Kirk & Sweeney 12 Year Old Rum (750ml)

Launched in late 2012, this is another selection from the 35 Maple Street Spirit Co., purveyors of Masterson’s Rye Whiskey and Bib & Tucker Bourbon (also listed on this site). The company actually resides in Sonoma, California where they hold the title of “spirits division” for 'The Other Guys' (TOG) wine company. Their rum is aged in American oak barrels at the Bermudez’ family’s bodega, in the city of Santiago De Los Caballeros, Dominican Republic.

Named after a schooner seized off the coast of New York during prohibition with a hold full of rum, Kirk & Sweeney comes packaged in a heavy squat 'onion' style bottle, inspired by 18th-century examples which typically contained the spirit.

Tasting note: Perfect clarity in the bright polished copper colour. Opens with aromas of creme caramel, dilute golden syrup with hints of brown sugar; aeration draws out dried grass and coconut adding freshness. Silky, semi sweet delivery features creme caramel, dried banana and vanilla rounded off with soft, purring spices. Shows moderate length. Versatile and well balanced. 40% Alc./Vol.

Other reviews... Named for a wooden schooner famed for smuggling rum during Prohibition, this amber rum has a relatively light feel for a spirit aged a full 12 years. Flavors and aromas run to hazelnut, cookie dough, brown sugar and vanilla, pepped up with dark chocolate and espresso. Presented in a rotund “onion” bottle modeled after an 18th-century design. 95 points - www.wineenthusiast.com