Portsmouth Distillery 1812 Rum 3 Year Old

Portsmouth Distillery 1812 Rum 3 Year Old: A Coastal Aged Delight

The Portsmouth Distillery's 1812 3 Year Old Rum is a meticulously crafted spirit, boasting a unique flavour profile shaped by its maturation in ex-bourbon casks and its proximity to the invigorating Hampshire coastline. While Dich Oatley, a founding member and the distillery's energetic personality, may not be the sole creator or blender, his passion undoubtedly infuses every bottle.

This 43% ABV rum offers a delightful exploration for the senses. Let's delve into its characteristics:

Aroma:

• Fruity Overture: The initial aroma presents a vibrant medley of fresh fruits. Juicy notes of banana and green apple mingle with delicate hints of tropical nuances, creating a summery and inviting introduction.
• Subtle Oak: As the rum settles in the glass, a wave of subtle toffee emerges, hinting at the gentle influence of the ex-bourbon casks. This adds a touch of sophistication without overpowering the fruitiness.
• Spicy Intrigue: Peppery hints like ginger and nutmeg peek through, adding a layer of complexity that keeps the nose interesting. These spicy notes are carefully balanced, ensuring they complement the overall profile rather than dominating it.
• Coastal Whisper: A touch of salinity, a subtle but delightful signature of the rum's coastal maturation, lingers on the nose. This unique characteristic adds a touch of intrigue and reflects the distillery's seaside location.

Palate:

• Fruity Symphony: The first sip beautifully translates the enticing aromas onto the palate. A burst of juicy sweetness explodes, featuring light brown sugar and delicate tropical notes. These familiar flavours are presented with an exciting twist, leaving a lasting impression.
• Vanilla's Comfort: Hints of vanilla, reminiscent of warm, freshly baked cookies, emerge alongside a touch of toasty oak. This echoes the influence of the bourbon casks, adding a layer of comforting warmth to the rum's character.
• Surprising Depth: The mid-palate reveals a surprising depth, showcasing the rum's well-developed character. Spicy ginger and nutmeg resurface, offering a touch of complexity without overwhelming the harmony of flavours.
• Balanced Sweetness: The rum boasts a beautiful balance of sweetness. It's neither cloying nor overly dry, making it enjoyable for a wide range of palates.
• Lingering Salinity: The subtle coastal salinity, detected on the nose, reappears on the palate. This intriguing characteristic lingers on the tongue, adding a touch of minerality and reflecting the rum's unique maturation environment.

Finish:

• Clean and Warming: The 1812 Rum boasts a clean and warming finish. It doesn't linger excessively, leaving a pleasant and satisfying sensation on the palate.
• Delicately Sweet: A touch of sweetness persists, complementing the warming sensation and leaving a lasting impression.

Serving Suggestions:

• Neat or on the Rocks: Enjoy the rum in its purest form to appreciate the full complexity of its flavour profile. Serve neat in a snifter glass for a contemplative sipping experience, or add a large ice cube to slightly chill the rum and open up its aromas.
• Highball: For a refreshing twist, create a Portsmouth 1812 Highball. Fill a highball glass with ice, add 50ml of the rum, top with premium ginger ale, and garnish with a lime wedge. This simple highball is perfect for enjoying the rum on a warm summer day.
• Classic Cocktails: The 1812 Rum's versatility allows it to shine in numerous classic cocktails. Substitute it for dark rum in recipes for Old Fashioneds, Daiquiris, or Mai Tais, adding a unique coastal character to your favourite drinks.

Food Pairings:

• Desserts: The rum's balanced sweetness makes it a perfect complement to desserts that are not overly sugary. Pair it with fruit crumbles, crème brûlée, or a selection of aged cheeses for a delightful after-dinner experience.
• Spicy Dishes: The rum's hint of peppery spice allows it to stand up well to dishes with a bit of heat. Consider pairing it with jerk chicken, Thai curries, or spicy stews for a flavourful combination.
• Chocolate: The rum's subtle oaky notes and hints of vanilla make it a great partner for dark chocolate. Enjoy a few squares of dark chocolate alongside a sip of the rum to explore the harmonious interplay of flavours.

The Portsmouth Distillery 1812 Rum 3 Year Old is a testament to the passion and craftsmanship of this English distillery. Its unique coastal character, balanced sweetness, and surprising depth make it a rum worth exploring. So, raise a glass, savour the flavours, and experience a taste of the Hampshire coast.