Cockspur 12

Established in 1884 on the island of Barbados Cockspur rum has a long history of providing quality rum to the world.  Cockspur 12 is a blend of rums between 8 and 12 years old aged in new and used oak barrels.  After aging the product is blended to 80 proof using Barbados spring water and bottled at the West Indies Rum Distillery for export. 

Appearance/Presentation

The 750 ml bottle has a black label with red and pewter script that provides the basic information about the product.  The liquid in the bottle and glass has a rose mahogany color.  Agitating the liquid created a thick ring that spun off equally thick legs that slide slowly down the glass.  Holding the spirit up to the light it is easy to spot the green halo that only comes from years in the barrel.

Nose

Pouring the rum in the glass released an robust vanilla-caramel sweet aroma.  I let the glass rest for a few minutes and picked up notes of roasted nuts, toffee, dried fruit and spicy oak.

Palate

The rum does not have the sweetness that I expected from the aroma.  Instead I discovered notes of toffee, dark cocoa, and roasted nuts. These notes are followed by dried banana, creme brulee, with the charred spicy oak rounding out the experience as well as lingering into the finish.

Review

Cockspur 12 has been on the rum market for a few years and in my opinion is an excellent value in line with other products from the island.  I enjoy it in a snifter but have found it is an excellent ingredient in Tiki cocktails like a Navy Grog where its complex flavors bumps the quality of the cocktail up a notch.  This is a well balanced rum that pulls a lot of interesting flavors from the barrel and provides an experience I believe any rum connoisseur will enjoy.

---