Angel's Share Title
Ghost Coast Tiki Spiced Rum
It was difficult to resist something with the word “ghost” in the title when choosing a rum for October reviews and Halloween on my mind. Ghost Coast Distillery of Savannah, Georgia is known for producing a diverse line of spirits, from their whiskies to fernet. Part of their portfolio is their Tiki Spiced Rum, which is a molasses-based rum that has been distilled using their copper pot still. The rum is aged in used bourbon barrels for an unspecified amount of time before it is blended to 40% ABV and infused with spices to create their signature flavor.
Ghost Coast Tiki Spiced Rum
Appearance
The entire Ghost Coast Distillery line uses the same 750 ml bottle design, each with its own distinct color pattern. The spiced rum label is primarily red, white and brown, which works nicely with the color of the rum and clearly states, “Rum with all natural flavors and caramel color.”
The rum in the bottle has a dark hazy amber brown color. In the glass it lightens slightly, losing the haziness in the bottle. Agitating the liquid creates a razor thin band that thickens slightly before releasing a single wave of legs. As the band evaporates, a ring of residue is left in its wake.
Nose
The aroma of the rum is intensely spicy, with notes of ginger, red hot candy, cinnamon and clove. I picked up a bit of lime zest, toffee and cola before the alcohol dominated the experience.
Palate
The first sip coated my mouth with a sweet caramel foundation, while the clove, ginger, and candied cinnamon took the mid and high points of the flavor experience. Allspice, citrus, and cola notes round out the flavors before the alcohol takes over in a bitter, spicy finish.
Review
Evaluating this rum was a brutally quick experience as it delivers its aroma and flavor profile in a rapid-fire experience. There is nothing complex about the liquid, as it hits hard, takes no prisoners and fades quickly. I have no idea why “Tiki” is in the name other than to perhaps get the attention of certain customers. There is nothing in the profile that would lead it to be particularly functional in that genre of cocktails. In Coca-Cola, the cinnamon notes just intensify, making the fireball cola effect flavor interesting but not necessarily enjoyable. As far as other drinks go, if you have a cocktail that is naturally flavored with ginger, clove, and/or fireball cinnamon, you may find this an interesting spice rum to experiment with. Otherwise, handle it with care and let curiosity or caution be your guide. While this spiced rum’s aroma made me think of fall, the flavors did not inspire me.
