Tuesday, June 21, 2011

(Review) The Kracken, Black Spiced Rum 94 proof

Mystique: 1-10 points
Score: 10 new, big ad campaign, cool, mysterious

Color: 1-10 points
Score: 10 black as night, as advertised, squid ink

Scent: 1-10 points
Score: 9 mixed spices, vanilla, pepper

Initial impression: 1-10 points
Score: 9 looks great hope its not a letdown

Mouthfeel: 1-10 points
Score: 9 slick and oily as expected

Taste: 1-10 x 4 points
Score: 36 Caramel, molasses, big pepper burn but goes away quick

Raw Score: 83 points

Bonus: Value 1-10 points
Score: 8 good price point 19.95 a fifth

Total Score: 91 points

Like the cryptozoological monster from the deep, The Kracken broke the surface with a lot of noise and a unique look. With a 2 jug-handled bottle and a pirate map like label It looks different, but is it up to snuff? A true black rum, dark with a mysterious exotic flavor? That's what the huge marketing campaign for this new product promised. Did they deliver? Absolutely. The Kracken is on par with Gosling's Black Seal and Cruzan Black Strap. It's a real Navy Rum. Black as it's namesake's ink with a flavor that's big molasses, caramel and spices. The pepper taste is strong, but disappears into the briny deep leaving an oily slick. It doesn't quite have the flavor depth of the competition, but it's bolder up front and doesn't disappear in a mixed drink. It's great as a flavor addition to other rums in a variety of cocktails, Like adding just a tiny bit of chili pepper to spice up a meal. It's future may not be in standing on it's own, but as one of those mixers you can't do without. Either they made this rum while thinking of the name or the name came first and they tried to embody it in rum, either way it's spot on, and a welcome addition to my collection of Black Rums. It gives us a little more choice in this small niche. Hunt The Kracken!

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