Monday, March 3, 2008

Renegade Rums



What's this, rum?  Some may think that spirits don't belong in the same class as wine appreciation, but they would be sorely mistaken.  Of course, there are exceptions.  We don't go around quaffing Popov vodka and sipping on Jim Beam like we would a fine scotch or a high end gin.  The same goes for rum.  While many people may find satisfaction in taking swigs out of Bacardi bottles, there are many distilleries producing some aged rums that can compete with the worlds finest single malt scotches.  One such example is the Renegade Rum Company.  The company has hand-picked rums from single-vintages (a first in the rum industry), and brought them to Scotland, where they are bottled at the Bruichladdich (pronounced brook-ladee) Distillery in Islay (eye-la).

The truly unique thing about Renegade is the additional "evolution" the rums undergo in any number of specially selected used wood casks.  There is one finished in port wood, one in madeira, even one in Chateau Y'quem casks.  For those who don't know, the latter is perhaps the most well-known producer of Sauternes in the world.  In addition to the enhanced aging process, these rums are, as previously mentioned, single-vintage.  Instead of blending cuvees from different times to achieve a uniform flavor, these rums showboat like wines, boasting precise years and locations for their births.

I recently had the opportunity to try four of Renegade's current offerings, all of which were enjoyable to say the least.  However, the one that stood out the most (and which I will most certainly buy if I can ever get my hands on it) is the Hampden, Jamaica 1992 rum finished in used Chateau Latour casks.  With a grand cru Bordeaux as its previous occupant, these casks were sure to impart something special to the rum.  And indeed they did.

What one first notices is the unusual copper rose-like color of the spirit.  To the nose, it is nothing but rich butterscotch with some floral and funky notes, undoubtedly attributed to the Latour casks.  I was brought back instantly to memories of butter rum LifeSavers.  On the palate, it is once again pure butterscotch.  There are also some mild wine-like fruity undertones, but really this is liquid candy.

Tasting Summary:

Color- copper rose

Bouquet- butterscotch, floral notes

Palate- butterscotch, fruitcake

I would be lying if I said this didn't blow me away.  The second time I tried this rum, I just stood there sniffing it.  The nose is so intoxicating it's hard to put down, which might prove dangerous to some.  Going down, this is smoother than any other spirit I've ever tried.  The alcohol is so well-integrated that you barely notice its presence until you've plowed through your second or third pour and try to stand up without smiling.  A terrific alternative to a dessert wine or scotch.  In fact, this is dessert!  Keep around at all times.  97/100

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