Review: Kraken Black Spiced Rum
Rating: 
www.krakenrum.com
By and large I don’t give spiced rum much consideration these days. Sure, rum&cokes are fine things now and then, and the rare exception of Kilo Kai managed to tap into spiced rum’s more impressive potential, but mostly I prefer my rum untarnished (‘neat’, as landlubbers call it.) I do owe Captain Morgan’s Private Stock a debt of gratitude, as it ushered my early days of rum consumption, being rather more approachable than others available to me. But over time I found myself outgrowing Private Stock as its cheap alcohol undertones became more noticeable beneath a seeming increasingly thin veil of spiciness.
So yeah, the world of spiced rum largely remained outside of my field of vision – but then along came the Kraken (‘Along Came the Kraken,’ incidentally, sounds like the title of a smashing children’s book or romantic comedy, but I digress.) First off, you can’t mention Kraken Rum without mentioning their ad compaign – one minute spent at their website will tell you that this is a rum company that not only has great pride in their product, but a smashing sense of humor to boot. Whatever Kraken pays their ad guys, it’s not enough. But fun videos and goofy humor aside, ultimately the proof is always in the pudding, and I’ve been hurt before. So let’s examine the rum on its own terms…
As usual, the first impression Kraken makes is while it’s still in the bottle. A custom, semi-squat bottle with two distinctive “earlobe” handles, it boasts an old-style label with a large octopus dragging a tiny galleon to the depths. At this point I really need to applaud Kraken for their excellent choice of mascot. The kraken motif is a fine way of capturing the ocean-dwelling spirit of rum without risking the spiced rum “Captain Morgan knockoff” trap encountered by the likes of Calico Jack and Admiral Nelson (and now, Lieutenant Dan.) And for those of you that wonder why the packaging even matters, as it’s the rum that counts, you’re quite right – the rum is the key. But for me (and as I understand it, many of my readers) rum is about the whole experience, bottle to baño. And so the bottle and label of the rum matters, and Kraken wins bigtime. But now it’s time to carry forward.
In the glass, Kraken Black Spiced Rum is indeed very dark. This might seem like it should go without saying, but I’ve tried many a so-called “dark” rum that was amber at best. Kraken, however, is a very dark brown with just a hint of red. To the nose Kraken smells strongly of vanilla, with little to no alcohol at all. It does, however, contain a fine musky undertone, and just a hint of spice.
Upon tasting, it’s immediately clear that sniffing Kraken is no substitute for tasting the stuff. Many rums can almost be entirely dissected by scent alone, but Kraken’s aroma is deceptively subdued compared to the explosion of flavors encountered on the tongue. Vanilla and cloves are most prominently featured, as is an undercurrent of cinnamon. The flavor of rum itself is apparent, but it’s on its very best behaviour (while still packing a hearty boxing-gloved punch.)
Kraken Rum isn’t just a spiced rum, it’s an experience. From their website to the bottle to the mingling flavors of the rum itself, it’s truly an adventure. It’s surely a fantastic mixer that will put most others to shame, but it can also be enjoyed on its own, even by those of us who’ve become jaded by a steady diet of Nelson’s Blood for near a decade.
17 Responses to 'Review: Kraken Black Spiced Rum'
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I gave you a great deal of link respect (link love sounds way too weird in this context!) in my blog recently for this and some other of your rum reviews. They’re right on the mark, and have sent me to the store on a number of occasions.
Thing is, though, I can’t find The Kraken anywhere! Is it in wide distrubution yet, or were you just lucky enough to get ahold of it by way of the company? Their website is blank on the issue.
Thanks again for the review!
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As of two weeks ago, Kraken was being distributed to PA,VA,CA, MI & OH. Last weekend I saw it at a store in WI, so apparently they’ve already begun to expand. I know this is a very new product, but it may take a little while. However, like the zombie virus, I’m sure it will soon spread to the four corners with alarming speed!
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I just went to to the local liquor store last week (Hurley, WI), and low and behold there it was. Top shelf in two different bottle sizes. $20 and $30. Have yet to pick one up but I was surprised that it ws there. This store usually only carries top sellers even though it the largest in the area. It didn’t even carry the 250th anniversary Guinness when it came out but appartly the Kraken has arrived. Hope to pick up some soon for some sampling!
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Kraken is being carried in Wisconsin by Wirtz distribution. If your local (WI) liquor store carries anything from Wirtz (and likely they do) you should be able to ask for a bottle on special order.
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I read your review and thought I would try it because the price was only around 15 bucks . At first I was not sure while standing in line to buy it because it looked “cheap” . I’m glad I did , the rum is good . Yes , the vanilla and cinnamon aroma when I opened it was very strong , the taste was smooth and spicy with hardly no alcohol bite . Dark brownish red color looked almost black in the bottle. I drank a small sample neat for test….94 proof it left me feeling warm inside . It kind of reminds me of Private Stock but far better it has more flavor . Can’t wait to try it mixed . I do like this rum. yaaaar…..
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Aarrrr me mates,The KRAKEN has landed here in Oklahoma and let me tell ye that this is amighty fine Rum to boot!! Thanks to Bilgemunkey for the fine review! Along with Sailor Jerry,this one is me ol’liqour cabinet.Me does taste a hint of chocolat as an after taste,but,it is sooooo good.Maybe its time for a nip before me boards me ship the JadeScorpion. If ye have not tasted this ye will be a missing a good time,saaavvy mates!!!! Au Revoir!!!!
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I’m afraid ye led me astray this time, Bilge! I tried this rum out after seeing your positive review, and it gave me the worst hangover of me life!
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I was at a gig last night, and saw that the pub had a bottle of Kraken. Of course, I was determined to have a glass, and I was immensely pleased to have done so. Your review does a fine job of capturing the experience, but it is no substitute for the actual consumption. Sublime!
And Hawthorne, remember that a hangover is just your body’s way of telling you that you shouldn’t have stopped drinking!
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I do thank ye sir, fer introducin’ me to this fine bit o’ rum. Kraken has now become the official drink o’ choice fer me an’ me mates.
A dollop or three , with a twist o’ lime set me and the lads straight!
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I just picked up a bottle of Kraken and it has changed my mind on dark,(molasess based) rums. My taste buds lean towards light rums such as Pyrat and Plantation, Exspecially Plantation. However, Kraken is a pleasent change. There is no alcohol after taste. The flavor will surprise you at first then falls off with no aftertaste. Spices will fill your pallet, then fade away without even a hint of burn. A very good quality. The kick is a point in and of itself. One shot slowly enjoyed will tell on you in short order, so drink sparingly. So, in the mortal words of “Pirates of the Caribean” Jack Sparrow ,” I prefer rum. rums’ good.” And so is Kraken. Buy a bottle and enjoy matey. Here looking at you Captain kid . . . . . . .
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Great review and this… is a fine spiced Rum. It took me two weeks to find a liquor store here in the Fort Worth area that carried it, but find it I did today and completely agree with your review and the positive comments from others.
I too like Kilo Kat and even Sailor Jerry’s, but this Kraken is different. It’s very smooth and seductive. Easy in the mouth and feels great in the gut. Get some! I’ll be keeping a bottle in stock from now on.
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I’ve sampled a number of good rums in the last few years. I lean toward the dark and/or spiced, and am a fan of original Morgan & Private Stock (and Pyrat), but ohhhhhh was I glad to find that Oregon finally has Kraken now. WOW. It’s everything your review said, and I LOVE to savor a finger or two (tentacle?) of this squid-inky goodness all by its onesies without any distractions from water, coke, ice or lime (although the Perfect Storm with ginger beer sounds really good). The ad campaign and web design are both genius. This is my new favorite rum and I’m telling everybody I know how awesome it is. As a matter of fact (*looks at watch*)
…it’s time to get Kraken.
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Both Liquorama and DrinkUpNY have 750ml bottles in stock (as of this writing), and under $20! Just thought I’d help out me sea-farin’ brothers and sisters.
QM Craig,
Brotherhood of Missouri Reavers -
Yo Ho -
This be dark and evil looking stuff in the bottle but once in the glass it has became my favorite.
**** Four Stars for the Kraken… Long Live the Beast!
Now I’ve got to find a local store that carries the brand.Jim
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Just tried the Kraken last night. Goodbye Capt’n M this wench is jumpin ship. Pleasantly suprised to find it in two different stores at $16 per 750ml.
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Just bought a half gallon for $30. Can’t believe the deal on that. Great stuff, especially for the price.
nice review. Will be hopefully grabbin’ a bottle first chance I get!