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from Internet Wines and Spirits

I don’t generally take to white rums – and why would I? Dark rums, at best with their heady musk, oaky molassesy kick, and all-round manliness are pretty much nature’s perfect drink. White rums, on the other hand, are quite often flavorless, astringent, and at most suitable as mixers. But once in a while a decent white rum comes along, such as Rogue Spirits’ White.

The second half of their two-part line, the first being the Blackbeard-labeled Rogue Dark, the white rum features its own pirate on its face, this time being none other than Jean Lafitte (perhaps the least piratey-looking of all pirates, but we’ll forgive him because he was otherwise pretty awesome.) In the bottle, this rum is what most any other white rum would be – clear as water and indistinguishable from vodka, gin, or rubbing alcohol.

To the nose, however, Rogue White boasts some surprising qualities. Crisp and light in scent, it carries definite hints of melon and sugar cane. Also is something that reminds me of a swimming pool (although not chlorine, thankfully.)

The flavor of Rogue White follows the nose, with melon and sugarcane. The taste of alcohol is definitely there, but more robust and flavorful than many white rums.

All told, Rogue White makes for a surprisingly drinkable experience. Straight up, or perhaps on the rocks with a twist of some sort, it makes for a far more enjoyable beverage than I normally would expect from a white rum.

Who the hell drinks white rum straight? Yeah, I asked that same question while standing in the lobby of Cane Rum as our guide poured me a glass of their premium white rum. I was a bit scared to take my first sip, as I can’t imagine anything fouler than swigging the likes of Bacardi Silver neat. Much to my surprise, Cane proved highly sippable. It smells much like any other white rum – light and alchoholly. But the taste is something quite different – not at all like I’d expect from a white rum.

I could best equate it to an extra crisp white wine, with a sharp kick playing backup. It even has a bit of fruitiness hidden in there, making for a rum experience that is truly unique. When I first tried it I was in the company of my wife and sister-in-law – neither a rum drinker. But they both found Cane very agreeable (my sister-in-law even snagged a bottle for herself.) It’s not widely distributed, but if you have the opportunity to snag a bottle or two, I highly recommend doing so.