Fifteen 15 Outrageous and Unique Luxury Rum Brands

As a follow up to our popular story on Unique and Outrageous Scotch Whiskies we’d like to now present our votes for the most unique and unusual brands of Rum. India is the number one consumer of Rum in the world followed by the US. However, India lags far behind the rest of the world in total alcohol consumption see graph below:

A bye-product of sugar (and sometimes other things), these Rum brands are sweet and definitely different. By the way, if you are a Rum connoisseur, try this objective review site.

About Rum: Rum is a distilled beverage made from sugarcane by-products such as molasses and sugarcane juice by a process of fermentation and distillation. The distillate, a clear liquid, is then usually aged in oak and other casks. While there are rum producers in places such as Australia, India, Reunion Island, and elsewhere around the world, the majority of rum production occurs in and around the Caribbean and along the Demerara river in South America.

Rum is produced in a variety of styles. Light rums are commonly used in mixed drinks, while golden and dark rums are appropriate for use in cooking as well as cocktails. Premium brands of rum are also available that are made to be consumed neat or on the rocks.

Premium Khukri Rum From Nepal – Cuts like a Knife

As super-premium rums from exotic locales continue to surge in the U.S., Liquid Spirits Imports has brought an eye-catching offering from Nepal into the market. Khukri Rum began in the New York metro market, which has been a key venue for the flood of upscale rums that have entered the U.S. in recent years.

The rum is named after the dagger-like weapon called a khukri, which was used in Nepal by the elite Gurkha armed forces. Along with its standard 750-ml. bottle ($19.99), Khukri is packaged in a 375-ml. dagger-shaped bottle that was originally introduced in Nepal in 1974 to mark the coronation of a new King.

Bacardi’s Watermelon Flavored Rum

Miami-based Bacardi USA Inc. launched Grand Melón in April, the seventh spirit in its flavored rum line. The fresh watermelon-flavored rum is designed for mixability but I question why one wants to mix watermelon + Rum + another additive. Isn’t Watermelon and Rum enough?

The 35-percent alcohol-by-volume rum retails for $12.99 to $14.99 a 750-ml. bottle and is also available in 50-ml., 200-ml., 375-ml., 1-liter and 1.75-liter bottles.

RedRum is “Murder” spelled backwards

Three-D Spirits, Inc. goal is to create exciting handmade rums with exceptional quality. Today they offer three products: RedRum, VooDoo Spiced Rum & Jolly Roger Caribbean Rum. RedRum is distilled from pure Caribbean sugarcane and infused with natural mango, pineapple, coconut, and cherry flavors.

VooDoo is a traditional spiced rum, yet the first to be made using "barrel aged" Virgin Island rum. The oak barrel aging process mellows the rum, and adds a smooth, distinctive taste.

Cruzan Rum - New Black Cherry Flavor The Absolut Spirits Co. has added a ninth flavor to its Cruzan rum portfolio, unveiling Cruzan Black Cherry in May. The cherry-flavored rum, which also has notes of almonds, flowers and berries, is the first new Cruzan flavor offering in three years. Cruzan Black Cherry is available in an array of bottle sizes, ranging from 50-ml. to 1.75-L. A 750-ml. bottle retails for $11.99.

Tommy Bahama White Sand and Tommy Bahama Golden Sun

Ah yes, the tropical clothier is now introducing a tropical ultra-premium rum brand under the same name. Actually Tommy Bahama has collaborated with Sidney Frank Importing Co to create the ($29.99 a 750-ml. bottle) luxury rum brand. White Sand, a clear, light-bodied rum with tropical fruit aromas, was aged for a minimum of two years. Golden Sun, a full-bodied amber rum with a fruity nose and flavors of coffee, pralines and roasted nuts, was aged a minimum of three years.

Trader Vic’s Banana Rum

A fun and fruity rum that will make you want to swing from the trees. Great with any tropical mixer. Banana rum tastes like rum made from bananas, or at least rum with natural banana flavors. 99 Bananas tastes like strong alcohol with melted-down banana runts. I refer to the flavor, not the sweetness. In fact it tastes like the syrup that canned pineapple comes packed in. I would definitely recommend it as it has a real natural flavor.

267 Rum Infusions Mango

The undeniably tropical flavor of mangoes mixes with 267 Rum Infusions. Add pineapple juice and Amaretto for a fabulous Mai-Tai. You can't taste the alcohol at all. It is less sweet than other Mango rums, but has a little bite to it. This has a very authentic flavor. Plus, it has fruit in the bottle, so that must mean it is good for you! This tastes like I just cut a fresh mango with an equally excellent flavor.

World’s Most Expensive Rum

It doesn’t look expensive, but the bottle shown here, bottled in the 1940s by the Jamaican distillers Wray and Nephew, and containing blends that date back as far as around 1915 has the honor of being what is believed to be the world's most expensive bottle of rum. The bottle which is being displayed at Europe's first rum festival, RumFest, is valued at £26,000. The bottle, which is one of four unopened bottles of the stuff in the world, represents the lost tradition of the Wray and Nephew Rum. The popularity of the Mai Tai cocktail drained their rum supplies in the 1930s. In order to keep up with demand, the distillery changed their production methods. The bottle therefore represents the last chance to taste the Mai Tai as it was originally conceived.

Havana Club’s Maximo

This expensive beauty will set you back $2000 US. Only nine bottles of Máximo Extra Añejo were made available to customers. The rum has been created by blending the finest and oldest rum reserves, which have been aged over generations by master rum-makers, or Maestros Roneros. Those masters, who pass on their knowledge through at least ten years of training, pass on the essence of the process that has been growing in Cuba since sugar cane first arrived in the country in 1493. To purchase a bottle of this magnificent rum, or visit Havana Club's official website at www.havana-club.com/maximo.

STARR AFRICAN RUM

Distilled and bottled on the Island of Mauritius-a star of Africa-Starr African Rum is unique among the great rums of the world. Starr’s unexpected flavor originates in the Island ’s rich volcanic soil and reflects the vivacity of its African roots with hints of citrus and a cardamom body. Player Magazine writes, “The distinctive red bottle heralds a new direction for American rum drinkers. Africa has long been home to scores of rum producers. This hot new import ($30) from the Island nation of Mauritius, features delicate flavors in a bold red bottle. Debuted last year, it’s making a name for itself at trendy watering holes in Los Angeles and The Big Apple”

Corcor Premium Rum

CORCOR Premium is for those who appreciate the deep and rich flavor that can only be achieved through aging. It comes in a special handmade unglazed jar -- the production of which is limited even in Okinawa -- gently wrapped with sugarcane-made Ryukyuan paper. The original tin package requires a month to produce due to its complex and sophisticated design. Each jar comes with a hand-lettered label with a serial number.

Isla N Rum

These rums originate in Argentina. We picked these Rums because they are produced in 100% copper stills with the "slow distillation" method. Rated 86 points by EAS/B&D and comes in White, Gold, Coconut and Lemon flavored Rums. Can anyone tell me what Gold Rum taste like?

Captain Morgan Tattoo

No, it doesn’t come with a tattoo or even leave your innards with one after the first sip. The Captain Morgan Tattoo line of Rum is a Puerto Rican Rum that is blended with their secret formula of premium and hot spices. There is a noticable aroma of citrus, vanilla, and cherry. The liquid itself has a dark caramel color with a golden glow. There is a faint taste of general allspice with some warmth but little actual burn in the finish.

Ciclon Rum by Bacardi

Ciclon is a smooth premium gold rum from Barcardi, infused with a touch of blue agave tequila and a twist of natural lime flavor. The best of both worlds, smooth mixable Caribbean rum, spiked with the edge of fine Mexican Tequila. A combination Rum and Tequila that has ranked really high in taste tests. It has a smooth first taste that offers a tart touch of lime with dry, herbal undertones. I know, rum is a sweetheart’s drink usually reserved for fruity, sugary concoctions but here you get the tequila thrown in.

Kuya Fusion Rum

Produced by Kahlúa, Kuya is made from a blend of rich, golden rums that are infused with natural citrus flavor extracts and an array of island spices. As it states on the label, it is best described as a fusion between the classic spiced rum and the new breed of fruit flavored rum. The result is phenomenal. Kuya Fusion Rum has a captivating bouquet of citron, grapefruit and vanilla tinged with cloves and spice. After the first sniff you’ll know good things are coming your way. It has a featherweight, seamlessly textured body that delivers a citrus and spicy vanilla palate, flavors that linger for an impressively long time. Guaranteed you’ve never tasted a rum like this before.

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Twelve Outrageous and Unique Scotch Whiskies: Strictly for Whiskey Connoisseurs

With business comes pleasure so I decided to have a little fun by reviewing the most unique whiskies I could find. Did you think that all whiskey is more or less the same? Not by a long shot! Here are some of the most extreme luxury whiskies strictly for connoisseurs.

1. Golf Ball Whiskey

The Old St Andrews company has taken whisky and golf to a new extreme. The company has created a blended scotch whisky in a golf ball shaped bottle. This “Clubhouse” brand has been carefully made to appeal to both golfer and Scotch drinker

2. The Royal $10,000 Whiskey

In order to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II’s visit to the 2007 Kentucky Derby in the US, Crown Royal created the most expensive version of their whisky. Incidentally, the original Crown Royal Canadian Blended Whisky was made for the current Queen’s parents in 1939 to commemorate their Grand Tour of Canada.

Crown Royal has a created a new version of the whisky that uses remaining barrels of the original whisky. The Crown Royal XR Extra Rare Heritage Blend is not for sale but a suggested retail price would likely begin at $10,000. Diageo commissioned Casey Hyland, a master glass designer at Louisville’s Glassworks, to create a custom glass decanter, etched with 24 K gold leaf.

3. Ralph Lauren Whiskey?

Not quite, but Ralph Lauren has made this fine Leather-and-Crystal Decanter for sale in their webshop. Lauren claims it gives the whiskey a designer feel in a much improved decanter design. Click over and take a closer look at The Ralph Lauren site .

4. Most Expensive Blended Scotch

The 50 year old Chivas Regal Royal Salute is Priced at $10,000 a bottle. Another whiskey released in 2003 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II's coronation, its lead malt is the superb Strathisla, which accounts for the exceptionally rich and creamy character. Only 255 bottles of the Scottish whisky were released worldwide, which helps account for the high price.

5. Test Tube Whiskey

The Glenmorangie 21 Year Old Elegance Pot Still looks more like a test tube beaker than a bottle of whiskey. Glenmorangie Elegance is a 21-Year Old malt whiskey, one of the oldest malts to be released from the Glenmorangie Distillery. It has a complex mixture of smoke, sandalwood and mulled wine underlined with traces of oranges, nuts, and marzipan. Available only in this package, the unique decanter is hand-blown by Scotland's leading glassmakers, Caithness Glass in Wick, to replicate Glenmorangie's famous swan-necked pot stills at its distillery.

Sells for about about $500

6. Sea Horse Whiskey

Real Sea Horse Whiskey from Vietnam 125ml
(collectors miniature bottle)

Taking the worm in the tequila thing to the extreme, this rare whiskey is infused with a real farm raised Sea Horse. The whiskey is steeped for several months, which then imparts a unique flavour into the whiskey. They say it is an acquired taste but they don’t say how you acquire it. The story is that this is used in SE Asia as an Aphrodisiac; and it also has medical uses, such as the treatment of back and muscle pain. Every bottle is unique in its own way so therefore the item purchased may differ slightly in looks but not size.

7. Cherry Flavored Whiskey

I’m not sure flavored vodka will make it since there isn't that much of a flavor to begin with because whiskey is already a richly flavored drink. Phillips Union has recently launched whiskey that is a blend of Canadian and Kentucky whiskey with added cherry or vanilla flavors. If you are a Manhattan drinker this could be your new drink of choice.

8. Fireballs in your Whiskey

Dr. McGillicuddy's Fireball whiskey is corn whiskey flavoured with cinnamon. The whiskey smells like the red hot cinnamon hearts, but looks like plain whiskey. The cinnamon overwhelmes the whiskey taste, but it makes it so easy to drink, since the cinnamon burn takes over most of the alcohol burn. It's like a fireball in your mouth. Dr. McGillicuddy really hit the mark with this one. The taste is clean and refreshing. The whisky is the perfect compliment to the cinnamon.

9. Blackberry Whiskey

A blackberry flavored whiskey that balanced the sweetness of fresh blackberries with the subtleties of a refined American whiskey. Leopold Bros. starts with crushed and juiced blackberries that are harvested from throughout the Rocky Mountains in the US. The resulting juice is added to new-make whiskey and racked into used bourbon barrels and aged for up to one year. The understated complexities make this unique whiskey a favorite of both those that prefer the berry flavors of a liqueur and the whiskey connoisseur.

10. Whiskey in a book?

This Rutherfords Green 8 Year Old Single Malt is either a fancy means of hiding your favorite drink or a novelty that is more suited to collectors. I only have one question – How do they keep the pages from getting soaked?

Price is about $125

11. Hops Flavored Whiskey

It’s not easy to combine beer with whiskey, but this double-distilling two row malted barley is a dream come true for both the whiskey and beer connoisseur. With the addition of aromatic hops and the rich spice of new American White Oak barrels, this Hop Flavored Whiskey is truly unique. Being at full barrel strength, uncut and not filtered, CHARBAY Hop Flavored Whiskey is best served on the rocks.

12. Pink Whiskey Liqueur

What Is Macallan Amber Whiskey Liqueur?

Macallan Amber Liqueur is the first liqueur developed by Macallan. Macallan has taken a very interesting approach to Amber - they've used maple and pecan to flavor the Macallan single malt. The result is something fantastic.

In case you are not familiar with the concept of a whisky liqueur:

A liqueur is class of spirit that is produced by mixing or redistilling spirits with fruits, herbs, spices, and/or cream. Liqueurs are sometimes referred to as "Cordials" and often served as a digestif (after-dinner drink).

Whisky liqueurs are not new - Drambuie, Glayva, Columba, Atholl Brose, Heather Cream, Cock O' The North, Stag's Breath and Drumgray are all whisky liqueurs.

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