Bacardi’s Gonna Lose its Monopoly…

This really pisses me off, because I *like* picking on Bacardi. Seriously, it’s one of the great joys in my life. Over the years I’ve dug up all kinds of news reports where somebody does something idiotic involving rum, and time and again the rum in question was Bacardi. But lately the idiots seem to be diversifying their tastes. I recently posted a story where one yahoo broke into a bar and ran off with Captain Morgan, and now this other joker gets caught shoplifting Cockspur:

Rum thief is jailed for 30 days | Bermuda Court

True, neither of these stories are as dopey as, say, the guy that strapped his Bacardi into a car seat for a high speed police chase (while neglecting to wear a seatbelt himself. But still, it’s a disturbing trend that threatens my beloved passtime of Bacardi-hatin’.

Review: Cockspur 12 year

Rating: ★★½☆☆
Cockspur 12 year
www.cockspurrum.com

In the glass, Cockspur 12 year is remarkably cool across the nose, and smells of ripe bananas and caramel. These factors, combined with its light amber color, make for an inviting, un intimidating first sip. On the tongue you’re instantly met with a surprisingly light yet peppery kick. Almost a pulled punch, it’s just enough to get your attention, but not enough to hurt anyone. The flavor is light and alcoholly, but not mediciny. It holds just enough musk to be interesting, yet remains crisp and smooth. Subsequent sips continue in this vein, and go down all too easily. Even when consumed at a measured pace, this rum goes quickly to your head. Combine this with its extreme sipability and it’s a clear recipe for trouble.

A decent rum, and a relatively gentle one. Somewhat on the shallow end, but – like many shallow things – good for an occasional fling when you’re feeling frisky yet noncommittal.

Review: Cockspur Fine Rum

Rating: ★★☆☆☆
Cockspur Fine Rum
www.cockspurrum.com/

Click to buy!
from Internet Wines and Spirits

Nothing makes my day like getting to try a new rum – and this goes double when the rum in question is from Barbados. Some of my very favorites come from this island, the fabled birthplace of rum itself. It’s my understanding that Cockspur is only now entering the U.S. Market, and I count myself fortunate to be able to get a sneak peak at their offerings so soon.

Upon first opening Cockspur Fine Rum, the first item of note was the rubber cork – something I’d not yet witnessed in the world of rums. Over the past several years, the wine industry has been experimenting with solutions to a growing cork problem – namely that natural cork is expensive, unreliable, prone to drying, and can lead to a ruined bottle now and then. Some wines have chosen to solve the matter with a practical – but classless – screw cap. Other wines have tried a more innovative approach – the rubber cork. This method effectively compensates for the shortcomings of natural cork, while still maintaining much of the tradition and ambiance that comes with properly opening a bottle of wine. Continue reading