Cruzan Estate Dark
Category: Gold
Country: St. Croix, US Virgin Islands
Aged: 2 years
Alcohol: 40% (80 proof)
Availability: Everywhere
Price: $10-$13 (750 mL)
Rating:
The Review:
Despite the misleading name, Cruzan Estate Dark is
actually a gold rum - both in its younger age and golden amber
appearance.
At first crack of the seal, this rum surrenders a hint of medicinal alcohol and vanilla with a light touch of
varnish on the nose. Allowed to breathe, the rum soon relaxes
and releases some very
sweet molasses and caramel aromas.
The rum carries simple tastes of vanilla,
caramel, pepper and oak - somewhat similar to Cruzan's 151,
though not nearly as sweet and obviously not nearly as strong.
Light to medium bodied with a mildly harsh yet short finish.
Brown sugar and sour orange aftertaste.
Generally uncomplicated, and surprisingly not bad neat, however,
if put on the rocks, this rum gives way from an almost grainy
texture to a more silky feel - and a very slight
cinnamon flavor appears.
Ultimately, this is far from an ideal sipping rum, but it'll
easily do when short on options. It gets absolutely lost mixed with
coke and in weak drinks, but at the right ratio, it can end up
quite tasty.
I'd much prefer to spend the extra $5 for a
bottle of Cruzan's 5-year Estate Diamond, though. Cruzan Estate
Dark is a bit short on flavors and smoothness, but this bargain
rum is a solid choice for parties or events, and easily beats
Bacardi Gold, its primary competition
at the price range. |