Isle of Barra Distillers recently announced the launch of its very first Island Dark Rum. Inspiration for the rum comes from the connection between Isle of Barra Distillers’ island home and the surrounding expansive ocean.
The rum is strong, bold and rustic, not unlike the rocky east coastline, however the finish is as smooth as the fine golden sands you can find on the west side of the island, and when put together represent the roots and extraordinary surroundings of the Isle of Barra.
This new Island Dark Rum is rich and full of island maritime notes and flavour, thanks to the key botanical, carrageen seaweed for which the brand is famed for, which is hand-harvested from the shores of Barra. The carrageen is infused along with coconut, cardamon, cloves, lemon and orange peel. On the nose, you will find coconut and clove present first, followed shortly afterwards by a crisp maritime freshness. The taste has a coconut and brown sugar flavour with a clean and dry mouth feel, while the finish provides the complex warmth of cardamom.
Michael and Katie Morrison, Founders of Isle of Barra Distillers, commented:
“While our story progresses, our family distillery continually grows. Naturally, as does our product range of fine spirits. Filled with interest and ambition, we understand that perfection takes time. Releasing a Rum from the Isle of Barra has always been an interest and a goal of ours and now the time is right for us to explore this spirit.”
There are any number of ways in which you can enjoy this superb Island Dark Rum, for example you can simply have it On the Rocks, which is how I like it. Fill a low-ball glass with ice and add a 50ml measure of Island Dark Rum. Or if you prefer it Dark & Stormy, then fill a low-ball glass with ice and 2/3 of a glass of ginger beer, shake 50ml measure of Island Dark Rum with 25ml sugar syrup and 25ml lime juice and double strain into the glass of ginger beer before garnishing it with a wedge of lime.
However, given the warm weather we have been enjoying of late, you may prefer to mix yourself a Barra Mojito. You will need 60ml Island Dark Rum, 20ml sugar syrup (seaweed infused syrup adds an additional layer of depth to the drink), 30ml of lime juice and 50ml soda water.
Simply add mint sprigs to the base of a highball glass, pour the ingredients in and add some crushed ice and then garnish with another mint sprig for the perfect summer Mojito!
Island Dark Rum is available to purchase from the Isle of Barra Distillers’ website: https://isleofbarradistillers.com, priced at £35 for a 70cl bottle, 38% ABV. Enjoy!
Author Bio:
Simon Burrell is Editor of Our Man On The Ground, a member of The British Guild of Travel Writers and professional photographer.
Photographs courtesy of Isle of Barra Distillers
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