Portsmouth 2019
Cask Type: Barrel
Bottled: 2023
Age: 4
Region: England
No. of bottles: 312
ABV: 57%
Release: Spring Release 2023
Doug McIvor
“Absolutely engaging and inviting on the nose with vanilla, butterscotch and soft ripe banana. There is a delicate hint of toasted oak restrained by honey strands. The palate swells with more vanilla and yellow fruit skin and a hint of menthol to add further interest. Even at cask strength this is easy on the palate and graceful on the lingering finish. All seems very well integrated with nothing out of place. Immensely sippable.”
Tasting Notes
Matured in ex-Bourbon barrels for three years,
this golden rum punches well above its weight and
could easily be mistaken for an older Caribbean
cousin. The vanilla character is overlayed with
some rich citrus and candied fruit, resulting in a
balanced and classy rum with a textured mouthfeel
and a satisfying lingering finish. This is ideal with a
mixer if that is your inclination, but it stands out as
a high-class sipping rum in its own right.
Distillery
Situated 100 metres from the sea in the ancient Fort Cumberland, Portsmouth Rum was founded in 2018. It’s a welcome addition to craft rum production in the UK and one of a handful to exist. Befitting the location, two of the founders are ex-Royal Navy officers, and aptly have a passion for rum.
Jonny says: “Having passed through the bustling centre of Portsmouth and, eventually, turned through a rather nondescript gate, it was a joy to find myself in the fascinating environs of Fort Cumberland. Even more remarkable was to find talented distiller Vince Noyce and his tiny team of Rum fanatics producing top notch spirit in a quiet corner of this historic location.