Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/687399
june 2016 / the tasting panel / 1 15 RUM ENTHUSIASM WITH RUMSON'S When bourbon and rye started getting hot, inde- pendent processors thrusted themselves into the marketplace and offered a new marketing enthusi- asm that resonated with bartenders. That's exactly what's happening in rum, and Eric Glass, owner of Rumson's, is blending Trinidadian-, Spanish- and English-style rums with some age. "Rumson's is a small batch, artisanal/craft rum blender. All of our rum is aged and hand-selected from our Caribbean distilling partner," Glass says. "We bring in our rum at barrel strength (~140 proof) and then all final blending, finishing and bottling is performed in our New England rum house. We are aged rum guys." The rum is produced on a column still with an off-the-still proof between 160 and 190 proof and barrel-entry proof of 156. They're aged in used bourbon barrels. The Coffee Rum (SRP $32) and the Spiced Rum (SRP $32) are two years old, Rumson's Rum (SRP $32) is a blend of five year old rums, and Rumson's Grand Reserve Rum (SRP $45) is a blend of aged rums as old as 23 years old. All offer sweet and citrus, but balanced. The Grand Reserve packs a little spice under a few layers of caramel and would pair great with a spicy cigar. Glass says, unlike the current whiskey shortage bottlers like him are facing, rum distillers have a plethora of stocks just waiting for "guys like me. There is plenty of aged stock for me to work with." In other words, Glass cherry-picks rums that suit his styles without the cost of a distillery. "Our mantra is 'life lived, life enjoyed' and our mission is to create exceptional spirits worthy of being consumed straight. We always believe you should sip your spirit first so you know what is in your cocktail," Glass says. "If you can't sip your spirit, do you really want it in your drink?" PIRATE DOG BRAND LLC