Angel's Share Title
Kirk and Sweeney Burning Mast
Kirk and Sweeney rum brand’s newest addition to their portfolio is the Burning Mast release. This private label rum is produced in the Dominican Republic from molasses and aged in a combination of American and French oak barrels for up to 12 years (their Reserva blend). A portion of the Reserva rum is aged an additional 11 to 19 days in red pepper barrels to provide the rum blend with its unique flavor experience. Bottled at 40% ABV in 750 ml bottles this rum will only be available initially in select markets with plans for expanded distribution in the future.
Kirk and Sweeney Burning Mast
Appearance
This bottling breaks from the traditional Kirk and Sweeney bulb bottle and is a squat, short necked bottle sealed with a cork and foil safety seal.The liquid holds a dark amber color in the bottle and lightens slightly when poured into the glass. Swirling the liquid created a thin band around the glass that thickened and dropped a series of fast-moving legs down the side of the glass.
Nose
The aroma of the rum delivers notes of sweet caramelized vanilla, spiced ginger, roasted almonds, baking spices, cinnamon, and cardamom.
Palate
The first sip delivers a rapid fire series of flavors to the palate of earthy vanilla, cinnamon, caramel, fresh nutmeg, roasted almonds and cashews, then a bit of oak char and finally a wash of red pepper, delivering a sweet and spicy finish. Subsequent sips revealed the baking spices, cardamom, and a transition from earthy vanilla to a sweeter vanilla cake icing, with the spiciness hitting a bit harder at the end of each sip, lingering in the sweet and spicy finish.
Review
Kirk and Sweeney Burning Mast is named after the rare weather effect seen by sailors during a thunderstorm where a mast appeared on fire, but was in fact fine. When examining this rum, I had no idea what a red cayenne pepper finished rum would taste like, but was keen to learn. Overall, I found the flavor experience strangely enjoyable. I am not someone who enjoys super spicy hot foods, but the juxtaposition of earthy sweetness to heat was a fun experience. I think this would be an interesting rum for experimentation and adding a spicy twist to some classic cocktails. Even a simple rum and coke is transformed with this rum, but try it out in a hot toddy, or hot cocoa cocktail, where that kick of heat balances and plays with the flavor profile of the drink. For those who enjoy the heat of red pepper and have a desire to experience something new, this rum may just be for you.
