English Harbour Rum hails from Antigua. It is distilled in copper stills and then aged in small oak barrels – in this rum’s case, for five years, though English Harbour also makes a three-year rum and an Extra Old.
English Harbour 5-Year Rum has a light, golden brown appearance and aromas of burnt sugar hiding behind lots of alcohol. Let it sit, and the alcohol subsides a bit, uncovering notes of molasses and vanilla. Take a sip and taste sweet molasses, more vanilla and fruit – banana? – plus some faint chocolate notes. It’s got some heat to it, and after a creamy start it moves toward tannic dryness on the tongue. But it stays fairly smooth throughout and is definitely viable as a sipper.
Though I prefer it neat, a dash of water does temper the heat and unlock some more sweetness. In cocktails, the English Harbour has yet to impress, but it does make a decent Rum Old Fashioned.
English Harbour was named one of the world’s 10 best rums by Forbes Magazine and is generally lauded by the experts. While I’m not entirely on the bandwagon, it is some pretty good rum, and at around $25, it’s a great value.
Stats:
– 40% Alcohol by Volume
– $25
CE Rating: ★★★
I believe that English Harbour Rum to be an excellent rum. I can not find a liquor store here in Florida that carries it. I am looking to purchase more of both the 5 and 10 year old. If I can not find it locally, it would definately provide a great excuse to return to Antigua. I do prefer it neat, and upon occasion add one ice cube to temper or cool it.