www.kilokai.com

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from Internet Wines and Spirits

And I quote:

“We love great rum and that’s why we made Kilo. It’s uncompromising. Take a sip of Kilo straight. Do the same with any other spiced rum. Enough said.”

Thus reads the back label of Kilo Kai, and thus is the reason I had profound respect for this rum before I even opened the bottle.While the two primary spiced rum contenders are duking out who has the highest proof, Kilo seems focused on making the better product – and they’re doing so with an “in your face” attitude that any pirate can respect. The bottle is tall and dark, the logo forms a rather intimidating skull that any rum would be proud to bear, and the back label – well, any rum that challenges its drinkers in such a way is off to a fantastic start in my book.

But enough about bottles, labels, or ballsy attitudes – let’s actually consider the product itself. To the nose, Kilo Kai is light, and with a profound overcast of vanilla and just a touch of caramel buried beneath. It’s sweet and candy-like, while the presence of any alcohol astringency is virtually nonexistent.

On the tongue Kilo is instantly warm and spicy, followed by that sweet vanilla. It thickens on the tongue and develops an almost toasted quality. Upon swallowing, it leaves a pleasant chill behind. This is a rum that goes down very, very easily. And while it’s 70 proof is a bit shy of many other rums, I’d still advise caution.

Kilo Kai’s rum roots are pretty well concealed beneath the added flavors, so this isn’t a rum for those seeking a “pure” rum experience. But when weighed as a spiced rum, it stands remarkably well against the competition. Less spicy perhaps than Morgans and Jerry’s, but significantly more pronounced in the creamy vanilla department. It drinks remarkable well on its own, and would be absolutely astounding in any number of mixed drinks, be it a simple rum and coke or some froofy tiki concoction. Whatever your choice, definitely give it a try.