Kraken Black Spiced Rum
Review: Kraken Black Spiced Rum 2yr 47%
Kraken Black Spiced Rum at 47% ABV hails from the sun-soaked shores of Trinidad. This two-year-old molasses-based spirit aims to deliver a robust profile of spices intended to awaken the senses.
Aroma
On the nose, Kraken Black Spiced Rum greets you with a pleasantly potent mix of vanilla and caramel, underscored by a rich layer of spice and coffee. The vanilla and caramel form a sweet and inviting base, making the initial aroma notably warm and comforting.
Taste
Taking the first sip, the rum unfolds with the same flavors that characterize its aroma. The vanilla and caramel are prominent, delivering a sweet undertone that mingles seamlessly with the expected spicy kick. There’s a substantial sweetness to it, but it’s balanced enough by the spice to keep it from tipping into cloying territory.
Finish
As the warmth settles in, the finish mirrors the tasting notes with vanilla, caramel, and spice dancing persistently on the palate. It’s a smooth conclusion but doesn’t quite deliver any unexpected depth or surprise beyond what it initially promised.
Verdict
With a rating of 6.0/10, Kraken Black Spiced Rum isn’t going to move mountains or revolutionize your rum-drinking experience. It stands securely in the realm of “not great,” offering a straightforward experience that doesn’t surprise or particularly impress but isn’t unpleasant. The rum does accomplish a rich and bold delivery of sweet and spicy notes, making it a fair choice for mixing into cocktails where such flavors are desired.
Additional Detail
For those who enjoy rum with a heavy lean into spice and sweet profiles, Kraken Black Spiced may hit the right notes. However, for the more critical rum enthusiast seeking complexity and depth, this might not be the bottle to reach for when savoring it neat. Its ABV of 47% does carry a potent punch, making it a reasonable option if you’re crafting a punchy, flavorful cocktail at home.