Outlier Mistral
Outlier Mistral is the most recent Rum from Outlier and I first tasted this last summer. At this point, the brand is already very familiar to me. I first met Rick and Ian a few years ago at the UK Rum Fest, and conversations I’ve had with them over the years really helped shape how I think about British rum (even if it technically isn’t British).
Mistral is classic Outlier in that it’s bold and slightly strange, in the best way. It pushes into weird flavour territory, but it never feels like a gimmick. The uniqueness comes from the rum itself, not from anything added, and that’s what makes it work. Having tasted the full range I never find myself disappointed… challenged yes, but only ever in a good way.
Facts & Figures.
ABV: 63%
Country: Isle of Man
Age: 4 years
Cask: American oak & ex-sauternes cask
Still: Wood fired pot still
Price: £67.95
Distillery: Outlier
On the nose.
This might have less peaches than the previous release but damn they’re still there! I’m thinking closer to 1000 peaches rather than a million. Joining the peaches we have juicy, vibrant limes and pineapple. This does smell pretty warm but given the ABV that’s hardly surprising. Right at the end as I go to put this down I get the hint of cinnamon or nutmeg.
On the palate.
This is exceptionally warm (as expected) but unlike some other rums I can think of at 63% ABV this is surprisingly approachable. I did ultimately decide that this would benefit from a couple of drops of water and this really helped quieten the alcohol and let the flavours sing uninterrupted. Some honey sweetness, thick pineapple juice and some serious peppery heat.
You would think that the heat and pepper would dominate but there’s a fantastic depth and profile to this rum. There’s a great spicy (baking not pepper) dryness to the profile that beautifully compliments the juiciness and sweetness from the peaches & tropical fruit.
7/10 – So different from anything else on my shelf; this is very fun & interesting.
Water is a must for sipping; otherwise this packs a punch in a cocktail!
My scoring system, explained
- 10: Exceptional. This is best in class and a firm favourite of mine.
- 9: Outstanding. Near perfection, a bottle I would be sad to finish (and very happy to restock!)
- 8: Excellent. An evening spent sipping this would be a very good one.
- 7: Great. Add to cart, no questions asked.
- 6: Very good. At the right price I would definitely buy a bottle.
- 5: Good. If someone poured me a glass you wouldn’t hear me complain.
- 4: Above average. Not quite good but better than some.
- 3: Average. Average at best, this isn’t offensive but equally not exciting either.
- 2: Not for me. This simply means it’s not a profile I find enjoyable; rather than a reflection of quality.
- 1: Not the spirit. This is a poor representation of the spirit.
