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The Kraken Gold Spiced Rum
The first time I heard of Kraken Gold Spiced Rum was with the words, “Deep in the Kraken’s Keep lies its greatest treasure yet—gold.” New for 2023 from Proximo Spirits is Kraken Gold Spiced Rum, a lighter spiced rum blend than the other products the brand has released over the years. The rum is produced in the Dominican Republic and blended to 35% ABV, which out of the gate is a huge departure from the 47% ABV core product that is from Trinidad and Tobago. The company is clear that the rum is blended with spices, other natural flavors, and caramel coloring.
Kraken Gold Spiced Rum
Appearance
The 750 ml bottle is the same custom design as the original product, with its double finger rings and embossed glass. The labels have a metallic rose copper background with black, copper, and white designs and lettering front and back.
In the bottle and glass, the rum holds a solid caramel color. Swirling the liquid creates a medium band that quickly thickens and drops a series of fast moving legs. The last round of legs slow down and creep down the side of the glass as the band evaporates, leaving behind a ring of residue.
Nose
The aroma starts with a robust caramel note, that is followed by notes of cooked bananas, baking spices, cola, cinnamon, and toasted oak, with vanilla rounding it out.
Palate
The first sip was a little surprising, as it hit differently than the aroma. They have a bit more oak tannin in play than I expected or had encountered with other Kraken products. Vanilla and spice notes intermingle with notes of caramelized banana, nutmeg, and allspice. As the rum begins to fade, a light mineral and tannic astringency mingles with the sweet caramel notes in a short finish.
Review
Over the past decade, I have evaluated quite a few spiced rums, from under proofed stale blends, to cinnamon bombs, anise driven nightmares, to well-crafted spirits that showcase the creativity and skills of the blenders. Could the Kraken defeat the Captain? Kraken Gold Spiced Rum is surprisingly balanced, and if it gets traction, it could compete with other spice rums that have dominated the market for quite some time.
When evaluating spiced rums, I always make a rum and coke, and the cola neutralized any astringency and rough spice notes in the profile, turning it into an easy to drink highball with all the flavor nuances that never let you forget it is a Kraken rum product. However, the versatility of the spirit goes beyond that of sodas like Coca-Cola, and it is flavorful enough to add a spicy twist to some old favorites like a Daiquiri, Mojito, or wherever your curiosity and creativity take you. Moderately priced and entering the market now, if you are up for trying a new spiced rum, I think this one will serve you well.
-Paul Senft-
