Monday, June 17, 2024

Dread River Blackstrap Rum

 

Dread River Distilling Co. Blackstrap Rum


We don't get a lot of opportunities to taste rum, but we are so glad we had this chance.  Dread River Distilling Co out of Birmingham, Alabama has been distilling bourbon, rum, vodka, gin and other fine spirits since 2019.  During the Covid pandemic they were also pumping out hand sanitizer.  What started as a dream to create a small craft whiskey distillery has turned into a thriving and impressive destination location that not only produces whiskey but has so much more to offer.  Dread River now has a full-service kitchen, bar, gift shop, even facility....and some damned fine rum!

The Dread River Blackstrap Rum is starts with brown sugar and molasses, which is important to know when tasting this one.  In lieu of sugar cane, the brown sugar plays an important part in the color, aromas and flavors of this unique liquor.  If you pop this open and are thinking you're going to get something similar to a Captain Morgan plonk, you're in for surprise.  This rum has a hauntingly gorgeous deep, dark chocolate color and features all natural flavors.  The mash is infused with orange peel, peppercorn, vanilla beans and coriander, creating aromas that leap from the glass.  

We tasted this straight and neat since we truly believe it is a sipping rum and then again with a couple of ice cubes.  Maple, lemongrass, coffeebean, vanilla and fresh fruit basket aromas were competing for attention.  Island fruits, vanilla pudding, maple candy and orange marmelade were initial flavors without the ice.  Ice brought out some semi sweet chocolate and sweet rolls towards the end.  To drink this is absolutely effortless and a real smile maker!

This is the inaugural batch of Blackstrap Rum from Dread River and we suspect it won't be their last!  If this bottle is any indication of how the rest of their lineup is, they are definitely worth putting on your radar!

Dread River Blackstrap Rum Label

ABV:  40.0% (80 proof)

Distillery:  Dread River Distilling Co.

Suggested retail price:  $39.99

Drink The Bottles score:  90/100


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