Revival rum – Honey & Anise

ABV: 40%

Country: United Kingdom

Age: Unaged

Cask: N/A

Still: traditional copper, double retort still

Price: £34.50

Distillery: Revival Rum Distillery, Northamptonshire

I first met James & Julie at Manchester Rum Fest and the passion was immediately clear so I really enjoyed the opportunity to taste and chat rum for a while. The Honey & Anise I’m tasting today was a new release being showcased at the UK Rum Fest and I was fortunate to be able to sit with some samples at home to record my notes.

Nose

Creamy vanilla and a grassy freshness I typically associate with cane juice/agricole. After sitting in the glass a while Star Anise, Cardamom and Cloves develop.

There is an obvious sweetness (at this stage I wouldn’t specifically say honey) but it’s very well-balanced and does not feel dominating.

Palate

This has a surprisingly dense (almost chewy) mouthfeel that feels like it has been thickened through the introduction of the honey.

Whilst there is no denying that this is a sweet rum, the honey does not feel cloying or too sweet, likely due to the use of anise to cut through this and balance it out alongside the base spirit itself.

Unlike the nose, the honey is clearly identifiable and honey forward with the star anise and some other baking spices playing a supporting role. The more traditional “rummy notes” become more evident on the finish.

5/10 – A wonderful example of spiced rum done properly.