Probitas Rum

“Probitas” the Latin word for Honesty is the U.S. name for what the rest of the world will know as “Veritas” the Latin word for truth. The rum itself is a blend of Coffey Still Rums and Pot Still rums from Foursquare Rum of Barbados and a low ester Pot Still Rum from Hampden Estates in Jamaica. The announcement of the creative partnership of these two companies immediately got people in the spirit industry’s attention and I was happy to see it arrive on store shelves in the Atlanta area. The rum is blended to 47% ABV and imported in the states by Altamar brands.

Appearance

The bottle is a 750ml with simple front and back labels with the “Guardians of Rum” logo bottom center on the front label. In the bottle and glass the rum has a light golden straw color. A quick swirl and the band that forms around the glass thicken and begin beading within ten seconds. It drops a couple of fast moving legs, before finally evaporating.
NoseThe aroma of the rum leads with a strong vanilla note, fresh cut sugar cane, lemon zest, and ends with a swirl of tropical fruit and molasses.

Palate

Considering the proof I expected more up front heat, but found the fruit notes, lemon zest and vanilla leading the way in one big wonderful swirl. The fruit notes are interesting; I found hints of strawberry, ripe cantaloupe, and tangy orange. This is countered/balanced by vegetal notes that give the rum some earthiness as the heat of the liquid comes into play. These flavors linger in a nice long finish.

Review

As the last of the rum fades I am relieved that it tastes as good as it does. The balance of the blend is interesting and it was a challenge puzzling out where the Barbados and Jamaican rums united and transformed the flavors of the spirits. I spent a great deal of time just on the aroma and honestly cannot recall the last time I had white blended rum that was this dynamic. In cocktails, use it in the classic Daiquiri and Mojitos to experience different elements of the flavor profile. I plan on giving it a try in a Mai Tai and Navy Grog as soon as I have the ingredients. Both distilleries can be proud of how this rum outshines similar rums in the market. Now I really want to see similar versions of this product in an array of different age ranges

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