Drunken Sailor Spice Rum

I originally bought Drunken Sailor rum many moons ago because of the bottle, specifically the label. It has the music and lyrics of “Drunken Sailor,” the old sea shanty, printed on it. I had no idea if it was going to be good. I looked at nothing other than the printing of the label. I honestly expected it to be a novelty gimmick rum. I was pleasantly surprised

WHAT IS DRUNKEN SAILOR

Drunken Sailor is a dark blend of Caribbean rums, spiced with cinammon, vanilla, flavoured with caramel, among other flavours. It’s very sweet to the taste, but not sickeningly so, and surprisingly smooth for its higher proof.

HOW DOES IT TASTE

With a higher ABV than the previous two rums at 46%/92 proof, Drunken Sailor’s smell and taste definitely live up to its name. But the sweetness, and the perfect blend of spices and flavourings, cover up the burn of the alcohol to give you a warm, smooth swallow on the neat sip. The flavours really begin to pop once you pour it over ice. As I said, I was not expecting much out of this rum. But it very quickly became my favourite spiced rum when I first had it afew years ago, and when I was recenly on an out of town trip and saw it in the liquor store, I immediately bought another bottle, as my local stores hadn’t carried it in far too long.

BEST WAY TO DRINK IT

Neat is fine, and like I said, the flavours really pop over ice. But it’s higher proof could be sip-prohibitive. Fortunately, as we careen recklessly towards fall, maybe even attempting to hasten its arrival by putting up Halloween decorations early, Drunken Sailor’s mash of flavours and endearing sweetness definitely belong in any number of mixed drinks, both cold and warm.

A collection of rum punches, however you prepare them, would taste delicious with Drunken Sailor. As we hit the fall beverages, mixing your cider, hot cocoa, or even coffee with a splash of Drunken Sailor will make your fall evenings a cozy affair. As deliciously sweet as this rum is, it’s just not made for flying solo. It can certainly be enjoyed as such and I’d never be one to stop you from drinking a rum how you enjoy it, but this is definitely more of a cocktail/mixed drink rum. All that said, definitely try it at least once neat or over ice, just to experience it on it’s own.

DO I RECOMMEND

Without a doubt I recommend this rum. It’s a much better rum than it has right to be, and overcomes the novelty of its packaging. I think I picked it up for around $30 at the store I was at in Wichita, KS. It’s definitely an affordable buy, to boot. Its versatility in being able to be enjoyed in numerous fashions make it a utility player on the field, and a high quality one. Plus the label is fun. It’s what drew me in. It’s imported and bottled by Sherwood LTD. in Mira Loma, CA. If you find yourself out and about, wandering the rum aisle and you see a cartoon face of a drunken sailor with sheet music, grab the bottle and head to the counter. You won’t be disappointed in your purchase.