This is the first bottle of Bristol Spirit that we are going to taste here (the first of a long series), and we are going to start with the classic because it is a blend of different Caribbean rums. An entry-level and very approachable rum.

Price : between 20 and 30€ for 70cl., all at a very classic 40°

Age : this is a blend of different rums so it is difficult to give an age to this bottle, but let's say that it should not exceed 5 or 6 years.

Bristol Spirit is an English bottler, about which you will soon find an article on this site as well as an interview with John Barrett, the man behind each rum of the brand. The 'Classic Rum' range thus offers many references, from simple blends to 'single cask' rums from many renowned distilleries, and often in small quantities (hence a constant renewal of their products). But we will come back to this when the time comes... let's taste this Caribbean Collection!

This rum has a fairly deep gold color, with beautiful orange highlights . Once at work, the liquid has beautiful legs, thick and vigorous, which do not really linger on the heights.

The nose is typical of Trinidad rums, suave and sweet, especially concentrated on caramel (butter) and vanilla. It immediately gives the impression of being on top of a fairly fatty pastry, but above all gourmet, like a crème brûlée. We also find the woodiness of the oak as well as spices, but always in a soft and warm atmosphere, almost melted. Everything is well assimilated, and gives a honeyed and very harmonious result.

The nose gradually opens up to spices and fruits: dried fruits, especially figs, but also grapes, as well as very ripe fruit: banana; the woodiness gradually takes over.

The attack is very soft and silky, mellow. We find without surprise the caramel and the vanilla, and the spices which give the whole some hold with the woody (always on the sweetness); the whole is as harmonious as the nose, slightly fruity and without bad surprises. The palate is very clean and the rum light, which makes it a very good candidate for cocktails or more simply to drink on ice.

The finish is rather short and dry , and brings out the woody notes, eclipsing in the background the spices that resurfaced for a -too- short moment. Everything goes away relatively quickly without leaving a great impression, but this harmony felt at the beginning of the tasting gives enough interest to pour yourself a few centilitres again, just to prolong a pleasure that was too quickly eclipsed.

A simple but well-balanced rum, harmonious and mellow. The finish is a bit lacking, but it is still a good start to familiarize yourself with Trinidad rums. In any case, for an entry-level rum, it is a very good choice, which is also at a reasonable price. And it will undoubtedly please fans of a famous Trinidad rum, Angostura 1919 🙂 Rating: 74

To help you (and me) find your way around, regarding the notes:

90 and + : exceptional and unique rum, it is the best of the best
between 85 and 89 : highly recommended rum, with that little something that makes the difference
between 80 and 84 : recommendable rum
75-79 POINTS : above average
70-74 POINTS : in the low average
less than 70 : not very good

Review courtesy of DuRhum.com.

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