Welcome to the dark side.
Of rum at least.
Dark Rums are characterised by their – well – darker colouring.
This can come about through the use of heavily charred casks & longer maturation times – although as in whiskey, added caramel is not unknown.
Dark rums are also usually stronger flavoured than their lighter colleagues – and it was for this reason I picked up a bottle of Old Hopking in my local Aldi.
‘Imported from Trinidad and Jamaica’ also piqued my interest.
Jamaican rums are generally made from molasses, distilled in pot stills & are considered full bodied with strong flavours. Suits me!
So how was Old Hopking Dark Rum?
The nose certainly offered a lot more than the clearer rums I’ve tried. Soft, funky & sweet with some burning rubber going on.
An easy delivery slowly developed through a burnt caramel sweetness into a touch of warm woodiness & gentle spice.
A long lasting hug of warmth.
I really enjoyed this one.
I think I’ve just been touched by the dark side!
Sláinte
WestmeathWhiskeyWorld 