The Rum Diaries: Angostura Reserva

Hello friends,

Going back and forth from the tiki bar to the turntable all night long really makes you work up a mean, mean thirst!  

Tonight we're taking a break from record reviews and instead we're focusing our attention on one of the world's most delicious (and misunderstood) libations-- RUM.

Described by Marco Polo in the 14th Century as "very good wine made of sugar", the history of rum is as interesting and complex as the drink itself.  The story of Rum is the story of slavery, of pirates, of Navies, of the New World, of exploration, colonization, capitalism, rebellion and of course, hot, drunk college girls on Spring Break!  

YO HO HO, indeed!

ANGOSTURA RESERVA RUM

Distiller: Angostura Ltd
Country: Trinidad & Tobago, West Indies

Cost: $17.00
Proof: 80
Size: 750 ml

Description: Charcoal-filtered white rum made from fermented Molasses.  Aged for three years.

Ned Tugent says: "Smooth and vanilla-tinged rum without the bite found in the likes of Bacardi. Its great on the rocks with a hint of mint and a slice of lime! Grade: B+"

Tiki T says: "Notes of brandied-raisins. Creamy & smooth.  Nice, non-flammable finish! Grade: B+"

The "House of Angostura" on the Caribbean island of Trinidad has been known in the U.S. for years mainly because of their famous line of Bitters. Fortunately, the Rums that were once only available on the island have (since 2011) become available in the United States, as well. Great tasting Rums due in part to the pure spring water available from nearby rain forests.  In their branding efforts, the folks at Angostura chose the symbol of a butterfly to grace their bottles.  Why?  Well, first because Trinidad is home to the largest variety of butterfly species on Earth and, secondly, because of the belief that the number of butterflies flying above a sugar cane field indicates that its time for harvest! Plus it makes a great-looking bottle for some great tasting rum! Here's their website.