Mad Monkey is back in the Rum Tribe house and this time with an EXCLUSIVE pure, single rum awarded 4 stars by the The Fat Rum Pirate! Welcome to the exceptional rum world of The Mad Monkey Ex-Pinot Muenier!
This remarkable rum owes its distinctive character to the careful maturation in an American oak Ex-Pinot Meunier barrel, from Uraidla Wines. The harmony with this exceptional wine barrel, with its infusion of volatile acids, is a stroke of genius that sets this release apart.
Fermented using wild yeasts [from muck and dunder] alongside commercial ale yeast, this rum is double copper pot-distilled and has no additives whatsoever – classifying it as a single pure rum!
Maturation was initially in an American Oak cask that was used to mature ex-Pinot Meunier at Uraida Wines. If you’re unsure (as I was) about Pinot Meunier – this is a variety of red grapes that is one of three used in the production of Champagne.
Bottled at 44%abv in individually hand-numbered bottled.
Mad Monkey is Adelaide’s first dedicated rum distillery, their passion is pure single rums and they also make a few other cane-spirit based drinks to help pay the bills. Not only do they make ‘em – but they mix-em up as well in their tiki themed cellar-door bar.
Cocktails are in the Mad Monkey’s DNA – and this translates not only into fantastic ‘flavoured products’ (like their sensational, award winning ‘Baked Apple’ and Saccharum) – but into their pure single rums as well. Not only do their pure single rums sip well neat, but they also lend themselves well to mixing.
Being big fans of natural, local yeasts – Mad Monkey aren’t shy about using open fermentation and incorporating muck and dunder into their fermentation. They are even currently experimenting with using bees to collect local yeasts which can be added to their wash. The use of such wild yeasts means a bigger, rounder tasting profile in the finished product – and the Ex-Muenier cask rum is no exception.
Our Tasting Notes:
Nose: On the nose, the volatile acids from the wine cask are really apparent, and this is some textbook stuff! First whiff is notes of paint-thinner and nail polish remover – but sweet, over-ripe fruit cuts through, along with mashed banana, almondine, marzipan and some creamy ‘Werther’s Originals’ notes too.
Palate: Wow – this hits big for 44% abv. There’s an initial wave of dry, toasted notes with a decent hit of pepper too. Those VA notes so powerful on the nose are very much subdued on the palate. Whilst there’s definitely pings of sweet fruity funk lurking there, this is a surprisingly dry rum overall. It’s most certainly not without complexity though – rich leathery notes abound along with a smoky tang and a definite salty umami note thrown in for good measure.
Finish: A lovely smoky finish is a bit of a surprise – I was not expecting that! Long and chewy, warming but not too hot or spicey.
I’m constantly amazed at the turns and twists a tasting can throw at you and this is a perfect example. This amazing rum gives you a definite ride from nosing onwards – constantly evolving notes and flavours, wild notes on the nose that don’t seem to manifest on the palate, sweet yet dry and crisp as well. The boys at Mad Monkey have really created a memorable rum with this one!
FROM MAD MONKEY
Introducing Mad Monkey Distillery’s 3rd Barrel Release – a rum that defies convention and sets the bar for exceptional craftsmanship. Embark on a sensory journey with each sip, as this beast of a rum unveils a complex and indulgent profile. Employing the Method of Double Pot Distillation ensures a meticulous process that extracts the purest essence of our carefully selected ingredients.
Aroma: Unleash the Smokey Praline nose that tantalizes your senses from the very first encounter. This initial nose sets the stage for an extraordinary experience, hinting at the depths of flavour that await.
Taste: Prepare for a symphony of flavours as you delve into a floral honey dram infused with tropical fruits. The palate evolves, diving into a rich tapestry of dark cocoa and treacle, creating a lusciously smooth and indulgent finish.
Yeast: Our Wild Muck & Ale Yeast adds a touch of untamed character to the mix, contributing to the rum’s unique and robust personality.
Maturation: South Australian Dry Aged for 2 years and 5 months, with Ex-Pinot Meunier barrels’ infusion of Volatile Acids, typically considered undesirable in the wine world, adds an unexpected and delightful twist to our rum. Far from being a hindrance, these acids have been harnessed to create an extraordinary sipping experience that defies expectations.
Indulge in the extraordinary with Mad Monkey Distillery’s 3rd Barrel Release – a testament to innovation, craftsmanship, and the artistry of creating a truly amazing rum. Limited in availability (only 305 bottles), this release invites you to savour the remarkable fusion of flavours that only Mad Monkey Distillery can deliver.
ABOUT MAD MONKEY
Way back in 2018, long before global pandemics and capacity restrictions were a thing, two monkeys were stumbling along their own crooked paths, dwelling on their dreams of bringing a slice of the Caribbean to little old South Australia.
Through sheer serendipity, the two monkeys’ paths crossed deep in the Barossa Valley, at an annual Australian Distiller’s Conference. After bonding over their shared ideals, and comparing their varied skill sets (and with the aid of some of Australia’s finest spirits) two Caribbean fever dreams began to manifest themselves as one…
7 years later, we present to you Mad Monkey – South Australia’s first dedicated rum distillery, nestled deep in the heart of Dudley Park. Using a mix of open fermentations, specialty yeasts and a little black magic, we aim to introduce our world to yours.
