Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/990824
92 / the tasting panel / june 2018 Rum report Similarly to fruit, water makes up a large percentage of a spirit's body. Marc Christensen decided to build a distillery in the Great Salt Lake Basin, where the Wasatch mountain range and other distinctive geological features create a pristine source for mineral-rich and pure water. Dented Brick Distillery produces two lines of rum with this exquisite raw material: Antelope Island Rum and Jan Stephenson's Tropical Fruit Flavored Rums. Antelope Island Rum blends regionally sourced green sugarcane and high-quality molasses to create an unaged, smooth, and delicate spirit. Antelope Island draws inspiration for its packaging and name from the largest island in the Great Salt Lake, which becomes a refuge for animals—including mule deer, big horn sheep, and California seagulls—when the lake is low and a natural land bridge is formed. Released last month at the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America 75th Annual Convention & Exposition in Las Vegas, the Passion Fruit, Pineapple, and Mango expressions of Jan Stephenson's Tropical Fruit Flavored Rums meld the distillery's technical expertise with the former professional golfer's experience running a successful wine brand, resulting in a remarkable line of rums. The full portfolio took home honors from the competition: Mango and Pineapple won Silver medals, while Mango also won second place in WSWA's Call for Cocktails mixology competition. Dented Brick Distillery Head Distiller Mike McSorley's creation for this annual contest, Jan's Mango Comber, paired the rum with lime juice, ginger syrup, cardamom bitters, and a splash of Champagne— resulting in the consummate warm-weather drink. Tasting Notes Jan Stephenson Mango-Flavored Rum ($35) goes deep on the nose. Molasses kisses overripe pineapple as a hint of dates and figs comes into play. The palate feel is spiced with white pepper and brown-sugared tropical fruit. 91 —M.M. Jan Stephenson Passionfruit-Flavored Rum ($35) is a bit more light-hearted than its Mango sibling. The nose offers sweet—and authentic—guava and papaya notes warmed by a sunshiny tangerine addition. The palate reins in blackstrap molasses and gardenia with a finish that trends tropical. 91 —M.M. Jan Stephenson Pineapple-Flavored Rum ($35) melds pineapple and herbs on the nose: A touch of basil makes for a savory and tropical scent. Delivering more underlying savoriness are flavors of cinnamon, brown sugar, and sandal- wood. The fruit is very ripe and sun-kissed. 91 —M.M. Antelope Island Rum ($27) is an American white rum that offers aromas of Himalayan salt, vanilla, lime, and pineapple. The round, buoyant palate is dotted with salty notes of apricot, Asian pear, and butterscotch toffee, while the finish is long and luxurious. 92 —M.M. Red Rum ($35) has scents of black tea, dates, and orange peel with a hint of blackstrap molasses. The palate delves deep with black pepper, black olive, and anise. At 90 proof, the heat is tempered with sweeter notes of cedar and tangerine zest. 92 —M.M. DENTED BRICK DISTILLERY Following the Flow: Dented Brick Distillery