Asda, Superior White Rum, 37.5%

It’s funny how much the world has changed.

Instead of physically going down to the shops & picking our whiskey off the shelves – it’s computer clicks & courier calls.

That’s why I got excited about Aldi’s Púca Whiskey.

Not in Athlone! c/oAldi

Alas there was no show in my local store!

Usually I’d turn the quest to find a bottle into a blockbuster of The Hunt For Red October proportions – RIP Sean Connery – but due to COVID restrictions – travel beyond 5km was out.

Sean drinking whiskey. c/oSuntory

So on to Plan B.

Supermarket Rum.

Asda Superior White Rum c/othewhiskeynut

Purchased traveling South through the North during the heady days of summer when we were free to roam around the Emerald Isle.

A relatively plain & simple yet pleasing bottle.

A very attractive price – £11 – yet on tasting – superb!

This is everything I expect from a white rum.

Pleasing aromas of sweet funk on the nose.

A deliciously oily mouthfeel that coats the palate with sweet, heavy funky fruit.

All wrapped up with a characterful prickly peppery spice.

Tried it, Loved it! c/othewhiskeynut

The Púca may have alluded me – but Asda’s White Rum is seriously pukka!

Sláinte

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Asda, Fine Dark Navy Rum, 37.5%, Caribbean

Virtually every UK supermarket has their own brand range of spirits.

Commonly referred to as ‘bottom shelf’  – I’d uncovered a few delightful diamonds in this category & I’m always happy to hunt for more.

Returning from a short trip to Donegal the Asda in Strabane beckoned me.

Their own brand whisky had sold out – is that a sign of quality? – so I pivoted to rum.

Asda Rum c/othewhiskeynut

‘Superior Quality Blend, Fine Dark Navy Rum, Sourced From The Caribbean’ is the full title, came in a plastic bottle.

Is this a thing now & would it put you off?

At less than £6 for a half bottle – it didn’t deter me.

Could Asda deliver the goods?

Caribbean rum packed in France c/othewhiskeynut

Sadly not!

Possessing that burnt rubber aroma – previously encountered before – didn’t win me over.

The palate was a little better. Soft, smooth, good mouthfeel & a slight prickly spice on the finish – but that heavy treacly note persisted.

If it floats your boat – fine – but it just sank mine.

Not my cup of tea!

Sláinte

TinCup American Whiskey, 42%

The most Northern point on the Island of Ireland is in what is often known as The South.

To access the political North from here you travel South.

TinCup American Whiskey proudly displays it’s Colorado heritage on the attractively embossed bottle – as well as the marketing story.

TinCup story. c/othewhiskeynut

The bulk of the whiskey is actually distilled in Indiana – blended & cut with some Colorado single malt & ‘Pure Rocky Mountain Water’.

So now that’s all clear – what was I doing in The North?

Simple really.

The North – being a different jurisdiction – stocks a more comprehensive & varied array of spirits than The South. Always keen to pick up something new & interesting I called in on an Asda supermarket on my travels & bagged this American Whiskey.

I like it! c/othewhiskeynut

The design is cool – the marketing is slick – it’s reasonably priced – it made my basket.

A rich golden brown hue with that classic candyfloss bourbon sweetness tempered by a sawdusty dry rye aroma greeted me.

The palate was relatively mellow – yet gradually opened up with smooth vanilla & gently growing peppery spices building to a gorgeously drying finish leaving a tingling prickliness dancing away.

I found the overall presentation of this whiskey extremely endearing & enticing.

The whiskey itself suitably matched the marketing.

A lovely combination of rugged rye & smooth bourbon – stories of the past & visions for the future.

Jess Graber c/othewhiskeynut

I look forward to further exploring developments from Jess Graber, Colorado Whiskey & Proximo Spirits..

Happy Independence Day!

Sláinte