and Spiced Rum – July 2023

Get ready rum lovers for not ONE but TWO rums from the top of the world! A dual serving of superb Nepalese rums made with molasses from Nepalese sugar cane and pure water from Himalayan snowmelt. Please welcome the Khukri XXX and Spiced rum!

Never heard of Nepalese rum? Well, Nepal has a proud rum-making history going back more than half a century. We are proud to introduce Khukri Rum for the very FIRST TIME to Australia (and of course the Tribe!)

Both of these are amazing rums are all about Nepal. Made from all–Nepalese ingredients and even matured in native wood casks. Infused with Nepalese traditional caramel and Nepalese spices! And of course made with pure Nepalese water from the Himalayas.

It may come as a surprise (it certainly did to me) that Nepal has a sugar industry of it’s own. It’s true! – the Terai Belt in southern Nepal is flooded annually with fresh and rich soil deposited each year. The resulting rich soils produces sugar cane for a tiny three months every year! The Nepal sugar crop is so small and treasured by the Nepalese that strict measures are followed so each kilogram of sugar and molasses is accounted for!

Caramel is added to both the Khukri XXX and Spiced Rum. On chatting with Khukri last year, this is the traditional way rum has always been made in Nepal and it isn’t stopping anytime soon. They make no bones about it either, nor do they hide it. As it says on their website –  it’s traditional Nepalese caramel made in traditional wood fired clay furnaces. The caramel is used not only for colouring – but adds viscosity and a “richer visual and sensory experience”. The Spiced Rum is infused with 10 local (but secret!) herbs and spices.

The water used in the production of the Khukri XXX and Spiced Rum deserves a special mention too. It’s water from pure Himalayan snowmelt. Possibly, the purest water on the planet. And to top the whole ‘Nepalese Origin’ thing off, Khukri mature their rum in casks made from Shorea Robusta – a tree native to the region.

Khukri XXX and Spiced Rum

The Rum Tribe has never been scared to launch rums from around the world into the Australian market. We’ve proudly bought Vietnamese, El Salvadorian, Thai and even South African rums to Australia for the Tribe because, well, you’ve gotta try them all, right? And in the same spirit, we are stoked bring a Nepalese rum to the Aussie market for the first time! And not just one – but TWO fabulous bottles of rum for a price that will make you smile.

Make sure to pull these out with company because we can pretty much guarantee your mates will have NEVER had a rum from Nepal before!

Khukri XXX and Spiced Rum
Khukri XXX and Spiced Rum

Our Tasting Notes Khukri XXX and Spiced Rum:

Khukri XXX Rum

Nose: Quite a distinctive nose – earthy, yet sweet with banana, caramel and vanilla

Palate: Really thick and almost sticky mouthfeel but there’s a big banoffee pie with meringue on top vibe. It’s a sweet rum, no doubt about it.

Finish: Goes out with a warm glow (the closest that this comes to spicey) and more of those caramel notes with dark chocolate, coffee beans and fading vanilla.

Khukri Spiced Rum

I found it quite challenging to really review this straight up as, frankly, I don’t recognise many of the notes I get on the nose or palate. There is certainly clove there, but there is also some savoury – almost curry powder like notes – amongst it. Beguiling like Bhuja Mix.

On doing some research I found a Nepalese website that recommends – “Khukri Spice Rum is best enjoyed with Cola and a squeeze of lime, topped with lots of crushed ice and fresh mint leaf, making it an ideal invigorating drink-a perfect Summer Chiller”. So of course, I ducked out and grabbed and bruised some mint and yes, I can confirm that is a pretty good – and easy – way to drink this distinctive, Spiced Rum.

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A barrel aged rum cocktail based on the multi Award-Winning Karu Outcask Rum! The Karu Distilling Barrel Aged Old Fashioned!

  • PRICE : $159 (for both)

  • ABV : 42.8% (XXX and Spiced)

  • BOTTLE: 700ml x 2

  • REGION: Nepal

  • Added Caramel

Khukri XXX and Spiced Rum

FROM KHUKRI

Whether it is our humble traditions or our renowned bravery in battles and wars, Khukri has become an integral part of the Nepalese legacy.

The Khukri Rums are a celebration of our rich Nepalese heritage. Each bottle is passionately crafted using the finest hand-selected sugarcane that’s harvested and refined into a delicious classic blend.

Khukri XXX Rum: Khukri XXX Rum carries the character of a bold beginning. A unique proprietary process garners a rich and intense taste to the blend. In every sip, you will experience the history of humble traditions, expert connoisseurship, and handcrafted flavours that speak to you of the ice-capped mountains that it comes from.

Khukri Spiced Rum: Flavours from authentic Nepalese spices are masterfully blended with distils of rich molasses and fresh spring water from the Himalayas. It is then aged in regions exclusive Shorea Robusta casks at high altitudes resulting in a tasteful concoction of assorted spices enriched with dry fruits that ends with a sweet, smooth and long finish.

ABOUT KHUKRI

Khukuri is a type of knife, typically with 12-15 inch long blades, originating from Nepal. It is associated with the Gurkhas of Nepal and is regarded as a national emblem that has earned respect from all over the world.

From heritage and craftsmanship, to beauty, creativity and an uncompromising commitment to excellence, Khukri draws from and is inspired by the decisions, stories and people who have shaped it. Until the late 1950’s, Nepal had only been making liquor at home.  It was in 1959 when Nepal started distilling its very own rum for the first time.

We come from the kind of place where there is freshness in the air. Here, questions are asked and new ideas are formulated. The beauty of the Himalayas goes beyond postcards and dramatic movies.

Countless artists, authors, philosophers and musicians have found in these valleys a place where their vision can be fully manifested.

Karu Distilling Outcask Rum Batch 3 – June 2023

Karu Distilling Outcask Rum is from a family-run distillery who’s products – rum, gin and vodka – have won world acclaim over the last few years (and they only kicked off in 2018!) and they have been members and supporters of the Rum Tribe pretty much since we started.

Ally and Nick Ayres have been members and supporters of our little ‘rum fam’ since we kicked off the Tribe and we are stoked to finally be able to offer Karu Distilling Outcask Rum Batch #3 of their Silver Medal winning Outcask Rum as our Rum of the Month (and we’re also going to take this opportunity to announce a fantastic project we’re working on with them)!

Now Karu Distillery has been absolutely slaying the spirits world in the couple of years with medal after medal for their vodka, gin and rum. The Karu Distilling Outcask Rum scored Silver in San Francisco and the World Spirits Awards this year, and Silver in the inaugural Australian Rum Awards last year.

Karu are proud producers of (amongst other spirits) pure single rum, and as such the Outcask Rum contains absolutely no added sugar or colour and is proudly non-chill filtered. Their molasses based spirit is matured in Whipper Snapper Bourbon casks (from WA) in their ‘Devils Wilderness’ distillery and bond-store. Located in the Blue Mountains west of Sydney, the maturation gets its share of stinking hot summer days and freezing cold alpine winter weather as well. Outcask Rum is made from a marriage of barrels around 3 years old and is bottled at 46%ABV.

Karu Distilling Outcask Rum

I guess there’s only one thing we here at Rum Tribe HQ like better than selling rum – and that is selling the rum of a family we’re proud to not only call friends, but members as well!

Now Outcask Rum is part of Karu’s ‘Core Range’ and each batch of Outcask is thus blended from different casks for consistency of product. However, Karu is not shy to do a little experimenting with interesting single cask maturation and finishing. And to this end we’d like to announce a very exciting collaboration with Karu that will come to fruition sometime early in 2024. This very special project will see a cask of Karu Rum finished for around twelve months in a… <drumroll please> … first fill ex-Grand Marnier cask!!.

This is one of the nicest and most delicious casks whose bunghole I’ve had the good fortune to stick my nose into!

Karu Distilling Outcask Rum

Karu Distilling Outcask Rum Tasting Notes:

Nose: Big fruit salad and caramel sauce notes with a little sweet licorice there too.

Palate: Bold and sweet, slightly overripe tropical fruit notes with more aniseed notes, beautiful vanilla and citrus-sy waves all wrapped up in a buttery, crème brûlée oodie.  

Finish: Finish for miles here – sultanas and fruit mince, some mixed peel and more caramel, coffee and dark chocolate with a lovely pinch of white pepper to tingle the tongue as it departs.

This rum is no shrinking violet – big bold and fruity all night long, and at 46%abv it’s got enough ‘oomph’ to really impress neat or over ice, and will standout in your favourite mixer too. As a lifetime boatie from Brissy, I can definitely recommend this rum in a ‘Moreton Bay Mud’ (rum, milk and ice – easy on the milk and ice!!)

Boutique-y is BACK! This absolutely fantastic 18-year-old, LIMITED RELEASE,  pure single rum is EXCLUSIVE to the Tribe!

  • PRICE : $119

  • ABV : 46%

  • BOTTLE: 700ml

  • REGION: Australia (NSW)

  • NO Added Sugar / NO Added Colour

Karu Distilling Outcask Rum

FROM KARU DISTILLING

Outcask is the first rum to enter our core range of products.

It follows simplistic traditional methods of production meaning it’s a pure molasses rum, fermented for two weeks, pot distilled and matured at our distillery in NSW.

Having been self-taught in rum production, I felt it was appropriate to start at the beginning and explore the traditional pot distillation method first. By doing this I found a lot of thick and chewy flavours such as vanilla and caramel whilst the aromatics carried more fruiter notes, together you got a big rum with a lot to offer.

The absolute main goal with this rum was something you can have fun with, what we didn’t want something that was limited to just having neat. Outcask Rum is great solo, however, it is scrumptious in cocktails like Pina Coladas, Jungle Birds and Rum Old Fashions. It was fun to make this rum and we want the consumption of it to be the same.

“Plenty of flavour with creamy vanilla and pineapple on the palate, a touch of coconut and freshness from orchard fruits and a swirl of golden sweetness”

ABOUT KARU DISTILLING

Launched in 2018 Karu Distillery by husband and wife team Nick and Ally, the focus has always been to create quality spirits that highlight the science and art of the distillation process.

Based in the Devils Wilderness NSW the range has grown to include Affinity a contemporary Australian gin, Lightning a navy strength gin, Morita a chipotle vodka and Outcask a golden rum. 

Karu is fast becoming one of Australia’s most awarded distilleries, in 2021 Lightning gin took out the Trophy for best contemporary gin at the International Wines & Spirits Competition.

Karu Rum Tribe RUMBLEDORE
Karu Distilling Outcask Rum

Holmes Cay Heritage Blend – Esotico Edition – May 2023

With a specialist mix of rums from Barbados, Venezuela and Martinique…we are proud to bring the Holmes Cay Heritage Blend Esotico Edition exclusively to the Tribe in 750ml of rum goodness!

The Holmes Cay Heritage Blend Esotico Edition is a collaboration between Holmes Cay and Daniele Pola (Head honcho of Miami’s famous Esotico Rum Bar). It is blended to be delightful in a daiquiri, make a mighty mojito, and be super straight up.  

The Heritage Blend Esotico Edition is a rum that pays homage to all the traditional rum styles and techniques in the Caribbean and thus is made of 3 components.

The first is a molasses based pot and column still blend from Barbados (known as the ‘English Style’). The second component is Venezuelan Ron – molasses based, and column distilled (known as the ‘Spanish Style’) And the third in this rummy trinity is a column distilled sugar cane juice Agricole rhum from Martinique representing the ‘French Style’.  On paper, what one would hope to get from such a blend is a rum with a bit of funk, but also some sweet, grassy, herbaceous notes (from the cane-juice based), with the clean crisp mouthfeel of a column distilled molasses rum. And on tasting it – that’s exactly what you get!

Holmes Cay Heritage Blend

Now, we here at the Rum Tribe are no strangers to independent bottlings of fine rums. For example, our good friend Justin Boseley and his Dead Reckoning brand have brought some amazing rums to us that otherwise wouldn’t have existed.  In the same way Justin picks and chooses rums from all over the world for his Dead Reckoning brand, so does Eric from Holmes Cay. And just as Justin believes in using NO additives in his rum, so does Eric and Holmes Cay. No colour, No sugar and non chill-filtered.  You can see why we love this rum!

Holmes Cay Heritage Blend

Holmes Cay Heritage Blend Tasting Notes:

Nose: Funky fruit salad with a side of floral frangipani(?) garnished with an herbaceous, grassy grassy note.

Palate: Super creamy banana custard at first, then it dries out and turns on a more candied rind quality.

Finish: More citrusy notes and a slight aniseed leaning at the back end of this short crisp finish.

This is a rum that has been designed to sip neat, slide nicely over ice or slap into your favourite cocktail or tiki drink with negative perspiration! It plays nice anyway you like it.  And you’re gonna like it, I promise. There’s just nothing not to like in this easy drinking rum/rhum/ron combo!

**STOP PRESS! Killik WIN Multiple Medals At World Rum Awards **

  • PRICE : $139

  • ABV : 43%

  • BOTTLE: 750ml

  • REGION: Barbados, Venezuela and Martinique

  • NO Added Sugar / NO Added Colour

Holmes Cay Heritage Blend

FROM HOLMES CAY

The limited edition Heritage Blend is Holmes Cay founder Eric Kaye’s tribute to the three rum traditions that arose in the Caribbean basin. The Esotico edition’s label design is a collaboration with Esotico’s Daniele Dalla Pola. The design is an homage to vintage travel posters, and to the thrill of travel – The novel, the beautiful and the delicious are always waiting to be discovered.

Bottled at 43% alcohol by volume, the Heritage Blend shows up gracefully in classic and tiki cocktails and is a great sipper on its own.

The components of the blend were chosen to celebrate the diversity and versatility of rum, incorporating the three styles of rum, rhum and ron.

Barbados Rum Molasses-based Pot / column still blend Venezuela Ron Molasses-based Column still Martinique Rhum Cane juice-based Column still

In the Heritage Blend, aged pot and column distillates from molasses and cane juice sources create the unique flavours. No sugar, no colour and no other flavours are added in the making of this rum. 

Tasting Notes:

Vanilla custard, dried fruit and citrus notes on the palate, with a finish of oak and baking spice.

ABOUT HOLMES CAY

Holmes Cay (pronounced ‘key’) Rum curates a continuously evolving collection of the best small-batch, limited-edition rums from all over the world. Single Cask selections are aged in cask, while Single Origin editions are younger single expressions or blends.

Founder Eric Kaye — a lover and collector of rum as well as a lifelong entrepreneur — started with a clear vision of the spirit’s wide open potential. His purpose for Holmes Cay is to give spirits lovers access to great rums that they can learn about, collect and savour.

In the US, the rum category is still largely defined by dated references, tropical themes, and limiting cocktail programs. The opportunity to lead authentic elevation of the category nevertheless exists. Rum is not only about pitchers of pina coladas or Tiki Tuesdays, because like any expertly made spirit, the right rum can be savoured and explored with great pleasure.

Holmes Cay was founded to help spirits lovers discover the exciting diversity of rum flavours by curating a wide variety of rum profiles. All are made with expertise and without short cuts. Holmes Cay is a modern take on an aged product — One that lets the authentic, unadulterated beauty of rum shine through. When you see Holmes Cay on the label, you know the liquid and its source have been carefully chosen to ensure that the flavours showcase the very best of their home distilleries. Each Holmes Cay product is an expression of craftsmanship and quality ingredients. Each needs no embellishment or additives.

Holmes Cay focuses on bringing special, limited-edition casks from respected and up-and-coming distilleries that are difficult or impossible to find in the United States with its Single Cask rum line. As with any high-quality aged spirit, these rums cannot be replicated once they’ve been depleted. With recent additions to the more accessible Single Origins and blends, Holmes Cay is about finding the best rums of any age in the world and sharing them for as long as they last.

ABOUT ERIC KAYE

Eric Kaye is the founder of Holmes Cay Rum, a premium brand that seeks and curates the finest rums from around the world and releases them without additives.

After exploring nearly every island in the Caribbean, and drinking exceptional rum along the way, Kaye realized the U.S. spirits market lacked access to those special, rare rums from around the globe. Recognizing that access to unadulterated rums was extremely limited in the United States, Kaye saw an opportunity to focus on hard-to-obtain aged expressions, presented with transparency, and launched Holmes Cay in 2019.

Dead Reckoning Nelson’s Dockyard – April 2023

Dead Reckoning is BACK! It’s time to ‘Hoist the Colours’ and ‘Pipe the Side’ to welcome none other than Lord Horatio Nelson himself to our monthly rum shenanigans.  With rum originally from the legendary Antigua Distillery and then lovingly finished in Australia for another 2 years in a first-fill Apera cask and then bottled at a superb 50% – So arm the cannons and make way for the Dead Reckoning Nelson’s Dockyard!

Dead Reckoning rum releases ALWAYS SELL OUT and this will be no different with only 355 BOTTLES of this collectors rum produced.

The Dead Reckoning Nelson’s Dockyard started its life in the Antigua Distillery located in English Harbour (home of the ‘English Harbour Rum’ brand), distilled from a fermented molasses wash. The column stills at Antigua Distillery are made from 100% copper (even the nuts and bolts!). The spirit these stills produce is ultra-pure – at 95%.

It was then aged for 2 years in Antigua in an ex-bourbon barrel before being sent to S.A. where it was lovingly transferred into a first fill South Australian Apera cask and then left for two more years to age in the dry Adelaide climate. During that time, whilst the volume in the cask shrank – the ABV actually increased by 11%!

Dead Reckoning Nelson’s Dockyard

Lord Horatio Nelson spent 1784-1787 as Captain of the HMS Boreas, assigned as Senior Captain (second in charge overall) at English Harbour, Antigua. His main mission was to enforce the ‘Navigation Act’ – preventing British Islands trading with the USA – which had won it’s independence only a year before in 1783.  He also oversaw the completion of the dockyard that was to bear his name.

I don’t think we really need to introduce the Dead Reckoning  brand to any but our newest members. But for those who don’t know – head honcho Justin is an ex- superyacht skipper who spent a significant portion of his life swanning about Caribbean rum bars of all sizes (and reputes!).  When he ‘grew up’ he did the only sensible thing for a man in his position and became a rum importer. But more importantly he started the ‘Dead Reckoning’ brand of independently bottled rums from around the world.  In a nutshell, Justin’s Dead Reckoning brings rums from around the world, and finishes them in a variety of casks sourced from [mainly] South Australian wineries, in the outskirts of Adelaide. This extremely dry climate has been proven to actually increase the ABV of Justin’s casks as the S.A. angels seem to prefer water when they take their share!

Dead Reckoning Nelson’s Dockyard

Dead Reckoning Nelson’s Dockyard Tasting Notes:

Nose: A sweet cocophany of chewy dried figs, juicy lunchbox sultanas, toffee apples, dried banana chips and  desiccated coconut.

Palate: Crisp, clean and dry on the pallet with granny smith apples and vanilla custard chased around by stewed fruits and ginger-y spices.  

Finish: Not a lot of length to the finish, but it’s a fun ride whilst its there!  – espresso coffee, dark chocolate and more sultanas with a mild white pepper salute right on the tail.

The Dead Reckoning Nelson’s Dockyard is quite a textbook mix of bourbon and sherry (ok, ok… Apera) cask characteristics – floral apple and vanilla notes from the bourbon and the dark stewed fruit and pepper from the Apera cask. The characteristic column still ‘crispness’ is also there to complete the lesson.

Get ready for the Best Pot Still Rum at the 2022 Australian Rum Awards. Let that sink in for a second. Best. Pot Still. Rum.

  • PRICE : $159

  • ABV : 50%

  • BOTTLE: 700ml

  • REGION: Antigua/Australia

  • NO Added Sugar / NO Added Colour

Dead Reckoning Nelson’s Dockyard

FROM DEAD RECKONING

Toffee, caramel, roasted coffee, chestnut & a hint of black pepper 

Whilst working in the mega yacht industry, I was fortunate to spend several months a year living in English harbour in Antigua. 

Nelson’s dockyard was the location of many a party with fellow crew members.  It is also place where Lord Horatio Nelson spent time.

This is where my love for this Rum developed as it was a daily staple for all yachting crew. 

In the past English Harbour rums did have slight adulteration, but I believe they have now changed their formula so no longer will you see sugar added to any of their rums. 

ABOUT DEAD RECKONING

Justin, has immersed himself in rum for the past 20 years; a journey starting as a deck scrubbing lad with a thirst for Rum and adventure culminated in him becoming a Chief Officer; driving billionaire’s mega yachts around the world. This life of salty seadog adventure took him to Rum’s heartland, the Caribbean islands for 6 months a year, every year.

When he wasn’t at the helm of a mega-yacht he could be found hanging off a bar or at a distillery sampling the best the Caribbean rum scene had to offer. Upon ending his days at sea there was only one thing he knew better that navigating around the world’s oceans- that was Rum. For 10 years Justin has scoured the globe discovering & importing the world’s best rums into Australia.

Dead Reckoning is Australia’s first independent rum bottler, and each release from his bond-store is an anticipated event that never fails to please!  The Rum Tribe is incredibly proud of our close association with Justin and the Dead Reckoning brand.

ABOUT ENGISH HARBOUR RUM

The company Antigua Distillery Limited (ADL) was formed in 1932 by 8 local businessmen and in 1933 they established their own distillery on Rat Island (named like that because of its shape) – the authorities didn’t want a distillery on the mainland due to potential smell and noise. Originally equipped with a multi-column Savalle still, it was replaced in 1991 with a 3-column still from John Dore & Co. made entirely out of copper – bolts included. The 3-column has been modified into a 5-column still making it shorter, apparently due to the danger of tropical storms in the area. 

While the ADL website does talk about their yeast and fermentation process that “adds a level of flavour to the liquid in the tank, and it also produces a number of compounds that contribute directly to the complex flavours and aromas of the final product” the wash is distilled to 95% ABV making it pretty much neutral in taste. Most of the flavours come from the maturation process. ADL ages their rum in charred 200 litres ex-Bourbon casks. 

Lord Byron Red Wine Super Cask – March 2023

After a COMPLETE SELL OUT Last Year, Lord Bryon is back! A SINGLE CASK bottling of Lord Byron Red Wine Super Cask specifically chosen by the Rum Tribe, pure single origin rum from one of the legends of Australian Rum.

Now, last years Lord Byron ‘Members Extra’ release was super limited and completely SOLD OUT and that rum went on to win DOUBLE GOLD at the Melbourne Rum Awards and a SILVER at the Australian Rum Awards.

This month, after months of planning, waiting and travelling to sample casks – we are proud to release another ‘Super Cask’ of Lord Byron Pure Single Rum – and this time an outturn big enough for the whole Tribe to get some.

The Lord Byron Rum Distillery operates close to the heart of Byron Bay and Brian and this crew operates with the ‘Byron’ mindset when it comes to their products. Pure, single rum … just as nature intended it.  And as Lord Byron Distillery’s mantra goes – ‘You Will Taste the Difference’. In fact, Lord Byron Distillery was the first Australian Rum distillery to release Pure Single Rum under the internationally recognised Gargano classification system. 

Lord Byron Red Wine Super Cask

Lord Byron’s pure, single cask rums are produced using local molasses (from the same local farmer cooperative-owned sugar mill that Winding Road Distillery buys its cane juice from) and spring water from the family dairy farm just outside Byron. The fermented ‘beer’ is then double copper-pot distilled and put away in oak to mature. Nothing is added – apart from some spring water to achieve the desired abv.  In this case – the rum has been matured in a ‘Super Cask’ from Andrew Young’s YN Oak Cooperage. The ‘Super Cask’ is a patented cask refurbishing process involving ex-shiraz casks from Seppeltsfield Winery in SA.

Not only are Lord Byron’s rums 100% natural but they also pride themselves on running the distillery as a sustainable enterprise. 100% renewable power, spring water, and the ‘waste’ products of the distillation are fed to the Restall family’s dairy cows as well as made into liquid fertiliser.  The distillery also boasts ‘zero-discharge’ in all its operations.  It’s like, totally eco-friendly, man!

Lord Byron Red Wine Super Cask

Lord Byron Red Wine Super Cask Tasting Notes:

Nose: massive dried fruit vibes strait away at the pour. After it’s left sit for a few minutes, a dusty, clove-ey funk becomes apparent. Very inviting – do I have a sip… or another sniff?

Palate: Thick and rich and oily in the mouth. Warming – but definitely not spicy. Big spiced stewed fruit – currents, figs, dates and prunes in overdrive… cloves, nutmeg and liquorice bullets.

Finish: The finish really lives up to the promise made y the initial nose. It’s just divine – big and chewy, waves of the sweet fruits and spices with sharp, dry coffee notes in between. Warm, lovely caramel and clove-ey notes still lingering minutes after.

THe Lord Byron Red Wine Super Cask is a sensational rum that really lives up to the promise made by it’s rich colour and thick leggy-in-the-glass viscosity. Big, fruity, round and rich across the nose, palate and finish – it really just keeps on giving and giving. I doubt you’re going to want to mix this one – but if you do, some good ginger beer and loads of ice makes it a killer Dark and Stormy on a bright and balmy summer arvo.

An EASTER RUMMY TREAT?

  • PRICE : $135

  • ABV : 55.5%

  • BOTTLE: 700ml

  • REGION: Australia (NSW)

  • NO Added Sugar / NO Added Colour

Lord Byron Red Wine Super Cask

FROM LORD BYRON

Lord Byron Distillery is one of a small, passionate group of artisan distillers from around the world dedicated to making real Rum. We help discerning customers enjoy spirits that are naturally hand crafted in our family owned 100% renewable, zero waste distillery in Byron Bay. We are the only distillery in Australia to have ingredients listed on our labels and confirm that all our drinks are free from artificial flavours or colours. We do things we love, with people we love in a place we feel is paradise.

We were the first Australian Rum distillery to release Pure Single Rum under the internationally recognised Gargano classification system. Our artisan distillers hand make our own ferment from local molasses and filtered spring water, prior to it being double batch distilled in pot stills. We mature our premium Rums in quality oak casks, not vats, in the same region where the cane is grown. All this takes time and costs more, but we believe this is the only way Rum should be made.

This Rum that was chosen by the Rum Tribe, has been matured in a refired red wine cask for three years. We bottled it at 52.5%, very close to cask strength. This is an exceptional sipping Rum that delivers beautiful caramel, chocolate, liquorice and raisin flavours perfectly complimenting the cleanliness of the double distilled spirit.
You will taste the difference. This is the Spirit of Byron

ABOUT LORD BYRON

The earliest record of the Restall family in Byron Shire dates back to 1897 when Jack Restall was the local butcher in Billinudgel. Although this fact wasn’t discovered by Brian and Helen Restall until recently, it explains why they have always had a deep sense of affinity with the area and to traditional trade and craftsmanship.

For several years, Brian was the CEO of Cape Byron Power, a local Northern Rivers’ 100% renewable electricity generator located adjacent to the local farmer owned sugar mills at Condong and Broadwater. It was within this role, Brian came to realise that almost all of the food-grade molasses, created by the local sugar mills, was used for cattle feed. Given the sub-tropical environment of the Northern Rivers region, Brian and Helen felt that there was clearly a higher and better use for a small part of this local molasses.  

Brian and Helen have travelled extensively and worked around the world. Brian loves dark spirits and Helen is passionate about light spirits. Together they strive to create a small-batch, handcrafted range of spirits that aims to deliver a superior tasting experience. They are members of the Australian Distilling Association and have been trained and mentored by Bill Lark’s team in Tasmania – Bill, being the first person in 153 years to get a micro-distilling license, and is affectionately known as the “Godfather” of the craft distilling market in Australia.

Cane Island Nicaragua 12 Year Old – February 2023

Following on from the HUGE hit that was the Cane Island Trinidad…we up the rum ante with a GOLD MEDAL winning, 12 year old single estate rum from Central America and the Tribe are the FIRST in Australia to get their hands on this tropical aged rum perfection – The Cane Island Nicaragua 12 Year Old!

This is a column still-produced, Singe Estate Rum that is 100% tropical aged – but with a twist…Although the distillery is listed as ‘Secret’ on the bottle, you can take it from us that the spirit is from Compañía Licorera de Nicaragua (CLN), located in the Nicaraguan capitol of Managua. If you’ve heard of that distillery before, it’s no wonder. They produce a little brand called ‘Flor de Cana‘ there as well – bet you have heard of that one! This rum won a Gold from Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition in June 2022.

Cane Island Nicaragua 12 year old

The molasses for the Cane Island Nicaragua 12 year old rum was sourced from sugar cane grown on CLN’s own plantations in the Chichigalpa. After a relatively short fermentation of 24-36 hours, the wash is distilled using a five-column still, where heavy rum is taken from the first column at 75% abv and light rum is taken from the fifth column at 95% abv. The CLN marques are normally blended together and proofed down to 70% abv before aging. It was then matured for 12 years in ex-bourbon barrels.

Although 100% tropically aged – it was not actually aged in Nicaragua. I’ll let the Cane Island peeps talk more about this in their own words below.

Cane Island Nicaragua 12 year old

Cane Island Nicaragua 12 year old Tasting Notes:

Nose: Lightly funky tropical fruit salad, unburnt tobacco, vanilla and biscuit spices plus a nice orange zest as well with vanilla paste there too.

Palate: More of those tropical fruits – banana, pawpaw and even some lychee there, the tobacco notes continue on the palate as well, plus a nice vanilla note to round it all off.

Finish: A lovely, sweet and satisfying finish with chocolate and coffee note alongside more of that delicious fruitiness and a jaffa choc-orange makes itself known as it fades.

The Cane Island Nicaragua 12 year old is a very easy (almost dangerously so) drinking rum that will disappear quickly on a table with friends. Big and rich with masses of fruit and chocolate notes, as well as a pleasant unburnt tobacco backbone. The touch of orange really lifts this one to something special. Complex and with lots to chat about in the flavour profile, sip this one neat – or at most a cube or two of ice.

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Once again it is a complete pleasure to be introducing a rum to the Tribe that was produced by one of you… our members…and our first Tassie rum!

  • PRICE : $135

  • ABV : 43%

  • BOTTLE: 700ml

  • REGION: Nicaragua

  • Added Sugar/ Added Colour

Cane Island Nicaragua 12 year old

FROM CANE ISLAND

In 2006 the Compañía Licorera de Nicaragua sold a big batch of freshly distilled bulk rum to a company in the Philippines, along with enough staves of ex-bourbon barrels to start the aging of the rum.


12 years later we bought the whole batch from the company in the Philippines through a rum broker. Compañía Licorera de Nicaragua has long since stopped selling bulk rum, as their own brands have grown, and it is now very difficult to find Nicaragua rum from independent bottlers. The rum’s 12-year-old history has spanned the globe, and just like all our Single Estates, the age statement refers entirely to tropical aging, albeit the tropical climate of the Philippines, not Nicaragua. Since release in 2018, our Nicaragua rum has received many awards, most recently a Gold from Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition in June 2022. 

Tasting Notes:

Dark amber in colour.  This rum has a very rich mouthfeel, which contains flavours of oak, tobacco and natural vanilla. It has a long and smooth aftertaste. This Nicaraguan rum delivers what you expect from a real and honest 12YO rum.

ABOUT CANE ISLAND

Cane Island Rum offers an authentic range of rums from selected Caribbean and Central American countries, all rums truly represent the style and tradition of the origins and distilleries. 

The rum selection of Cane Island Rum consists of Single Island Blends and Single Estate Rums. The Single Island Blends are blends of rum coming from different distilleries from one island. The Single Estate Rums are sourced from one single distillery.  

Cane Island Rum currently offers rum from a few of the most iconic rum countries: Barbados, Jamaica, Panama, Thailand, Trinidad, Australia, Guatemala, Venezuela, and Nicaragua. Each one of these countries has a long history in rum production, with their own styles and traditions. All rums reflect the true rum characteristics and identity of the island. 

Rum is one the most diverse and historic spirits in the world. There is no other distillate which is produced and aged in so many different countries around the globe. Each rum-producing country has its own history, uniqueness and special traditions when it comes to rum making. 

All rums in our portfolio have been tropically aged for several years in wooden casks. Tropical ageing is three times more intense than ageing in colder climates, because the heat of the Caribbean intensifies the interaction between the rum and the wood. 

This authentic ageing process results in beautiful, aged rums.

ABOUT Compañía Licorera de Nicaragua

Built in 1890, Compañía Licorera de Nicaragua is located in Managua, at the base of the San Cristóbal volcano (the tallest and most active volcano in Nicaragua).

The fertility of its surrounding lands, the enriched water, and the hot volcanic climate proved to be instrumental in forging the rum’s unique and smooth flavour. Owned by the same family for 5 generations, the estate has taken huge steps towards sustainability and fair practice in the last decades.


Locally produced sugar cane is used for the production of sugar, with the by-product of molasses used for rum, and bagasse used for heating the stills.

Cane Island Rum Trinidad 8 Year Old – January 2023

Let’s kick of 2023 by going back to the traditional home of exceptional rums…the Caribbean! An 8 year old, ex-bourbon barrel matured, column distilled rum, 100% matured in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago – The Cane Island Rum Trinidad 8 year old.

Cane Island has been buying, blending and bottling rums from around the world for around 10 years now and the Trinidad 8 year old is part of their ‘Single Estate Series’.  As it says on the label – this is 8yo minimum aged rum from a single estate in Trinidad, namely Trinidad Distillers Limited (TDL). If you haven’t heard of TDL – that’s ok, it’s much, much more commonly known as Angostura Distillery, which I bet you have heard of!

Cane Island Rum

Interestingly, the molasses used in the production of this rum is sourced from outside the country as the last sugar refinery in Trinidad and Tobago closed down in 2007. The Molasses now comes from Guyana, the Dominican Republic, and Fiji.  Fermented for between 48-56 hours using their own proprietary yeast strain.

The Cane Island Rum Trinidad 8yo is column-distilled in TDL’s five-column still with heavy spirit being tapped at around 80% ABV from the first column and a much lighter  spirit tapped from the fifth. Several medium-body spirits are taken from other points on the stills and used for blending. All of these spirits from differing points in the still are aged separately for 8 years in ex-bourbon (Jack Daniels & Four Roses) casks before blending and bottling. Cane Island are quite open about sugar and colour – they add around 10g/l of sugar and may use E150 (caramel) to colour their rums for consistency. We applaud their transparency!

Cane Island Rum

Our Tasting Notes:

Nose: Mashed banana, stone fruit , stewed apple and pastry – like bakery apple slice.

Palate: Lovely visocus mouthfeel – coats the whole palate instantly. Sweet tinned prunes with chocolate notes, salted caramel, liquorice, coffee and vanilla custard

Finish: Sweet and easy with a nice mild pepper to offset. The fruit and spice notes really last and that slight pepper walks with them the whole way.

The Cane Island Rum Trinidad 8yo is a truly easy going and most sippable rum.  Whilst sweetened – it’s not overly sweet, and the pepper really offsets that nicely.  A very approachable rum that won’t scare  a ‘newbie’ with new and unfamiliar notes, but with enough complexity and great balance to satisfy a season rum drinker.

To continue our theme of ‘Australian Rum Awards Winners’, we have one of only two rums to be awarded a Double Gold medal at the Australian Rum Awards. We’re really quite stoked to be able to offer the very last bottles of this Double Gold Award winning Brix Select Cask Series Tawny Finish to the Tribe.

  • PRICE : $125

  • ABV : 43%

  • BOTTLE: 700ml

  • REGION: Trinidad

  • Added Sugar/ Added Colour (See notes)

Cane Island Rum

FROM CANE ISLAND

With this range, we are trying to showcase rums from one single distillery in one country/island. The single-origin rums are meant to highlight the unique flavour profiles of these distilleries and show what the difference in techniques can do to the final product.

The Cane Island Single Estate series offers authentic, aged rums coming from one single distillery. This rum was distilled at Trinidad Distillers Limited in Trinidad. Every single drop of this fine Trinidadian Rum has spent at least eight years in the barrel at the distillery. A true age statement of tropical ageing in Trinidad.

The Trinidad 8yo Rum is fresh and fruity, rich and creamy in character notes of mango banana licorice cinnamon and allspice carried from nose to finish enjoy it straight on the rocks or in your favorite cocktail.

ABOUT CANE ISLAND

Cane Island Rum offers an authentic range of rums from selected Caribbean and Central American countries, all rums truly represent the style and tradition of the origins and distilleries. 

The rum selection of Cane Island Rum consists of Single Island Blends and Single Estate Rums. The Single Island Blends are blends of rum coming from different distilleries from one island. The Single Estate Rums are sourced from one single distillery.  

Cane Island Rum currently offers rum from a few of the most iconic rum countries: Barbados, Jamaica, Panama, Thailand, Trinidad, Australia, Guatemala, Venezuela, and Nicaragua. Each one of these countries has a long history in rum production, with their own styles and traditions. All rums reflect the true rum characteristics and identity of the island. 

Rum is one the most diverse and historic spirits in the world. There is no other distillate which is produced and aged in so many different countries around the globe. Each rum-producing country has its own history, uniqueness and special traditions when it comes to rum making. 

All rums in our portfolio have been tropically aged for several years in wooden casks. Tropical ageing is three times more intense than ageing in colder climates, because the heat of the Caribbean intensifies the interaction between the rum and the wood. 

This authentic ageing process results in beautiful, aged rums.

ABOUT ANGOSTURA RUM

ANGOSTURA® is one of the leading manufacturing companies in the Caribbean that produces a superb collection of rum brands such as Angostura® 1824, Angostura® 1919, Angostura® 1787, Angostura® 7-year- old rum, Angostura® 5-year-old rum, Angostura® Reserva, Angostura Single Barrel®, Angostura Tamboo, Angostura® White Oak and its innovative array of flavours – Sorrel, Coconut, Watermelon, Pink Grapefruit and Pineapple, Forres Park Puncheon, Black Label, and Royal Oak.  The Company also produces the leading bitters products in the world – ANGOSTURA® aromatic bitters, ANGOSTURA® orange Bitters, ANGOSTURA® cocoa bitters, Amaro di Angostura® and signature beverages – Angostura® Chill Lemon Lime and Bitters, Angostura® Chill Blood Orange and Bitters and Angostura® Chill Sorrel and Bitters.

Along with being a Royal Warrant holder to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for our ANGOSTURA® aromatic bitters, we have successfully marketed our iconic bitters globally and have a geographic reach into 170 markets. The recipe for Angostura® aromatic bitters has not been changed since the first bottle was introduced to the world in 1824.

Many of our brands have been bringing joy for generations in Trinidad and Tobago, our core rum market. Meanwhile, our premium rums have been causing a stir at countless international competitions over the past decade. In the last year alone, our rum range has been rewarded with over 25 prestigious accolades internationally. 

Dead Reckoning Mhoba – South Africa – December 2022

Our December Rum of the Month is Dead Reckoning Mhoba South Africa. CASK STRENGTH, LIMITED EDITION and EXCLUSIVE to the Tribe in Australia! This is the first Dead Reckoning release of a cane-juice based rum.

Wow, we can’t quite believe it’s December already! What a rummy year it’s been…Another year of sensational rums from all around the world, and from our own backyard. Tropical aged, European Aged, Dry aged, un-aged, and even demijohn aged! Port cask, sherry cask, wine cask, no cask! Historic brands, cult brands, new brands and even ‘one-offs’ from non-rum brands!’ Easy-listening, classical, hard rock, rap and some punk rums to boot! PHEW!

So… how do you finish a year like that? Well, with another exceptional rum, really! MORE DEAD RECKONING!! was a pretty clear sentiment from the feedback this year and so, who are we to argue?

Dead Reckoning indy bottlings need no introduction to the Rum Tribe. They have dazzled us with release after release from distilleries all over the world and the man behind it, Justin Boseley, has a knack for finding sensational spirit in far flung places, bringing it to Adelaide and matching it to the perfect cask where it’s aged further in a unique dry heat environment that actually increases the ABV of the spirit in the barrel over the years. Weird but true!

Now at 2 years, 5 months this is a fairly young rum by Dead Reckoning standards. It was initially expected to be around 18 months – 2 years in the finishing cask but Justin was surprised at just how ‘active’ the ex-bourbon cask has been with the rum. So active, in fact, that he elected to bottle it after just 5 months in the finishing cask. Its job was done!

Dead Reckoning Mhoba South Africa

The Dead Reckoning Mhoba South Africa spent it’s first two years in a South African red wine cask (from the Vrede em Lust estate in the Franschhoek wine valley) in the sub-tropical South African climate at the Mhoba distillery. 

Justin describes finding this cask in Mhoba’s bond-store as an explorer describes finding an undiscovered ice cavern or the like. An ‘A-HA!’ moment where he knew he’d found what he was looking for.  The culmination of a long journey.  All he needed now, was some time in Adelaide to add ‘his touch’ to it, which came in the form of an especially active ex-bourbon barrel. After only 5 months, it was exactly where Justin wanted it. A perfect amount of vanilla, custard and caramel from the high-char American oak added to the rich fruity decadence of the red wine aged Mhoba.

Dead Reckoning Mhoba South Africa

Dead Reckoning Mhoba South Africa Tasting Notes:

Nose: Tart fruit salad and raspberry jus at first with a rich sweet caramel sauce on the side.

Palate: Wonderfully mouth coating. More of those sensational fruit notes – but more stewed now, nice and sweet,  and the vanilla comes through in a crème brulee creaminess.

Finish: Delicious mixture of fruit, vanilla, citrus peel and salted caramel lead you onto the next pour… in just a sec, I’m still enjoying this one!!

The Dead Reckoning Mhoba South Africa a delicious rum that is perfectly weighted with the abv to give it real ‘oomph’ on the palate – but the alcohol is very well integrated at 56% ABV. A little pepper there – but the massive creamy fruitiness dominates and continues to do so as you chew that utterly satisfying finish!

Karu Outcask Rum

  • PRICE : $149

  • ABV : 56%

  • BOTTLE: 700ml

  • REGION: South Africa / Australia (South Australia)

  • NO Added Sugar/ NO Added Colour / Non-Chill Filtered

Dead Reckoning Mhoba South Africa

FROM DEAD RECKONING

Upon tasting Mhoba rum for the first time this was a revelation and also a rewriting of the Rum flavour profile rule book, it reminded me of the first time I tried a Jamaican Hampden. After tasting the Vellier Mhoba release I knew I had to get my hands on something of similar quality. 

I hand selected this individual single barrel release, chosen for its deep rich and unique flavour profile which was aged for 2 years in Africa in a ex Sth African red wine cask. To put my own signature on the Dead Reckoning Mhoba South Africa release, it underwent Australian dry ageing in Adelaide South Australia. 

Dead Reckoning Mhoba South Africa Tasting notes: It’s time in the red wine cask has given this rum layers of flavour profile, not only do you get crisp red apples and cranberry juice, A heavy level char bourbon cask introduced hints of vanilla caramel and custard tart. 

ABOUT DEAD RECKONING

Justin, has immersed himself in rum for the past 20 years; a journey starting as a deck scrubbing lad with a thirst for Rum and adventure culminated in him becoming a Chief Officer; driving billionaire’s mega yachts around the world. This life of salty seadog adventure took him to Rum’s heartland, the Caribbean islands for 6 months a year, every year.

When he wasn’t at the helm of a mega-yacht he could be found hanging off a bar or at a distillery sampling the best the Caribbean rum scene had to offer. Upon ending his days at sea there was only one thing he knew better that navigating around the world’s oceans- that was Rum. For 10 years Justin has scoured the globe discovering & importing the world’s best rums into Australia.

Dead Reckoning is Australia’s first independent rum bottler. We know there’s more in the works from Dead Reckoning and we can’t wait to try more and more of these fabulous independent bottling from a true rum legend.

ABOUT MHOBA

Nestled amongst the rolling hills of the Onderberg district of Mpumalanga and amidst our own sugarcane fields, you can find The MHOBA Rum Distillery: An artisan distillery where we make 10 different types of Pure Single Estate Sugarcane Rhum or Pure Single Sugarcane Rhum.

Unlike most traditional rum, which is made from molasses which is the by-product of refined sugar production, MHOBA rum is made from pure sugarcane juice. Our rum is 100% pot distilled from fermented sugarcane juice and contains no additives, colourings or flavour modifiers and is therefore termed Pure Single Rum; The rum equivalent of Single Malt Whiskey.

What makes MHOBA rhum even more unique is that the whole rum making process occurs on our sugar estate. From planting our own organic sugarcane right through to hand filling and labelling our bottles after distilling in our self-designed and self-built stills, MHOBA Rhum is 100% rum that is made by us.

MHOBA RUM. FROM FARM TO BOTTLE AND PROUDLY SOUTH AFRICAN!

The Grove Christmas Rum Cask – November 2022

This is LIQUID CHRISTMAS CAKE! Welcome to the Australian launch of The Grove Christmas RUM Cask with Christmas spices and flavours by the bucket load. But wait up! This is NOT A SPICED RUM…this is a PURE SINGLE RUM and every single flavour comes from the amazing combination of WOOD interacting with finely crafted spirit and absolutely no additives! THIS BLEW OUR MIND!

The Christmas Rum Cask is a 5-year-old, pure single rum from Western Australia’s beautiful Margaret River region. Distilled in 2017 from a fermented molasses/brown sugar mash in a copper pot/column hybrid still. Primarily aged for 4 whole years in a single ex-Cabernet cask, then split into two 100 litre ex-Tokay (a sweet, white wine – originally from the Tokaj region of Hungary) barrels for a years’ worth of finishing.

The result is easily the most classically ‘Christmassy’ rum I have ever tasted.  As a ‘concept’ rum – it hits the nail right on the head. This is an elegant and sumptuous ode to plum pud, Christmas cake and fruit mince pies that will have you salivating at the first smell. What’s even more amazing is that this is a pure, single rum. There are no infused spices or fruits, no added sugar and no caramel. This is all the work of the spirit plus choice of wood to age and finish it. This rum absolutely showcases the talent in distilling, and maturing rum that The Grove Distillery team possesses, it seems, in spades!

Grove Christmas Rum Cask

We hate to be the first to say it – but ‘it’ is just around the corner now so we are doing everything we can to make sure you’ll be stocked up right with everything rum-wise you need to see out the silly season, and even keep a smile on your dial the whole time.

The Grove is the regions first craft distillery. We featured another seasonal rum of theirs back in April for Easter (Hot Cross Rum – a spiced rum) which was an instant sell-out and prompted a wave of extremely glowing correspondence with many of those who opted into that Members Extra Rum. For November, we are stoked to offer one of their pure rums– The Grove Christmas Rum Cask – as our ‘Rum of the Month’.

Grove Christmas Rum Cask

The Grove Christmas Rum Cask Tasting Notes:

Nose: Wow – the nose is exactly like sticking my face into the towel that wrapped my  mums rum-soaked Christmas cake whilst it matured (as a kid – I swear I don’t stick my face into mum’s cakes anymore!). It’s uncanny!

Palate: A succulent and viscous mouthfeel gives way to a huge fruit mince and Christmas cake hit. It’s all there – the nutmeg, the all spice, the cloves and, of course, those sweet and sticky stewed fruits and mixed peel. There’s even a distinct (and utterly delicious) egg-nog note to round off the rich fruit!

Finish: No surprises here – waves of Christmas num nums roll around the mouth in a blissful yuletide spin cycle.

Man this is a rum that really hits the mark in what it was aiming to be – this is Christmas in a glass.  I must admit to being slightly sceptical of the 40%ABV– but I admit my scepticism was unfounded. This is defiantly not lacking in the big flavour stakes.  The Grove Christmas Rum Cask is a rich, round and sumptuous rum that delivers exactly what it’s label promises. Ho Ho Ho!

  • PRICE : $135

  • ABV : 40%

  • BOTTLE: 700ml

  • REGION: Australia (Western Australia)

  • NO Added Sugar/ NO Added Colour / Non-Chill Filtered

Grove Christmas Rum Cask

FROM THE GROVE

The Grove’s Premiere Rum Christmas Cask is a 5 year-aged double cask special release.

In 2017 we made our rum mashes from heavy grade A molasses, dark brown sugar, rainwater and yeast and fermented 7 to 10 days in 500 and 1000 litre fermentation tanks to 9% ABV.

The mash was distilled through 5 runs in our 350 litre copper, Arnold Holstein, pot/column combination still to 68% ABV then cut back to 58% ABV with distilled water.

We sourced a fresh 225 litre, French oak ex Cabernet wine cask from a neighbouring vineyard and filled it with the rum, leaving it to age in our barrel stores for over four years. 

We then dumped the barrel in September 2021 and filled two of The Groves own 100L ex-Bourbon, ex-Tokay barrels and let this age for a further 11 months in the top of our barrel store, allowing it to soak up the rich sweetness of the 10-year-old Tokay. 

The Team dumped the barrels in late September 2022 and James slowly cut the rum back to 40% ABV with distilled water after which it was non-chill filtered and bottled ready for a very special Christmas release.

The char of the ex-bourbon barrel imparts some smokiness on the rum and the sweetness of the tokay gives it its distinct Christmas flavours.

Nose:  Christmas cake, slight oak with sweet molasses shining through

Palate: Sultanas, caramel, vanilla and light spice

Finish: warming with a soft and sweet lingering finish

ABOUT THE GROVE

Established as a boutique winery in 1995 and evolving in to liqueur and spirit production in the mid-2000’s, The Grove Distillery was the first craft-distillery in Wilyabrup, Margaret River. From the beginning, Founder Steve Hughes and Head Distiller James Reed had a focus on dark spirits, and after nearly a decade of distilling and barrel-ageing rums, whisky’s and bourbons, this distillery is creating some one-of-a-kind pieces of Australian craft-spirit history. 

Head Distiller James lived in the Caribbean in his sprightly youth and it’s here that he saw the locals in Saint John on the Virgin Islands making their rum in ex Jack Daniels barrels sourced from the US. He knew that to make a delicious dark rum he would need to do the same.

Luckily, James also makes some of the best Kentucky-style corn mash whiskey (bourbon) you can get. It’s the barrels that have aged our bourbon that we then use to age our Rum – giving it it’s distinct flavour.

We hand-bottle everything before it’s sent out, winning awards both locally and nationally for what we do here. This is the spirit of the Grove, its bravery, it’s not being satisfied with normal, it’s making bloody good spirits while having a good time