Privateer is a distillery in Massachusetts that opened a handful of years ago and specializes in making rum. I gather that the company, and especially their master distiller, have garnered the approval from many rum geeks. K&L brought in two different Privateer Rums at the same time: this BIB as well as a portion of a cask of “Queen’s Share” that seems to have been selected by famed tiki bar Smuggler’s Cove (which I will review at some point).
Smell: cinnamon, allspice, pine sawdust, freshly cut oak, cedar.
Taste: tobacco, light brown sugar, cinnamon. With a little water some freshly cut lumber emerges.
Finish: the cinnamon and lumber stand out here. There is a hint of soap also but it is not strong enough to mar the overall experience.
Overall: A well made rum but I am not a fan of those freshly sawn lumber notes, which betray the relatively young age. I will be interested in tasting future expressions after 6-7 years in oak.
Spirit Type: Rum
Proof: 100
Vintage:
Age:
Cask Type: American Oak (New)
Rating: C+