When you think rum, you probably don’t think New England. But maybe you should. Because in the 1700s, the colonies were importing several millions gallons of Caribbean molasses, which then became rum in New England’s 100-plus distilleries. Those distilleries are long since closed–access to molasses stalled and a taste for whiskey blossomed–but the spirit has recently begun to make a resurgence in the area thanks to enterprising brands like Privateer. Privateer currently makes two rums, Silver Reserve and True American, the latter being an amber rum. We’ll begin with the silver.
Privateer Silver Reserve is crystal clear, with rich aromas of sweet vanilla, cooked fruit and cocoa. On the palate it’s medium bodied and slippery on the tongue, with flavors including vanilla bean, banana, coconut, chocolate and buttery cake frosting. Toward the end, a pleasant, drying spice emerges to temper some of the initial sweetness. There’s a real lip-smacking quality to that finish that leaves you wanting more.
Privateer is doing something worth paying attention to, and it’s a fine example of American rum. The spice keeps that sugar in check, and the finish is one of the more interesting ends to a silver rum we’ve sampled in awhile. There’s a lot to like here, and perhaps the best news: Privateer is just one of an exciting handful of New England rums to hit the market in recent years.
Stats:
– 40% ABV
– $25
CE Rating: ★★★★
Like that? Drink this:
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– Plantation 3 Stars White Rum Review
– Bacardi Facundo Neo Silver Rum Review
Go back to rum reviews.
