A fairly recent addition to the spirits market is boutique Rum bottler House of Rum, specialising in limited-edition natural and exclusive single-vintage, single-cask, cask-strength rums that highlight the regions they are created from aimed at people who love great tasting rum.
Founder David Howarth created House of Rum from his lifelong passion for rum, which is one of life’s simple pleasures and is something that is core to his business.
It was through his extensive travels throughout the Caribbean that David fell in love with its rich history and personality and eventually followed his inner adventurer and relocated permanently. He very much feels that rum embodies the very essence of the Caribbean, and says:
“I’m not a Master Blender or Craftsman, I’m just a guy who really loves rum. I’ve spent the last three decades accumulating rum experiences, from different styles, geographical locations, and producers, and learning how these differences translate into each liquid. This is what I wanted to share through House of Rum; great, single-cask, cask-strength rum with nothing added. No sugar for sweetness, no caramel for colour and no other additives or flavours, so you can really taste its personality and origins.”
David handpicks each of his rums and it is bottled as is, i.e. at cask strength with absolutely no additives, sugar, caramel or flavours. The rums he sells are natural, vintaged rums coming from the best terroir of rum, which means each cask yields no more than 300 bottles, making them usually rare Rums for the passionate spirit lover.
The company’s goal is to deliver an exceptional, unique drinking experience that showcases rum’s purest, unadulterated character, with David adding:
“Our rums aren’t what you are used to seeing on the shelf. We specialise in aromatic and complex rums that uniquely capture the essence of their place of origin. Rum production varies around the world and it’s these variations and how they reflect their origins that excites us at House of Rum. This stylistic diversity allows us to select liquids of a superior quality, bursting with personality, characterised by unparalleled richness and aromatic complexity.”
And I like his honestly when he says:
“I’m still learning, so come on the journey with House of Rum and we can learn together.”
Working tirelessly and passionately, David has handpicked only the most exceptional casks of rum with extraordinary flavours and aromas and his commitment to excellence is why casks are bottled individually and yield no more than 300 bottles each.
A collection of nine rums has been initially launched by the company, the first four derived from casks from Barbados, Trinidad, Dominican Republic and Venezuela.
The Barbados 2010 is limited to just 232 bottles and has a cask strength of 60.5% ABV, and retails for £225 a bottle. It has undergone 5 years of tropical aging in Barbados on ex-Bourbon casks, followed by 8 years of aging in the UK in ex-Scotch whisky casks before being bottles in 2023.
The Trinidad 2012 is limited to 264 bottles and has a cask strength of 64.3% ABV and retails for £210 a bottle. It has enjoyed 9 years of tropical aging in Trinidad in ex-Bourbon barrels and 3 years of continental aging in the UK in ex-Bourbon barrels and single cask bottled in 2023.
Limited to 292 bottles, the Dominican Republic 2000 has a cask strength of 55.5% ABV and currently retails for £249 a bottle. It has had 8 years of tropical aging in the Dominican Republic in ex-Bourbon casks and 11 years of continental aging in the UK in ex-rum casks before being single cask bottled in 2023.
The Venezuela 2005, which I have tried, is limited to only 140 bottles. It has a cask strength of 57% ABV, retails for £550 a bottle and comes in a special gift box that includes two handmade crystal glasses. This particular rum has had 8 years of tropical aging in Venezuela in ex-brandy French oak casks and 4 years of tropical aging in the Dominican Republic in ex-brandy French oak casks followed by 5 years of continental aging in the UK in ex-brandy French oak casks before being single bottled in 2021. It has aromas of stone and tropical fruits, followed by spicy notes and a subtle peppery character that is altogether rather pleasant. It is also really quite smooth given its strength and has woody notes. The tropical fruits and caramel syrup flavours lead on to a final note of dark chocolate.
I was also fortunate to try the as yet not released Jamaica 2013. Limited to 263 bottles, it has had 5 years of tropical ageing in Jamaica in ex-Bourbon casks and 5 years of continental ageing in the UK in ex-rum casks. It has earthy notes along with an enticing scent of almonds, followed by raisins and a touch of candied lemon. You can also detect a hint of lime that gives it a citrus freshness. It has a rich caramel and toasted syrup lead followed by a velvety creamy vanilla sweetness on the palate. You will then notice a gentle touch of leather emerging, leaving a pleasantly dry and satisfying finish.
Bottles are available to purchase at selected retailers as well as via www.house-of-rum.com where you can also learn more about their selection of handpicked rums.
Author Bio:
Simon Burrell is Editor of Our Man On The Ground, a former member of The British Guild of Travel Writers and professional photographer.
Photographs courtesy of House of Rum
Be the first to comment