Quinn’s Old Sailor Rum, 37.5%, Guyana

I couldn’t leave Cushendun without calling in on Randal’s Bar.

Randal c/oWallStreetJournal

Character driven underestimates the experience.

It’s almost like entering a time capsule – which is to my advantage – as an unusual bottle caught my eye.

Quinn’s Old Sailor Rum c/othewhiskeynut

Offered no explanation of where or when the rum had been acquired – other than a customer used to enjoy it with milk? – I duly ordered a tot.

A lovely sweet & heavy treacly aroma greeted me – which was very reassuring – as I had misgivings it wouldn’t have aged well.

The palate was soft, smooth & silky mouth coating.

Very nice!

The treacly body gave way to hints of spice & suggestions of oak aging.

A suitably seafaring spirit to round up my Northern excursion.

Sláinte

Quinn’s of Cookstown (1964) Ltd were bought up by Britvic in 2011.

Does anyone have memories of this rum?

Advertisement

Admiral’s Cask, Premium Panama Rum, 40%

An attractive barrel shaped presentation caught my eye.

Roll Out The Barrel! c/othewhiskeynut

Premium Panama Rum – Cask Aged.

What’s not to like?

Pours a rich deep brown.

Lovely pour. c/othewhiskeynut

Viscous legs coat the glass.

Sweet golden caramels with a hint of oaky tannins on the aroma.

An easy going demerara style palate greets me with a lovely flourish of lip smacking spice on the finish.

Label info c/othewhiskeynut

Yo ho ho and a barrel of rum!

Sláinte

Emanates from Old St Andrews Fine Spirits – creators of the Golf Ball Whisky reviewed earlier.

Rum, The Epic Story Of The Drink That Conquered The World, Charles A Coulombe

Rum – the spirit that spanned the globe.

The depth, spread, longevity & diversity of rum through all it’s manifestations is chronicled in this entertaining book – along with cocktail recipes if you wish to indulge.

A book on Rum & a bottle of Rum c/othewhiskeynut

From the days of slavery, pirates & colonial might – to the globalization of rum brands today – and all points in between.

Why Cuban rum is not available in the US to how Haiti is still an undeveloped nation.

Clairin to Cachaça – Demerara to dunder – it’s in here – along with an intriguing Newfoundland variation – Screech.

Politics, plunder, prohibition & popular music – rum has been central to them all.

Read all about Rum c/othewhiskeynut

Pour yourself a glass, sit down & enjoy the story.

Sláinte

Sierra Nevada, Narwhal, Barrel Aged Imperial Stout, 11.9%

Dark – very dark.

Aromas of coffee, sweet vanilla & molasses.

Sierra Nevada Narwhal c/othewhiskeynut

Almost nitro smoothness on the palate.

For such a high strength ABV offering this is quite a light experience.

Despite it’s full year in bourbon barrels – I didn’t pick up a noticeable bourbon influence.  Truth is – I got more of a rum vibe going.

Those heavy – slightly burnt –  molasses combined with rich dark brown demerara sweetness were actually more suited to the Narwhal & pirate ship motif displayed on the eye-catching can!

Beast of a Beer c/othewhiskeynut

A ‘beast of a beer’ indeed!

Sláinte