John Emerald Gene’s Spice Flavored Rum
John Emerald Gene’s Spice Flavored Rum
John Emerald Distilling Company is based in Opelika, Alabama. The first legal spirits distillery to operate in the state since prohibition.This family owned craft distillery creates a line of whiskey, gin, rum and vodka.
The products are each named after a different family member. The spiced rum is a blend of rum from the Mauritius islands and locally grown ingredients.
Appearance/Presentation
The 750 mL bottle is secured with a wooden cap that holds a plastic cork.The liquid holds a shiny black copper color. Swirling the liquid it is easy to spot bits of spice suspended in the liquid.
The label provides details about the rum, its ingredients, and that it is from Batch 4, Bottler JS.
Nose
The aroma of the rum reveals hints of orange peel, sweet vanilla, anise,nuts, and subtle spice notes of allspice, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Palate
Sipping the rum delivers a cinnamon and orange entry, where the pecan flavors creates an earthy foundation. Additional sips reveal a sugary sweet dynamic that is tamed by the spices detected in the aroma. All of this combines to create a lightly astringent finish.
Review
I found this rum to be an interesting entry in the American Spiced rum market. The pecan notes provide some notes that would have otherwise been provided by barrel aging. The first sip is interesting as it takes a moment to dissect the swirl of flavors. Each sip revealed another detail until the puzzle of this rum was completed.
I understand this company’s other rum product is distilled on site. I will make sure to look for it in the stores and hope to review it in a future issue.
-Rum Review by Mr. Paul Senft-
Photo Credit: Authentic Caribbean RumPublished by "Got Rum?" Magazine- August 2015
Paul's Rum Journey- Photo 9
Mr. Paul Senft, a contributing writer for "Got Rum?" magazine and Rum Reviewer for the Angel's Share section of the magazine, takes us on his recent journey to the Dominican Republic and Haiti, an invitation by the West Indies Rum and Spirits Producers’ Association (WIRSPA).
My name is Paul Senft - Rum Reviewer, Tasting host, Judge and Writer. My exploration of Rums began by learning to craft Tiki cocktails for friends. I quickly learned that not all rums are created equally and that the uniqueness of the spirit can be as varied as the locales they are from. This inspired me to travel with my wife around the Caribbean, Central America, and United States visiting distilleries and learning about how each one creates their rums. I have also had the pleasure of learning from bar tenders, brand ambassadors, and other enthusiasts from around the world; each one providing their own unique point of view, adding another chapter to the modern story of rum. The desire to share this information led me to create www.RumJourney.com where I share my experiences and reviews in the hopes that I would inspire others in their own explorations. It is my wish in the pages of “Got Rum?” to be your host and provide you with my impressions of rums available in the world market. Hopefully my tasting notes will inspire you to tr y the rums and make your own opinions. The world is full of good rums and the journey is always best experienced with others.