Rum-of-the-Month | February 2025
~ Next Rum-of-the-Month announced soon… ~
PREVIOUS RUMS OFFERED TO OUR MEMBERS
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Rum-of-the-Month | January 2025
~ CARGO CULT Navy Strength Rum ~
To kick off the New Year in 2025 with a bang, we are super excited to announce our Rum-of-the-Month for January 2025 and a new release in Australia — the highly anticipated CARGO CULT Navy Strength Rum from the tropical South Pacific.
The name Cargo Cult derives from a belief prevalent in the South Pacific islands, which originated when American troops landed there during World War II. Bringing with them a seemingly inexhaustible supply of goods the islanders had never seen before chocolate, medicine, chewing gum, jeeps and cigarettes to name but a few.
In the eyes of the people living on the islands, who had never had much contact with the outside world, this event took on an aura of a miracle. So when the troops left, there was a desire among the islanders to see another cargo ship loaded with goods return. The wish was expressed in a series of prayers to various deities for the magical cargo ship to return. According to legend, this cult is still active on some of the more remote islands.
Not your typical Caribbean or Central America origin story, CARGO CULT rum (including their spiced rum releases) is distilled and aged at two remote South Pacific distilleries – one in Papua New Guinea and another on the island of Fiji. Both distilleries have significant daily temperature variance, rapidly accelerating barrel aging.
Bottled at 54.5% ABV, Cargo Cult Navy Strength Rum is a 100% Pot Still rum aged at origin for 3 years in in ex-bourbon barrels in the tropical climate of the South pacific.
- CLASSIFICATION: Single Rum (100% Pot Still rum from a single distillery)
- PRODUCER: Cargo Cult (The Small Batch Spirits Company)
- ORIGIN: South Pacific Distillery (Fiji)
- SUBSTRATE: Molasses
- AGE: 3 Years (100% Tropical Aging at origin)
- CASK: ex-Bourbon barrels
- ABV: 54.5% | 700ml
- MEMBERS ONLY SPECIAL: Join Now to be notified of our special member’s only price and how to purchase.
Website: cargocultrum.com.au
Rum-of-the-Month | December 2024
~ Clairin Vaval Ansyen 4 Year Caroni Cask (Haiti) ~
We are very excited to announce an Australian Exclusive Single Cask release and our Rum-of-the-Month | December 2024 — Clairin Vaval Ansyen 4 Year Caroni Cask, from the Caribbean island of Haiti.
In 2015, the Velier affiliated The Spirit of Haiti built a small warehouse in Port-au-Prince to age Clairin Traditionnel rum in casks with high integrity from producers such as Caroni (Trinidad Distillers Limited), Hampden Estate, Worthy Park, Bielle, Lustau, Buffalo Trace among others.
A selection of Clairins from Vaval, Sajous, Casimir and Le Rocher were chosen to age in these barrels, further developing their already impressive aromatic profiles. They represent a new chapter in the history of Clairin as they are among the first expressions to be aged in some of the most legendary barrels in the world.
Selected professionals are invited to taste these barrels in order to choose their favourite one for a limited edition bottling of single cask, known as Clairin Ansyen. This exclusive Single Cask Release aged in an ex-Caroni cask was chosen by the team at East Coast Liquor, importers of Velier rum in Australia.
Unveil the unparalleled allure of Clairin Vaval Ansyen 4 Year Caroni cask. Aged to perfection for 4 years & 1 month in a prestigious ex-Caroni cask, this exquisite rum exudes rich oak, caramel, and subtle smoky notes. Elevate your senses and indulge in a symphony of flavours that redefine sophistication.
Clairin Vaval is produced in the coastal village of Cavaillon in the south of Haiti. Here, Fritz Vaval runs the Distillerie Arawaks, which has been owned by his family since 1947. Fritz owns 20 hectares of land planted with the Madame Meuze cane variety, cultivated absolutely naturally. Clairin Vaval is produced from pure sugar cane juice fermented spontaneously with wild yeasts and distilled in a decidedly “homemade” still powered by the steam engine of an old locomotive. Clairin Vaval tastes of its region, with aromatics of salty sea air, beach sand, and rich botanicals.
Founded in 2012, The Spirit of Haiti works to celebrate the work of grower-producer guildives that produce Clairin Traditionnel – and offers a route to market on a global scale. “Clairin Traditionnel” designates the use of heritage, pre-hybrid varieties of sugar cane, chemical-free agriculture, spontaneous fermentation with wild yeast, batch still distillation, still strength and traditional production methods. The Spirit of Haiti producer-partners are both the farmers and the distillers – creating truly hand crafted, artisanal local spirits from field to glass.
- PRODUCER: Arawaks (Vaval) Distillery
- ORIGIN: Clairin Vaval is produced in the coastal village of Cavaillon in the southeast of Haiti
- SUBSTRATE: Sugar cane Juice + wild yeasts
- AGE: 4 Years & 1 Month (100% Tropical Aging at Origin)
- CASK: ex-Caroni Cask #VA16CR-1 (exclusive single cask)
- ABV: 47.1% | 700ml
Website: www.thespiritofhaiti.com
Rum-of-the-Month | November 2024
~ Capricorn Tropic of Rum (Queensland, Australia) ~
Announcing our Rum-of-the-Month | November 2024, Capricorn Tropic of Rum originating sunny Queensland.
TASTING NOTES
It presents a deep mahogany hue and greets the nose with inviting aromas of caramel, molasses, sawdust and oak with slight hints of ripe tropical fruits and berries. The palate is velvety smooth, unveiling more flavours of vanilla, tobacco and burnt sugar.
The finish is lingering and warm, with oak spices, and a delicate smokiness, complemented by the American oak’s nuanced woodiness and a touch of dried fruit sweetness. Capricorn Aged Rum embodies the artistry of dual-wood ageing, delivering a harmonious balance of flavours that captivates from first sip to last.
- PRODUCER: Capricorn Distilling Co.
- ORIGIN: Queensland (Burleigh Heads)
- SUBSTRATE: Molasses
- AGE: 3-6 Years (Tropical/Sub-Tropical Aging)
- CASKS: New American Oak, Ex-Bourbon barrels, American oak Fodre
- ABV: 43.2% | 700ml
Website: capricorndistilling.com
Rum-of-the-Month | October 2024
~ Matusalem Gran Reserva Solera 23 Rum ~
Announcing our Rum-of-the-Month Oct. 2024, Matusalem Gran Reserva Solera 23 Rum originating from Cuba.
The Matusalem Rum Company was started by the Camp brothers in 1872 as a family affair. The “new” Cuban rum rapidly caught on in the world’s markets. In the early 1940s they experienced a period of tremendous growth and by the ’50s, Matusalem had already captured half of the Cuban market making it the country’s leading brand. After fleeing Cuba during Fidel Castro’s regime, descendants of the founders now produce Ron Matusalem in the Dominican Republic. It explains why the style is light and delicate, like most Cuban rums. In fact, it’s similar to Havana Club, so if you’re looking for an easy sipper, this is the one for you.
Named after the Biblical Patriarch, Methuselah who was said to have lived for 969 years, so symbolising patient ageing and old world craftsmanship, the key to Matusalems’s complexity is a Solera aging process, previously used only in sherry and Spanish brandy making. Matusalem was the first to introduce it to rum making. Variously aged liquids are carefully blended, with the oldest component aged up to 23 years. French oak casks dominate the cellars.
“Matusalem Gran Reserva 23 brings together a distinctive mix of flavours made with a selection of the finest reserves of aged rum. Using the Solera system, mature spirits are combined in oak barrels to create a rum that is unmistakably superior in quality, taste and smoothness.
Today this renowned rum is produced in the Dominican Republic using the same secret formula created by my family in 1872 in Cuba. Matusalem is truly considered one of the best rums in the world.” – Claudio Álvarez III, Fourth generation of Ron Matusalem founding family.
TASTING NOTES
The blend of Gran Reserva 23 is responsible for the complexities of flavor you will find with each sip. During the aging process, the flavors have had a chance to marry and mature, creating a flavor profile beloved by rum connoisseurs the world over.
AROMA—Complex yet refined and very elegant, with a strong finish of caramel, toasted oak, coffee, and banana.
PALATE—Delightful smoothness, well balanced with traces of honey, vanilla and molasses with a spiced and lasting finish.
- PRODUCER: Matusalem & Company
- ORIGIN: Dominican Republic (founded in Cuba in 1872)
- SUBSTRATE: Molasses
- AGE: Up to 23 Years (solera system)
- CASKS: French Oak
- ABV: 40% | 700ml
Website: matusalem.com
Rum-of-the-Month | September 2024
~ Appleton Estate 15 Year Black River Casks Rum ~
Announcing our Rum-of-the-Month Sep. 2024 and newly released in Oz, the Appleton Estate 15 Year Black River Casks Rum is a truly exceptional rum that speaks for itself!
It’s not unusual for distilleries around the world to import molasses to make their rums, but every bottle of Appleton Estate has its origins in its own cane fields in Jamaica’s Nassau Valley – the estate that gives Appleton Estate its name. The rich soils and clement microclimate offer the perfect conditions for growing sugarcane, which has been cultivated there for centuries. Molasses derived from this single-estate cane is diluted with limestone-filtered water from the Black River – the lifeblood of Appleton since 1749 and the namesake of our rum of the year.
After carefully controlled fermentation with a proprietary cultured yeast, the fermented molasses is ready for distillation. A number of styles of rum are produced in the Appleton distillery using both stainless steel column stills and 5,000 litre copper pot stills. The Appleton Estate Black River Casks is a blend of heavier pot-still and lighter column-still rums, aged for a minimum of 15 years in American white oak casks.
The Jamaican climate has a profound impact on the spirit as it ages. All of the processes of maturation are intensified by the heat and humidity meaning that casks laid down in Appleton’s warehouses appear to age much faster than, for instance, a cask of whisky in the Scottish Highlands. After 15 years-or-so, Appleton’s rums show maturity and depth beyond their years. At this point, the casks set aside for this award-winning expression are ready for blending by renowned Master Distiller, Joy Spence. Decades after she arrived at Appleton Estate, Joy is still hands-on when it comes to selecting casks, developing new blends and ensuring consistency across the range of rums. The Black River Casks is her creation, introduced in 2021 as part of a broader revamp to the Appleton range.
AWARDS
– San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC) 2024 – Double Gold
– The Whisky Exchange – Rum of the Year 2023
TASTING NOTES
A refined interplay unfolds between sweet vanilla and caramel, intertwined with hints of chocolate-covered raisins and zesty orange essence. Spicy oak undertones intertwine with the fermenting essence of tropical fruits, followed by intriguingly funky tannic impressions reminiscent of leather and polished wood.
- CLASSIFICATION: Single
Traditional Blended Rum (Traditional Column & Pot Still rums from a single distillery) - DISTILLERY: Appleton Estate
- ORIGIN: Jamaica
- SUBSTRATE: Molasses
- AGE: 15 Years (100% Tropical Aging)
- CASKS: American White Oak
- ABV: 43% | 700ml
Website: appletonestate.com
Rum-of-the-Month | August 2024
~ Husk Porter Cask Rum (Australian Cultivated Rum) ~
Announcing our Rum-of-the-Month | August 2024, Husk Porter Cask Rum a unique collaboration between Husk Rum and Stone & Wood Brewing Co. This special limited ACR (Australian Cultivated Rum) release from 𝐇𝐮𝐬𝐤 𝐑𝐮𝐦 is finished in ex-Porter barrels from renowned Stone & Wood Brewing Co & is a celebration of craftsmanship & local collaboration.
Husk Porter Cask Rum is from the same 2019 harvest as their Signature ACR release and makes an intriguing side by side tasting to better understand the Porter Cask finish contribution! It used cane variety Q240 & Q244 and was initially aged for 2 years and 2 months in a mix of ex-Bourbon and ex-wine casks. It was then finished for a further 1 year and 9 months in ex barrel-aged Porter beer casks that had previously held Stone & Wood Porter called “Stone beer”.
Stone & Wood’s annual Stone Beer is a traditional porter, brewed using a unique method that involves heating stones and placing them into the wort to caramelize the sugars. This ancient technique imparts a distinctive depth and complexity to the beer, which is then transferred to barrels for aging. These very barrels have now been used to finish Husk Porter Cask ACR, infusing the rum with rich, robust flavours.
TASTING NOTES
Husk Porter Cask ACR is a winter sipper like no other. The rum bursts with notes of caramel, roasted malt, and dark chocolate, melting into layers of toffee, vanilla, and subtle smokiness. This non-chill filtered rum, made from the 2019 harvest and cane variety Q240 & Q244, exemplifies the rich, full-bodied character of Australian rum.
- CLASSIFICATION: Single
Traditional Blended Rum (Traditional Column & Pot Still / Hybrid Still rums from a single distillery) - DISTILLERY: Husk Rum
- ORIGIN: Australia (Tumbulgum, Northern Rivers NSW)
- AGE: 3 years, 11 months
- CASKS: 2 years and 2 months in ex-Bourbon + ex-wine casks, finished for 1 year and 9 months in ex barrel-aged Porter casks
- ABV: 46% | 700ml
Website: www.huskdistillers.com
Rum-of-the-Month | July 2024
~ Dos Maderas Selección Triple Aged Rum ~
Announcing our Rum-of-the-Month | July 2024, Dos Maderas Selección Triple Aged Rum hailing from the renowned rum producing Caribbean islands of Barbados and Guyana and then aged in old Sherry casks in the historical bodega of Williams & Humbert in Jerez, Spain.
AWARDS
- 93 points Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2022
- 94 Points Wine Enthusiast Magazine 2021
- 91 points Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2020
TASTING NOTES
A rich, sweet rum which should delight fans of the Dos Maderas 5+5 PX and Luxus varieties. Selección is a blend of the rums that go into both those varieties, using casks of both Dos Maderas PX (finished in Palo Cortado and then Pedro Ximenez sherry casks for a number of years) and the 10-year-old rums, aged in bourbon casks, which form the basis of Luxus. The result is a palate which at first offers flavours similar to a mature dry añejo rum, and then evolves into the smooth and sweet notes that you’d expect from the Pedro Ximenez casks. The finish is long and semi-sweet.
- CLASSIFICATION: Blended Rum (Blend of pot & column still rum from different distilleries)
- ORIGIN: Barbados, Guyana
- AGE: 10 Years
- CASK: ex-bourbon American Oak barrels, ex-Sherry casks
- ABV: 42% | 700ml
Website: www.dosmaderas.com
Rum-of-the-Month | June 2024
~ Doorly’s 14 Year Fine Old Barbados Rum (Foursquare Distillery) ~
Announcing our Rum-of-the-Month | June 2024, Doorly’s 14 Year Fine Old Barbados Rum from the renowned Foursquare Distillery in Barbados.
Doorly’s rums are made at the Foursquare Distillery, one of Barbados’ oldest trading companies. Currently owned and operated by the 4th generation of the Seale family, Richard Seale remains the Master Distiller & blender. The distillery is situated in the south eastern quarter of the island in St. Phillip and built on the site of a former sugar factory dating back to the 1650s.
Originally registered in 1908, Doorly’s is synonymous with Barbadian rum history. Martin Doorly’s company was registered in 1908, 2 years after the Rum Duty Act, and their Doorly’s Macaw Rum was the very first rum from Barbados to be exported pre-bottled rather than in a cask. In 1993 they were bought by R.L. Seale’s who kept the tradition and made Doorly’s their main premium export brand – they even kept the signature colourful macaw on the labels.
Doorly’s 14 Year is the oldest in the Doorly’s range from awarding winning Foursquare Distillery, Barbados. The multi-award winning 14 Year expression is made from molasses, a blend of pot and column still and aged in ex-Bourbon casks for 14 years in Barbados. The blend also contains a small percentage of rum aged for 14 years in ex-Madeira casks.
AWARDS
- Gold Medal 95 Points, IWSC International Wine & Spirits Competition 2022
- Gold Medal, International Spirits Challenge 2021
- Gold Medal, International Spirits Challenge 2020
- Gold Medal, International Spirits Challenge 2019
TASTING NOTES
The mid palate shows more of the Madeira influence. Notes of red wine and blackberries mingle alongside dark chocolate and some faint notes of marmalade. Finish wise we are left with a spicy and slightly heated end to the rum – white pepper and lots of ginger and a trace of cinnamon. The finish is very long and the rum lingers for a long time in the mouth. Lots of barrel char like flavour. Further sips seem to temper the more bitter and woody notes. More fruitiness becomes apparent. Once the palate adjusts the rum has a much better balance than the initial sip might lead you to believe. The extra ABV means this is a rum worth sitting down and spending some time with. Doorly’s XO you can almost swig straight from the bottle – you don’t want to do that with this. Sit down with it and appreciate it in small sips… For most other producers this would be the jewel in the crown. There best efforts. for Foursquare it’s just another great rum… 4 Stars – thefatrumpirate.com
- CLASSIFICATION: Single Blended Rum (Blend of pot & column still rum from a single distillery)
- ORIGIN: Barbados, Caribbean
- AGE: 14 Years
- CASK: ex-bourbon American Oak barrels & ex-Madeira casks
- ABV: 48% | 700ml
Website: www.facebook.com/foursquare.rumdistillery
Rum-of-the-Month | May 2024
~ R L Seales Finest 10 Year Barbados Rum (Foursquare Distillery) ~
Announcing our Rum-of-the-Month for April, R L Seales Finest 10 Year Barbados Rum from the renowned Foursquare Distillery in Barbados.
Firstly, you must agree that this is probably one of the coolest looking bottles we’ve seen…!
Rich rounded and beautifully balanced, R L Seale 10 Year Old is an exemplary example of the passion led processes and bang on the money cask management that the Barbados based Foursquare Distillery is famous for. Bursting with flavour and exuding a wealth of nuances and complexities, it also just happens to make for the perfect whisky drinkers rum!
TASTING NOTES
Rich oak impressions on the nose with burnt butter, vanilla, rich stewed fruits and coconut aromas on the nose, more subtle and fresh palate with spicy oak, mocha, vanilla and confectionary flavours, well-integrated texture, dark chocolate and a tannic grip.
- CLASSIFICATION: Single Blended Rum (Blend of pot & column still rum from a single distillery)
- ORIGIN: Barbados, Caribbean
- AGE: 10 Years
- CASK: ex-bourbon American Oak barrels
- ABV: 46% | 700ml
Website: www.facebook.com/foursquare.rumdistillery
Rum-of-the-Month | April 2024
~ Chairman’s Reserve 2009 Vintage (Limited Edition) ~
Announcing our Rum-of-the-Month for April, Chairman’s Reserve 2009 Vintage Limited Ed. Rum is a unique blend of 11 year old rums from our pot stills (John Dore 2 & Vendome) and our tradition twin column (Coffey) still.
The rums are aged independently for 11 years in ex-bourbon barrels before being expertly blended by our head blender, Deny Duplessis. They are then reintroduced to the oak for a few more months in order to perfectly incorporate.
TASTING NOTES
Colour: Vibrant golden brown.
Nose: Intense honeyed raisin nose with toffee, banana, vanilla, and tobacco tones.
Palate: Concentrated and powerful palate with sweet candied tropical fruits, tobacco, and spices. Buttery toasted oak gives structure and depth as well as a smooth complex finish of leather and dark chocolate.
- CLASSIFICATION: Single Blended Rum (Blend of pot & column still rum from a single distillery)
- ORIGIN: St Lucia, Caribbean
- AGE: 11 Years
- CASK: ex-bourbon American Oak barrels
- ABV: 46% | 700ml
Website: www.chairmansreserverum.com
Rum-of-the-Month | March 2024
~ Admiral Rodney HMS Monarch ~
Announcing our Rum-of-the-Month and a new release in Australia — Admiral Rodney HMS Monarch.
St. Lucia Distillers (SLD) are responsible for this superb multi-award-winning rum from Saint Lucia rum under the name Admiral Rodney. The Admiral Rodney rums celebrate Admiral George Rodney’s famous naval victory over the French at the Battle of Les Saintes in 1782, where the British secured control of the Caribbean.
The names of the rums in this series come from of the ships that distinguished themselves in battle. HMS Princessa, HMS Royal Oak and Admiral Rodney’s flagship, HMS Formidable, shone in battle and “broke the line” of the French fleet.
(HMS = His/Her Majesty’s Ship)
Our Rum-of-the-Month the latest to be released as part of the series is the Admiral Rodney HMS Monarch, which a blend of rum parcels aged six to nine years old that have been matured in ex-bourbon and port casks.
Admiral Rodney has been labeled by some of the world’s most respected rum aficionados as the best pure rum made on a traditional twin-column Coffey still. Staying true to what has made Admiral Rodney such a great success, these extraordinary spirits display exceptional blends of aged column distilled rums of different age ranges and finishes. Each distillate in Admiral Rodney Rum is withdrawn from the column on lower plates to capture natural characters of the rum, which develops over time aging in oak casks. Each individual expression shows the meticulous talents of St. Lucia Distiller’s Head Blender, Deny Duplessis.
TASTING NOTES
Colour: dark mahogany
Nose: a delicate scent of sweet sultanas and vanilla with hints of red and black fruits
Palate: sweet with hints of brown cane sugar, pralines and candied fruit
Finish: Long lingering finish with toasted oak and tropical spices – pleasantly balanced and complex
- CLASSIFICATION: Traditional Rum (Traditional column still rum from a single distillery)
- ORIGIN: St Lucia, Caribbean
- AGE: 6-9 Years
- CASK: ex-bourbon and port casks
- ABV: 40% | 700ml
Website: www.admiralrodneyrum.com
Rum-of-the-Month | February 2024
~ Nil Desperandum Premier Rum ~
We just can’t get enough of the quality rum being produced by this up and coming Aussie distillery, so its with great pleasure that we announce our Rum-of-the-Month for February — Nil Desperandum Premium Rum, expertly crafted and matured on the Sunny Coast, QLD Australia.
Australia Certified Organic rum. Wild fermented, locally sourced Australian Certified Organic molasses, Woombye water, dunder & muck. Double pot distilled then AGED FOR OVER 3 YEARS in bourbon barrels emptied of Sherry and Port on Australia’s beautiful, sub-tropical Sunshine Coast.
TASTING NOTES
Nose: Lifted caramel notes, or crème brulee, fused with pretty dried apricots, figs and dates. Toffee, maple syrup and molasses, with touches of sticky date pudding.
Palate: Dry rich intense flavours of toffee, molasses, maple syrup that are wound around tropical dried fruit. Dried banana, ripe pineapple, candied bon bons, dried mango and mid palate weight of figs and dates. Spices of cinnamon and nutmeg, and cocoa, coffee bean. Good length and palate richness.
- CLASSIFICATION: Pure Single Rum (100% Pot Still rum from a single distillery)
- ORIGIN: Australia (Woombye, Sunshine Coast QLD)
- AGE: 3+ Year
- CASK: Ex bourbon barrels emptied of Sherry and Port
- ABV: 40% | 700ml
Website: nildesperandum.com.au
Rum-of-the-Month | January 2024
~ Tanduay Double Rum ~
For our first Rum-of-the-Month for 2024 we’ve decided to kick things off with a new Australian release and premium expression from the biggest selling rum brand by volume in the world — Tanduay Double Rum.
Introducing the World’s No.1 selling rum brand! In June of 2018, Tanduay was announced as the world’s largest selling rum brand. A legacy of Tanduay that is a testament to the rich history and diversity of the Filipino culture. Tanduay’s storied heritage began in 1854, as part of the fabled house of Ynchausti y Familia Compania in the Philippines. Tanduay won its first international Gold Medal in 1876 from the Exposition Universal in Paris. Since then, Tanduay has been the winner of over 200 international awards and tasting medals.
Tanduay is now poised to create a new industry paradigm, with a strong focus on heritage and craftsmanship. Crafted from premium sugarcane varietals grown in the volcanic soils and tropical climate of the Philippine Islands, Tanduay truly embodies the bold, lively and creative spirit that is distinctly Filipino.
Tanduay Double Rum combines up to 5 & 16 year (most likely the Solera method of maturation) aged rums blended together and rested for an additional 2 years in American white oak barrels.
TASTING NOTES: Thick, sweet and decadent on the palate, this aged rum provides a distinctive taste of caramelized pineapple, toasted nuts with a mellow blend of cherry, vanilla, and tropical fruits.
- CLASSIFICATION: Single Modernist Rum (Multi-Column Still rum from a single distillery)
- DISTILLERY: Tanduay
- ORIGIN: Philippines
- AGE: Up to 18 Years (Solera method)
- CASKS: ex-Amerian oak barrels
- ABV: 40% | 700ml
- ADDITIVES: Added sugar ~15 g/Litre
Rum-of-the-Month | December 2023
~ Husk Signature Australian Cultivated Rum ~
We are super excited to announce a brand release from one of our absolute favourite Aussie rum producers and our Rum-of-the-Month for December – the Husk Signature Australian Cultivated Rum that has been 12 years in the making!
Husk Signature Rum is Husk Distillers’ first official Australian Cultivated Rum (ACR) release – a farm to bottle rum made from 100% single estate cane juice, unsweetened and non-chill filtered.
ACR is a trademark registered by Husk that is a guarantee of quality and integrity in the Australian rum industry. In essence, ACR rums are produced exclusively from freshly crushed cane juice, grown in a recognised Australian Cane Growing Region along the north-east
Australian coastal plain and hinterland between Mossman, QLD and Grafton, NSW.
Their vision for Husk ACR is to create rums with a true sense of provenance using the natural flavours of the sugar cane grown 100% on
our farm. This unique approach sets Husk Rum apart and demonstrates that rum can be taken seriously as this world’s greatest spirit.
It took years to craft Husk Signature but it is only the beginning for ACR. Harvest after harvest, you will witness the evolution of the new taste of Australian rum. This is the start of our next chapter and we invite you to join us on our journey to making exceptional Australian rum. – Paul Messenger & Quentin Brival
TASTING NOTES: SPICY OAK, DRIED FRUITS & SOFT PINEAPPLE LEAD ON TO AN EARTHY FINISH WITH BLONDE TOBACCO HINTS.
November 2023
~ JimmyRum RUMRUM Limited Ed. Stout Cask Rum (Bad Shepherd Brewing Co) ~
Our Rum-of-the-Month for November is an exclusive collaboration with JimmyRum and we are even more thrilled to announce it is their first ever “barrel influenced” expression of their award winning RumRum – the JimmyRum RUMRUM Limited Ed. Stout Cask Rum limited edition.
In the words of James (AKA Jimmy) McPherson – Chief Ideas Man & JimmyRum Founder…
“For this batch, we leant one of our ex-bourbon barrels to Bad Shepard Brewery for them to ferment a Russian Imperial stout in. Was a lovely drop too. Once emptied we then filled it with our new make rum spirit and left it to age gracefully for a touch over three years
We did pinch a “little bit” from the barrel over time and this was used to “rum spike” the next few years of Bad Shepard breweries imperial stouts. Even better drop.
We hope you enjoy exploring this new expression of our RumRum and look forward to hearing your thoughts.”
This Single Cask expression (Barrel No. 26) has be crafted exclusively for The Rum Club Australia. This limited ed. release is Batch 003 of JimmyRum’s award winning RumRum premium expression that has been matured in a 200ltr American oak cask that held Imperial Stout from Bad Shepherd Brewing Co. in VIC and bottled at what we believe is a sweet spot 48.1% alc/vol.
This is one not to be missed!
- CLASSIFICATION: Pure Single Rum (100% Pot/Hybrid Batch Still rum from a single distillery)
- DISTILLERY: JimmyRum
- ORIGIN: Australia (Mornington Peninsula, VIC)
- AGE: 3+ Years (36 months)
- CASKS: 200ltr American oak (ex-bourbon) post stout ferment
- ABV: 48.1% | 700ml
October 2023
~ Earp Distilling Co. Reggie’s Rum ~
This rum’s journey is that of the Earp Distilling Co. distillery – combining tradition and innovation in a harmonious blend to create something truly special and unique. This hand crafted rum is matured in ex-bourbon American Oak casks before further ageing in custom Pedro Ximinez and Oloroso Sherry casks.
Crafted using Demerara style sugar (with molasses), Reggie’s Rum is a lighter and more refined sip, than other more heavy Australian craft rums. Best sipped and savoured or used as the base for your perfect rum cocktail.
TASTING NOTES
NOSE: Softly expressed oak, citrus and sweet sherry
PROFILE: Smooth – candied fruits, toffee apple, creamy vanilla, soft spice
FINISH: Refined and elegant REGGIE’S
- DISTILLERY: Earp Distilling Co.
- ORIGIN: Australia (Newcastle, NSW)
- AGE: 3 Years
- CASKS: ex-bourbon American Oak casks then finished in P.X. and Oloroso Sherry casks
- ABV: 40% | 700ml
Website: earpdistillingco.com
August 2023
~ Mount Gay Black Barrel Double Cask Blend + BONUS Copper Cocktail Cup ~
with the limited ed. Mount Gay Master Blender Collection PX Sherry Cask Expression as the Member’s ADD-IN!
The story of Mount Gay begins in Barbados. This is where the world’s oldest rum company was established, and where, since 1703, the most complex blends have come to life in ancestral ageing cellars. On the original plot at the Northern tip of Barbados in St. Lucy parish sits a small building appearing as a humble stone shed. Beyond the doors resides a deep artesian well. First dug in 1703 by Mount Gay‘s founders, this well is the very same one still used today. It is the heart of Mount Gay Distillery. Supplying the core of what makes Mount Gay rum so unique—Barbadian water. Drawn upwards from coral caverns, hundreds of feet below. Finely filtered by the island itself. Delivering time-tested purity and smoothness unlike any other rum produced anywhere else.
Our Rum-of-the-Month for August is the Mount Gay Black Barrel Double Cask Blend. A robust and bold rum that is rich, complex, yet smooth and round. Matured in ex-American oak casks & finished in heavily charred ex-bourbon casks.
- AWARDS
- 2021 International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC) – Gold Medal 95 pts
- 2022 San Francisco World Spirits Competition – Silver Medal
- 2022 International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC) – Bronze Medal
TASTING NOTES
Subtle on the nose, with a sweet palate that evolves with cinnamon spice and caramel. – IWSC Judging Panel 2022
A warm, woody nose carries through into a divinely smooth and complex palate, with a delightful spiciness tingling on the finish. At once accessible, but also superior in quality; this is a rum that demands to be respected and savoured. – IWSC Judging Panel 2021- CLASSIFICATION: Single Blended Rum (Blend of Pot and Column Still rums from a single distillery)
- DISTILLERY: Mount Gay
- ORIGIN: Barbados
- CASKS: ex-American oak casks & finished in heavily charred ex-bourbon casks
- ABV: 43% | 700ml
*Get a bonus Mount Gay Copper Cocktail Cup with every bottle purchased (while stocks last).
Website: www.mountgayrum.com
> Member’s ADD-IN: Mount Gay Master Blender Collection PX Sherry Cask Expression (limited to active Members only)
July 2023
~ Wray & Nephew White Overproof Jamaican rum ~
.Announcing our Rum-of-the-Month for July, Wray & Nephew White Overproof Jamaican rum. The world’s top-selling overproof white rum, the legendary Wray’s dominates the Jamaican rum scene, accounting for over 90% of all rum sold!
Wray & Nephew is the oldest distiller in Jamaica which was founded by a Scotchman, Charles John Wray. He settled in Jamaica in the early 1800s and first blended rums at his tavern in Kingston, the capital of Jamaica, in 1825. He soon started bottling his blends to sell to other tavern keepers on the Island and in 1862 won three gold medals at the London International Exhibition. During this year he also formed a partnership with his nephew, Charles James Ward, and the business became J. Wray & Nephew.
Wray & Nephew has been Jamaica’s most loved rum producer for nearly 200 years, and for good reason. Not only does it produce renowned brands including Appleton Estate, it is an intrinsic part of Jamaican culture and represents the proud, bold spirit of the island and its respect for the culture and its community. Although often associated with Appleton Estate, Wray & Nephew White Overproof rum is actually produced at the sister distillery, New Yarmouth Distillery.
Wray & Nephew White Overproof rum is a staple in almost every household and plays an important part in the celebration of births, marriages, graduations, or even poured onto the foundations of new buildings to ward-off evil spirits!
Internationally, you will find Wray & Nephew White Overproof in all good bars and fine liquor establishments around the world, where skilled bartenders with a passion for rum use Jamaican overproof rum as a magic potion to create cocktail masterpieces.
TASTING NOTES
With subtle notes of pineapple and banana, it is a full strength, versatile and flavourful white rum that is full of character that works amazingly in cocktails – a must in any cocktail cabinet!
Aroma: Pungent, fruity estery aroma with rich molasses, pineapple, overripe banana, orange zest and desiccated coconut.
Taste: Beyond the very assertive spirituous spice, pleasing flavours of caramel and nut garnished molasses emerge. The palate continues to grow and open with banana, pineapple and passion fruit.
AWARDS
International Wine & Spirits Competition 2023 – Gold Medal
WRAY & NEPHEW AWARDS (as depicted on label)
London 1862 International Exhibition
Paris 1878 International Exhibition
Jamaica 1891 International Exhibition
- CLASSIFICATION: Pure Single Rum (100% Pot Still rum from a single distillery)
- ORIGIN: Jamaica
- AGE: Unaged
- ABV: 63% | 700ml
Website: www.straightfromyard.co.uk
June 2023
~ Nil Desperandum Special Rum ~
The Rum-of-the-Month for June is the newly released Nil Desperandum Special Rum – double pot distilled and aged in ex American oak barrels emptied of Sherry and Port.
Nil Desperandum are the first and only distillery producing accredited AUSTRALIAN CERTIFIED ORGANIC RUM. Wild fermented, locally sourced Australian Certified Organic molasses, Woombye water, dunder & muck. Double pot distilled then AGED FOR A MINIMUM OF 2 YEARS in bourbon barrels emptied of Sherry and Port on Australia’s beautiful, sub-tropical Sunshine Coast.
DELICIOUS. Australian Certified Organic. 100% pure unadulterated rum. NIL additives. NIL added sugar, sweeteners, caramel, glycerine, flavours, colours or chemicals.
Nil Desperandum’s head distiller, Adam Chapman, has been producing and instructing wine and spirits education for over 35 years and is recognised nationally and internationally for distilling super premium spirits that delight consumers.
The Rum Club Australia members will be some of the first to access to this new release from Nil Desperandum on the Sunshine Coast!
TASTING NOTES
On the nose reveals concentrated molasses notes with a sugar cane freshness. Dried tropical fruits such as dried mango, dried peach and nectarine. Marinated figs and prunes with crème brulee and caramel notes.
On the palate is a smooth lingering finish of ripe tropical fruits, crème brulee & toffee.
- CLASSIFICATION: Pure Single Rum (100% Pot Still rum from a single distillery)
- ORIGIN: Australia (Woombye, Sunshine Coast QLD)
- AGE: 2+ Year
- CASK: Ex bourbon barrels emptied of Sherry and Port
- ABV: 38% | 700ml
- MEMBERS ONLY PRICE: Join Now to be notified of our special members price
Website: nildesperandum.com.au
May 2023
~ Husk Rare Blend Australian Rum ~
The Rum-of-the-Month for May is the newly released and highly anticipated Husk Rare Blend Australian Rum, featuring a combination of the complexity of fresh cane juice with the rich smoothness of cane honey to create this MODERN AUSTRALIAN RUM. Sub-tropically aged in small barrels at Husk Farm Distillery, this Rare Blend captures the character of this ancient land.
The Rum Club Australia members will have first access to this new release form Husk Distillers!
Husk is Australia’s only farm to bottle rum distillery. This means Husk make a rare style of rum made from fresh cane juice 100% grown and processed onsite. The resulting rum is unique in that it reflects the land, climate, soil and people where it’s made.
Rare Blend is made from two styles of rum made at Husk Distillery which have been aged for a minimum of two years in charred ex-wine barrels.
The first part of this blend is seasonal 100% single estate cane juice rum, our signature style which is dry and adds layers and depth to the final product. The second part of this blend is rum made from Tweed Valley cane honey, which is evaporated cane juice. Cane honey is sweet, rich and pure which creates a very smooth and round rum with fruity and floral notes.
Husk Rare Blend is a true reflection of the land where it’s made. Drink this rum your way – sipped on the rocks, in an old fashioned cocktail, mixed with coke, ginger ale and lime or tonic with a big wedge of orange. From our farm to your glass, we hope you enjoy.
– Quentin Brival, Head Distiller
TASTING NOTES
Ripe Fruit, Honeysuckle, Vanilla, Oriental Spices and Toasted Oak.
- CLASSIFICATION: Pure Single Rum (100% Pot Still rum from a single distillery)
- ORIGIN: Australia (Tumbulgum NSW)
- AGE: 2+ Year
- CASK: Ex Australian Wine (charred)
- ABV: 40% | 700ml
Website: huskdistillers.com
APRIL 2023
~ Pusser’s Deptford Dockyard Reserve Limited Ed. Navy Rum ~
The Rum-of-the-Month for April is the limited edition Pusser’s Deptford Dockyard Reserve Navy Rum, featuring a blend of aged, high-ester distillates from Caribbean countries in Great Britain’s Colonial past—Guyana (Demerara), Trinidad, Barbados, and Jamaica.
HM Victualling Yard, Deptford was a Royal Navy Victualling (pronounced “vitalling”) Yard established alongside the Deptford Royal Dockyard which was founded in 1513 by Henry VIII. Located on the “deep ford” of the Rivers Ravensbourne and Thames, it served as the principal Royal Navy dockyard for three hundred years and became the Victualling Board’s main spirit depot in 1742.
The Yard’s warehouse housed 30 storage vats which accommodated and aged over 250 thousand gallons of rum. Deptford supplied the Fleet with a flavourful blend of “Empire” rums from British Navy suppliers located in Demerara (Guyana), Trinidad, Barbados, and Jamaica. While little is known about early Admiralty specifications, “the blend” was done “in such proportion as experience had shown was preferred by the men.”
To commemorate the 52nd anniversary of Black Tot Day, Pusser’s introduced a limited-edition Deptford Dockyard Reserve release that is a traditional navy style rum bottled at the traditional royal navy strength of 54.5%. A limited allocation has made its way to Australia for Rum Club Australia members.
- CLASSIFICATION: Traditional Blended Rum (Traditional Column & Pot Still rums from a multiple distilleries)
- ORIGIN: Guyana, Trinidad, Barbados, and Jamaica
- AGE: Select Aged Navy Rums
- ABV: 54.5% | 700ml
- MEMBERS ONLY PRICE: $159 inc. GST (RRP $209)!
Website: pussersrum.com
> Deptford Dockyard, 1869. The Royal Dockyard at Deptford, founded by Henry VIII in 1513, was for centuries an important naval dockyard, but it declined in the 19th century and was barely active in 1869, when it closed.
March 2023
~ Foursquare Exceptional Cask Selection 2010 Mark XXI ~
The Rum-of-the-Month for March is the long awaited Foursquare Exceptional Cask Selection 2010 Mark XXI Single Blended Rum from the renowned Foursquare Rum Distillery in Barbados.
Foursquare Rum Distillery is located on a former sugar plantation that dates back to approximately 1720, within the tiny Caribbean island of Barbados. The distillery was re-opened by the Seale family in 1996, distilling operations and blending are currently directed by Richard Seale, 4th Generation of R.L. Seale & Co.
Exceptional Cask Selections represent the unique, and rare offerings of Foursquare Rum Distillery that Richard has hand selected — his personal projects only released when he feels they are of exceptional quality. These are one of a kind expressions, available only for a limited time, and showcasing truly unique approaches to both Rum blending and maturation.
With Australia only receiving small allocations of the Exceptional Cask Selection series each year, these are sure to sell out!
- CLASSIFICATION: Single Traditional Blended Rum (Traditional Column & Pot Still rums from a single distillery)
- DISTILLERY: Foursquare Rum Distillery
- ORIGIN: Barbados
- AGE: 12 Years (100% Tropical Aging)
- ABV: 60% | 700ml
Website: Foursquare
February 2023
~ Hampden Estate 8 Year Pure Single Jamaican Rum ~
The Rum-of-the-Month for February is the Hampden Estate 8 Year Pure Single Jamaican Rum. Think silky, smooth and tropical, from mixing to sipping, an extremely versatile rum from the famous Hampden Estate — renowned for their world class high ester, flavourful and funky Jamaican rums!
- CLASSIFICATION: Pure Single Rum (100% Pot Still rum from a single distillery)
- DISTILLERY: Hampden Estate
- ORIGIN: Jamaica
- AGE: 8 Years (100% Tropical Aging)
- ABV: 46% | 700ml
Website: hampdenestaterum.com
DECEMBER 2022
~ Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva Rum Old Fashioned Gift Pack ~
Diplomático’s distillery lies at the foot of the Andes Mountains in Venezuela, where the purest of waters run to make the very best of rums. Its location was also carefully selected for its close proximity to the main sugar processing plants in the area.
Established in 1959, Licorerías Unidas S.A (LUSA) owned the distillery through its main shareholder, Seagram’s International, one of the largest wines and spirits companies in the world. In 2002, LUSA was sold to a group of Venezuelan entrepreneurs and became a 100% privately owned Venezuelan company taking its current name: Destilerías Unidas S. A. (DUSA). The company is proud to be an independent, family-owned operator.
The Rum-of-the-Month for December is a special Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva Old Fashioned Gift Pack in time for Christmas! It comes in canister box with an old-fashioned crystal glass and an Diplomático ice mold.
Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva is a blend of rum reserves aged for up to twelve years, carefully selected by Diplomático’s Master Blenders. Marrying a unique body with excellent balance has made this multi award-winning rum a reference for spirits lovers throughout the world. Opening up with aromas of orange peel, toffee and liquorice, it is smooth on the palate, and follows on with notes of toffee fudge that offers a seductive, satisfying finish.
AWARDS: Double Gold Medal – San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2016
Our Members Only ADD-IN for this month is the extremely limited Diplomático Single Vintage 2007 Rum — exclusive to The Rum Club Australia!
- CLASSIFICATION: Single Traditional Blended Rum (Traditional Column & Pot Still rums from a single distillery)
- DISTILLERY: Destilerías Unidas S. A. (DUSA)
- ORIGIN: Venezuela
- AGE: Up to 12 Years
- ABV: 40% | 700ml
Website: www.rondiplomatico.com
NOVEMBER 2022
~ Hoochery Ord River Rum ‘TRIPLE CASK BLEND’ ~
Hoochery Distillery is a multi-award winning distillery having received numerous medals for their rum since it’s inception by Raymond ‘Spike’ Dessert III, Hoochery’s founder, owner, developer, and farmer. Spike first landed in the remote Kimberley outback in 1972 to develop his seed business. He fell in love with the Kimberley, and eventually made it his home. Stubbornly independent, Spike liked doing things his way, and in 1995 the area’s fledgling sugar industry, the perfect tropical climate, and a trip to the southern wineries planted a seed in his mind. The Hoochery was born because, as Spike put it, ‘Governments keep telling farmers to diversify.’ So he diversified, creating Western Australia’s oldest continuously operating (legal) still. He did it his way!
Hoochery Ord River Rum ‘Triple Cask Blend’ is the first ever Limited Edition rum release as part of their special projects range. As eloquently stated on the label, Ord River Rum ‘Triple Cask Blend’ is a carefully selected blend of fine aged stock bottled exclusively for The Rum Club Australia. Single traditional pot still rum chosen from mature casks aged 7, 12 & 15 years. A beautifully round & complex liquid, crafted, blended & hand bottled by Hoochery Distillery, Kununurra, Western Australia.
What makes this rum even more impressive is the composition and age of the blend, which consists of the aged casks: 60%—15 Year Old, 30%—12 Year Old & 10%—7 Year Old. With only 244 bottles release world wide, this certainly won’t last long! An amazing limited release that is sure to impress both rum enthusiasts, connoisseurs and collectors alike.
- CLASSIFICATION: Pure Single Rum (100% Pot Still rum from a single distillery)
- DISTILLERY: Hoochery Distillery
- ORIGIN: Australia (Kimberley region, WA)
- AGE: 7, 12 & 14 Years (Aged at origin)
- CASK: 300 litre oak barrels
- ABV: 55.4% | 700ml
Website: www.hoochery.com.au
OCTOBER 2022
~ Nil Desperandum THE THIRD (Sherry cask) Limited Edition No3 Rum ~
If you haven’t heard of Nil Desperandum Rum, crafted right here in Queensland, then there is no doubt you soon will!
Our head tasters think this could be possibly be the best Aussie Rum we have offered to date on The Rum Club Australia — which is a massive call given we have offered some big hitting local rums before including Lark Quiet Cannon, Beenleigh Flood Rum, XO and Tawny Barrel, and Black Gate ex-Shiraz Cask expressions!
Using Australia’s only commercial quantity of certified organic molasses, Woombye water, yeast and some of the finest methods and expertise around, Nil Desperandum THE THIRD (Sherry cask) Limited Edition No3 Rum has be expertly crafted by Master Distiller and renowned spirits educator, Adam Chapman, and team from Nil Desperandum.
Double pot distilled, aged and expertly blended from selected sherry finished oak barrels. This is a rum to satisfy lovers of the world’s best.
- CLASSIFICATION: Pure Single Rum (100% Pot Still rum from a single distillery)
- DISTILLERY: Nil Desperandum / CAVU Distillery
- ORIGIN: Australia (Sunshine Coast, Queensland)
- CASK: Sherry finished oak barrels
- ABV: 45% | 700ml
SEPTEMBER 2022
~ Veritas White Blended Rum (Foursquare + Hampden) ~
Veritas, meaning “The Truth”, was born from a very simple idea: to bring the true taste of rum back to the world of mixology. It is the innovative result of the collaboration between two of the Caribbean’s most iconic producers: Foursquare Distillery in Barbados and Hampden Estate in Jamaica.
Created through the first 100% Caribbean joint venture to produce a blended rum, Veritas sets the new standard for white rum used in creating truly authentic and aromatic cocktails. In 2017, Luca Gargano of Velier inspired Richard Seale of Foursquare to produce the best white rum in the world for mixology.
Blended and bottled by Foursquare Master Distiller Richard Seale, Veritas White Blended Rum is composed of:
— Column Coffey Still rum from Foursquare Distillery, unaged.
— Pot Still rum from Foursquare, aged for 2 years in ex-bourbon barrels.
— Pot Still rum from Hampden Estate in Jamaica, unaged.
All the components of this blend have been distilled, matured, blended and bottled in the Caribbean, without the addition of sugar, flavouring agents or neutral spirits. It has a slight straw colour due to two years of aging from the Foursquare Pot Still component, the final alcohol content reaches 47% providing a more full-bodied and robust rum. This is really a complex rum — it starts off all Jamaican and then gently blends into the Bajan rum. Giving you quite a multi-layered experience.
Be prepared to take your cocktails to the next level with this one!
- CLASSIFICATION: Traditional Blended Rum (A blend of Pot + Column still rums from more than 1 distillery)
- DISTILLERY: Foursquare + Hampden
- ORIGIN: Barbados + Jamaica
- AGE: 2 Years + Unaged (100% Tropical Aging)
- CASK: ex-Bourbon
- ABV: 47% | 700ml
Website: www.velier.it
AUGUST 2022
~ Pusser’s Blue Label British Navy Rum ~
Pusser’s Blue Label Rum is a British Navy style rum inspired by the original. For many years, sailors of Great Britain’s Royal Navy were issued a daily ration or ‘tot’ of rum by the ship’s ‘Purser’ (corrupted by the sailors to Pusser’s). A ritual that continued up until July 31st 1970; the end of a naval tradition was marked on British ships around the world with sailors wearing black armbands and conducting mock funerals, this was known as Black Tot day.
Pusser’s Blue Label Rum is blended in accordance with the Royal Navy specifications last used when it discontinued its daily ration on July 31, 1970—ending a tradition that lasted over 300 years. Pusser’s Rum was resurrected in 1980 by ex-Navy Seal, Charles Tobias. After much convincing he was allowed to reproduce the rum to the exact specifications of the Admiralty blend established in 1810.
Pusser’s Blue Label Rum has been heavily influenced by rum distilled in the famed Demerara Distiller’s double wooden pot still of the Port Mourant estate, which first went into production in 1732. Although relocated and refurbished over the years, the double wooden pot stills continue to be the bedrock of Navy rum and a vital part of the distillation process that produces superbly enhanced aroma and flavour. The “Greenheart” staves of these old wooden stills have absorbed decades of unique, organic flavouring compounds that provide a deep flavour far beyond that of mass-produced rums.
Following distillation, Pussers Blue Label Rum is aged for a minimum of three years—imparting additional smoothness and flavour. The tropical climate in Guyana helps spirits reach their maturity faster than spirits aged in cooler climates.
- CLASSIFICATION: Single Blended Rum (Traditional column and pot still rum a single distillery)
- DISTILLERY: Demerara Distillers Limited
- ORIGIN: Guyana
- AGE: 3 Year (100% Tropical Aging)
- CASK: ex-Bourbon
- ABV: 40% | 700ml
Website: www.pussersrum.com
JULY 2022
~ Rum Sixty Six 12 Year Family Reserve Barbados Rum ~
This is a huge month for both quality and affordable Barbados rum from one of the most renowned rum distilleries in the world – Foursquare Rum Distillery.
The Rum-of-the-Month for JULY 2022 and now available in Australia is Rum Sixty Six 12 Year Family Reserve Barbados Rum from the renowned Foursquare Rum Distillery and internationally acclaimed Master Distiller and Blender, Richard Seale. Rum Sixty Six is named to commemorate the Barbados Independence Act of 1966, when Barbados gained its independence from Britain.
Unlike many independent bottlings of Foursquare rum that are is shipped to Europe or the UK for continental aging in cooling climates, Rum Sixty Six spends its entirety maturing to perfection on the Caribbean Island of Barbados under tropical conditions. This along with pot-distilled rum in the blend brings more complexity and rich notes of tropical fruit and oak.
Tasting Notes: Rich aromatic nose with raisins, prunes and some treacle. Slight vanilla notes and sturdy oak influence. Big and full on the palate with lots of rich flavour and mellow maturity. Vanilla plays an important part in the lasting finish.
- CLASSIFICATION: Single Blended Rum (Traditional column and pot still rum a single distillery)
- DISTILLERY: Foursquare Rum Distillery
- ORIGIN: Barbados
- AGE: 12 Year (100% Tropical Aging)
- CASK: ex-Bourbon
- ABV: 40% | 700ml
Website: www.rumsixtysix.com
JUNE 2022
~ Beenleigh XO Rare Rum ~
>The Rum Club Australia Membership | Rum-of-the-Month
The Rum-of-the-Month for June 2022 is the brand new XO Rare Rum from Beenleigh.
Due to the high calibre and authentic rums consistently on offer through The Rum Club Australia, we are extremely proud and privileged to be able to offer some of the very first allocation of the Beenleigh XO Rare Rum in Australia to our members!
Led by Master Distiller Wayne Stewart, with an incredible 42 years of experience at Beenleigh, the brand new Beenleigh XO Rare Cask Rum is a meticulously selected blend of rare, hand-picked selections of 2014 Ex-Australian Brandy vat Rum masterfully blended with 2013 ex-Bourbon American Oak Barrel Rum. After almost a decade of tropical maturation and combined with rare parcels of 2015 ex Bourbon American Oak Barrel Rum, the XO Rare Rum is born.
American Oak ex-Bourbon casks and ex-Australian Brandy Casks contribute to a classic toffee, caramel and butterscotch flavour, rounded sweet hints of dried fruits and subtle oaky tones. The XO Rare Rum is distinctive, rich, luscious and has a velvety-smooth finish.
Fantastic to see this bottled up at 46% ABV that really brings out the complexity and character of this amazing rum, and of course with no additives and non-chill filtered.
MAY 2022
~ Germana Traditional 2 Year Premium Cachaça (Brazilian Rum) ~
The Rum-of-the-Month for May 2022 is the Germana Traditional 2 Year Premium Cachaça from Brazil.
Cachaça is known as ‘Brazilian Rum’ being produced from sugar cane juice, and was made famous for its use in the Caipirinha, one of the biggest selling cocktails in the world. To use the name Cachaça, it must be produced, distilled and bottled in Brazil. Cachaça actually outdates rum production in the Caribbean, with the process dating back to 1532, when one of the Portuguese colonists brought the first cuttings of sugar cane to Brazil from Madeira.
Germana Cachaça is a handmade artisanal Brazilian spirit, produced from sugar cane juice and maize, and is regarded as one of the best quality cachaças in the world. It is produced Vista Alegre Farm in Nova União in the Minas Gerais region of Brazil. The Farm owns around 600 hectares of sugar cane, which is grown without the use of chemical pesticides. The sugarcane fields are not burnt down, but instead the crop is cut by hand, bottling, adding the banana leaf outer wrapping and the labels and filling the cases is also done by hand. This makes Cachaça Germana truly and purely Brazilian artesian Cachaça.
Cachaça Germana is distilled in a pot still up to 54% alcohol / volume and are the only exporting distillery that practise sustainability by using the waste sugar cane by using at as the fuel for their direct fire pot still.
Germana Traditional 2 Year Premium Cachaça is a premium and refined Cachaca that is aged for two years in French Oak barrels, adding smoothness and softness. The Germana Traditional 2 Year Cachaça is ideal for those who enjoy a more refined tasting cachaça. The French Oak barrel ageing lends the cachaça a sweet and woody flavour.
Awards:
- Double Gold Medal – San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2010
- Gold Medal – Concurso de Bruxelas
- Silver Medal – San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2009
- Silver Medal – National Hyatt Cachaça Awards
Cachaça Germana is called “Cachaça da Palha” in Brazil as their premium products are covered in “Palha” — leaves taken from the stem of the banana plant. Sergio Caetano, the founder of Cachaça Germana, was a “Tropeiro” who used to transport farm products like smoked meat,
corn, cheese and Cachaça to the gold mines with mules. Sometimes a mule used to slip on the mountain tracks and so bottles could break, leaving Sergio Caetano with fewer products to sell and swap. To stop this from happening, he started to wrap the bottles in banana
leaves to protect them better from breaking and also creating protection from the suns rays. And this was when the name Germana “Cachaça da Palha“ was born.
- DISTILLERY: Germana Distillery (Vista Alegre Farm)
- ORIGIN: Brazil
- AGE: 2 Years (100% aged at origin)
- CASK: French Oak
- ABV: 40% | 700ml
Website: Germana Cachaca
APRIL 2022
~ Rhum J.M XO (Extra Old) ~
The Rum-of-the-Month for April 2022 is the Rhum J.M XO (Extra Old) from the Caribbean island of Martinique.
Rhum J.M Distillery, founded by Jean Marie Martin (J.M) in 1845 is located in the north of Martinique (French West Indies), renowned to be one of the most prestigious brands for aged French rums.
In 1845, Jean-Marie Martin, merchant from Saint-Pierre and husband of Marie Ferment, daughter of a great planter from the island, purchased the Fonds-Préville estate sugar plantation. Jean-Marie Martin recognizes the superior quality of the sugar cane he finds on the Fonds-Préville estate and decides to cultivate the sugar cane correctly only for the production of Rhum Agricole. He built a small distillery on the estate and put his initials “J.M” on the first oak barrels used to ripen and transport his rum to the market. Since then, these two letters have become and remain the emblem of the most prestigious and superior rum known in Martinique.
Rhum J.M XO (Extra Old) is first aged for 5 years in ex-Bourbon barrels before being finished for a final year in French oak, the striking copper tone is unmistakable and precedes an elegant and complex flavour profile. A generous bouquet of various dried fruits and jams transition into a rich honey, spice, and almond palate.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: A rich array of various fruity aromas are ever present on the nose including candied orange zest, figs, dates, prunes, and quince paste. Further exploration will reveal gingerbread notes seducing you with its elegance.
Palate: The strong dried and confit aromas of the nose are intensified on the palate and accompanied by the sweet note of tonka bean. This rhum is characterized by extreme depth and volume throughout and the finish is long and enveloping.
- DISTILLERY: Rhum J.M Distillery
- ORIGIN: Martinique
- AGE: 6 Years (100% aged at origin)
- CASK: ex-Bourbon + French Oak
- ABV: 45% | 700ml
Website: www.rhumjmusa.com
MARCH 2022
~ Admiral Rodney HMS Royal Oak Rum ~
Already a multi-award-winning rum from Saint Lucia, Admiral Rodney has evolved further and has been re-launched with two additional expressions to create a permanent range of three exquisite rums. Each year a limited edition “Officier’s Release” bottling is also released showcasing a unique and innovative cask finish, which will be our member’s only optional add-in (further details to be announced via email and on social media).
Admiral Rodney has been labelled by some of the world’s most respected rum aficionados as the best pure rum made on a traditional twin-column Coffey still. Staying true to what has made Admiral Rodney such a great success, these extraordinary spirits display exceptional blends of aged column distilled rums of different age ranges and finishes. Each distillate in Admiral Rodney Rum is withdrawn from the column on lower plates to capture natural characters of the rum, which develops over time aging in oak casks. Each individual expression shows the meticulous talents of St. Lucia Distiller’s Head Blender, Deny Duplessis.
Admiral Rodney HMS Royal Oak was in the vanguard of ships to engage the French in the famous Battle of the Saints. Captained by Thomas Burnett, the Royal Oak maneuvered skillfully and brought to bear all of her 74 guns on the enemy for the duration of the battle. With 8 men lost and 20 wounded, the Royal Oak played an integral role in the first skirmishes of the battle and encouraged us to create a rum of rarity, intensity, and boldness.
The Rum-of-the-Month for March 2022 is the Admiral Rodney HMS Royal Oak, the original Admiral Rodney blend, containing 7-12 year old Coffey still rum that has been aged exclusively in previously used Bourbon casks and blended to perfection.
Tasting Notes:
Bright amber colour with a nose of prunes, raisin fruit, toasty oak and tropical spiced. Intense mouth-feel of sweet sultana fruit, tobacco, and chocolate, with vanilla from the oak. Complex finish with sweet fruit, caramel, and spice.
- DISTILLERY: St. Lucia Distillers
- ORIGIN: St Lucia
- AGE: 7-12 Year (100% aged at origin)
- CASK: ex-Bourbon
- ABV: 40% | 700ml
Website: www.admiralrodneyrum.com
FEBRUARY 2022
~ Beenleigh Flood Rum 2022 Limited Release ~
(Single Cask #1570 exclusive to The Rum Club Australia)
LIMITED STOCK REMAINING FROM THE RUM CLUB ONLINE SHOP
> The Rum Club Australia Membership | Rum-of-the-Month
The Rum-of-the-Month for February 2022 is the internationally acclaimed and multi-award wining Beenleigh Flood Rum, with The Rum Club Australia privileged to exclusively offer the first Single Cask Release (Barrel #1570) of this truly unique rum.
With 137 years of history behind them, Beenleigh Artisan Distillery has seen its fair share of trials and tribulations. But in the spirit of a True Aussie Battler, they’ve always bounced back bigger and better.
So many visitors to the Beenleigh Artisan Distillery have been captivated by the story of the Flood Rum. Perhaps it’s because they remember all too well the effect that Tropical Cyclone Debbie had on not just Brisbane, but most of QLD. Perhaps it’s because it’s a story like no other.
On March the 30th 2017, Debbie unleashed her fury on Brisbane. Many homes were damaged; many had to flee. Brisbane effectively shut down. Beenleigh Artisan Distillery, located on the banks of the Albert River, is of course, no stranger to the effects of catastrophic floods. 1887 and 1974 were the “big ones” which the Distillery, resplendent with resilient spirit, withheld. But there were many more in between.
On the 31st of March 2017, the flood waters broke through and flooded the Distillery. Thus, the truly unique Flood Rum was born.
The Beenleigh Distillers had just put down a Rum ferment — usually a 48-to-72-hour process, before distillation and then maturation. But the water rose so quickly that the distillery pumps no longer worked, and the ferment was effectively stuck in our tanks for a 6 month period before they could be repaired.
Once the Distillery was fully operational again, Beenleigh’s very experienced distillers led by Master Distiller Wayne Stewart, ran this ferment through their Copper Pot Still. With a total of just 12 barrels laid down in 2017, this 2022 Release is the first single cask release of the Flood Rum following the maiden Distillery release in 2021, consisting of 2. The 2022 release is the oldest release yet, aged in an ex-Bourbon barrel (4 years and 5 months) and again bottled by hand at 46% alc/vol, with no additives and non-chill filtered. A truly unique rum that will be sort after for years to come!