From St Vincent Distillers in the West Indies come two rum brands, Sparrow’s Premium Rum and Captain Bligh XO Rum making their debut into the Australian market.
St Vincent Distillers Ltd (SVDL) is a small family-owned business located in the Caribbean island of St Vincent and the Grenadines. The history of SVDL dates back to the 1900s when Mt. Bentinck Distillery as it was called at the time, was established next door to a sugar factory, making use of the readily-available molasses. In 1970, the distillery was sold to the government and after troubled times which included a shift in the economy from sugar to bananas, the distillery closed in 1985.
In 1996, the government sold the distillery to C K Greaves & Co who gave the distillery a major overhaul which included sourcing molasses from Guyana. The family-owned company began marketing the new rum which subsequently went to win international awards.
SVDL produces two rums which are available on the Australian market, Sparrow’s Premium Rum and Captain Bligh XO Special Reserve Rum.
Sparrow’s Premium Rum
Sparrow’s Premium Rum is made from Gyanese molasses, fermented for 36 hours, distilled in a modern two column still and aged in ex Kentucky bourbon barrels for up to seven years.
- Country of Origin: St Vincent and the Grenadines, West Indies
- ABV: 40%
- Colour: dull amber with a golden tinge
- Nose: sweet aromas of brown sugar and caramel lead onto some vanilla notes and a hint of banana; soft spices; molasses come to the fore as aromas develop in the glass
- Palate: smooth and mellow, front palate forward with loads of sweet caramel and toffee, elegant on the palate
- Finish:a mid length finish tapers with burnt toffee
- Price: $75 AUD RRP for 750ml
Comments: Sparrow’s Premium Rum is a versatile style rum that represents good value for money. The rum is best used in cocktails and makes a good entry level sipping rum. Enjoy it neat, on ice, or simply top with ginger beer.
Captain Bligh XO Special Reserve Rum
Captain Bligh XO Special Reserve Rum is made from molasses that are imported from Guyana and distilled in a two column still. After the distillation is complete, the spirit is diluted to 87.5% and aged in ex Kentucky bourbon barrels for up to 12 years.
The rum is named after William Bligh, an officer of the British Royal Navy renowned for the mutiny that took on board the HMS Bounty in 1789. Captain Bligh XO Rum has been receiving international accolades and was awarded the World’s Best Rum in 2014 and the Gold Medal in 2015 at the World Rum Awards.
- Country of Origin: St Vincent and the Grenadines, West Indies
- ABV: 40%
- Colour: bright amber
- Nose: delicate aromas of coconut, caramel and sultanas, hints of vanilla with a subtle scent of oak
- Palate: medium-bodied, smooth and elegant with loads of coconut, caramel, and a hint of vanilla on the back palate
- Finish: mid to long finish with a surprisingly dry finish
- Price: $79 AUD RRP for 750ml
Comments: Captain Bligh XO Rum makes a good choice for a delicious sipping rum at an affordable price while being equally suited for cocktails and mixed drinks.
Sparrow’s Premium Rum and Captain Bligh XO Special Reserve Rum are distributed by La Rumbla Imports Pty Ltd. For more information, visit www.sunsetrum.com.au.
In collaboration with Sunset Rum. Photo Credit: Supplied.
