LOVE SINGLE MALT? YOU WILL LOVE THIS RUM.
The peaty embrace of a Lagavulin, the saline notes intertwined with fruitiness found in an aged Glen Scotia, or the smooth yet multi-layered character of a Balvenie… whisky lovers cherish these liquid adventures for good reason, they understand the value of complexity and subtlety, of approaching each dram, with its intricate flavours and nuanced aromas as a liquid exploration.
Rum has the potential to offer depth and complexity comparable to the finest single malts, a truly enticing prospect for whisky enthusiasts seeking new experiences. Yet, the sheer diversity of rum, combined with lax regulations and the prevalence of lower-quality products, can overwhelm newcomers and pose a significant challenge for those approaching it for the first time. That’s why we want to provide single malt enthusiasts with a straightforward starting point to initiate their exploration of rum, allowing them to enamour with this exceptional spirit through recognisable characters, and familiar aromas and flavours.
The whiskies hailing from Speyside are renowned for their characteristic smoothness, sweetness, and complexity, often boasting flavours of pomaceous fruit intertwined with hints of vanilla and oak. Renowned distilleries like Glenfiddich and Aberlour produce exceptional examples from this region, yet none rival the revered status of Macallan. Within its core offerings, the Macallan 18 Year Old stands out as a pinnacle of richness and complexity, an indispensable addition to any discerning drinker's collection. Its aromatic profile showcases a delightful interplay of spices, fresh ginger, dried fruit, raisins, and orange zest. House of Rum’s Barbados 2010, shares remarkable similarities with this Macallan's expression, including a vibrant fresh and dried fruit character complemented by subtle spiciness, and an impressively long, smooth, and harmonious palate.
Campbeltown whiskies are distinct from Speyside single malts, with their unique combination of maritime, briny flavours, and fruity, spicy undertones. For enthusiasts of these malts too, transitioning to great rum can be a seamless and rewarding experience. Take the Springbank 21 Year Old for instance. Its intense aromas of pineapple, fruitcake, and candied citrus zest resonate with the ripe tropical fruit character found in our Trinidad 2012. Drinkers will also discover a sense of familiarity in the rum's luscious caramel sweetness, reminiscent of Springbank's toffee and honey palate.
Even committed Islay lovers can find a rum tailored to their tastes. Islay whiskies are celebrated for their bold nature, often characterised by intense peaty flavours intertwined with briny and citrusy notes. An exceptional embodiment of this style is found in the Bowmore 18 Year Old Vintner's Trilogy Part 1. This expression epitomises Bowmore's signature balance of smoke, fruit, and subtle sweetness, offering a complex array of flavours including peat, orange zest, tropical fruits, caramel, and a hint of chocolate. Of a comparable age, House of Rum’s Venezuela 2005 showcases the strength and refinement achievable in the world of sugarcane spirits, making it an ideal match for palates who enjoy an aged Bowmore. With enticing aromas of both stone and tropical fruits, a smooth yet robust palate, and a dark chocolate finish accented by a woody quality, it resonates with those accustomed to the assertive character of peat in Islay whiskies.
Rum can also cater to the preferences of drinkers who appreciate the complexity and nuance typically found in older single malts. Let’s take Dalmore as an example. The distillery is renowned for its remarkable array of exquisite liquids crafted under the artistry of master distiller Richard Paterson OBE. The Dalmore 21 Year Old is the pinnacle of the distillery's classic collection, and we believe that lovers of such an exquisite liquid will discover a kindred spirit in our Dominican 2000. The Dalmore 21 Year Old’s notes of coffee and toffee find a counterpart in the rum, with its roasted, caramel, crème brulee, and vanilla aromas. The palate of both spirits is also comparable, boasting complexity and intensity, a shared depth of toasted, nutty, spicy notes, and delicate wood sweetness imparted by extensive ageing in ex-Bourbon barrels. There are several compelling reasons for whisky enthusiasts to give these rums a try.
Aged rum can often be more mature than whisky when comparing liquids of similar age. This is due to the hot and humid climate of the tropics, which accelerates maturation and results in rums that are remarkably complex even after just a few years of ageing. Additionally, rum offers exceptional value, especially when compared to the high prices of sought-after single malt bottles: House of Rum's expressions, drawn from single casks and presented at cask strength, offer outstanding quality and depth of flavour at a fraction of the cost of similarly exceptional single malts. With numerous compelling reasons to delve into aged sugarcane spirits – and with a little guidance to select the right expression for your palate – there's truly no excuse for a single malt enthusiast not to explore the world of great rum.