Siddiqui Brown Rum, 40 percent ABV, 70 cl

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Siddiqui was the gift of relaxation the oil workers all made for themselves,” declared the colourful press release that accompanied the brand launch. Roffe, who recently took part in this publication’s Adapt & Survive Skype video series (See the below video), left his position as Managing Director, Global Travel Retail at Halewood Wines and Spirits at the end of April. I’ll be fair to Penderyn Disillery though they are producing this rum for The Siddiqui Rums Corporation based in California. Still it would be nice if someone, somewhere did a little bit of research. It is perhaps no wonder this rum has been largely ignored by the rum community. Leaving overtly curious little weirdos like me to review it…… Siddiqui – the name is Arabic for ‘my friend’ – is unique. It is a spirit that was originally created to reflect a period of industrial and cultural history, and exists as a response to the widespread ban of alcohol imports and sales in the Middle East which occurred in 1952.

SAUDI Arabia isn’t a country that jumps to mind when considering the world’s great spirits producers, but it does have an association with a new rum brand. The Overproof Dark Rum Category had three Master Award winners. Worthy Park Estate, Worthy Park 109 Proof, 54.5% ABV; Vok Beverages, Inner Circle Cask Strength Rum, 75.9% ABV and Navy Strength Rum, 57.2% ABV. Sipping Siddiqui Brown Rum, is an even woodier experience. To be honest its not terribly pleasant. Bitter woody oak and oak chips fly out at you. Despite this it has a quite a soft and easy going mid palate. Once the oak and wood fade out the sweetness comes out a little more but its still not wowing me at all. Vok is one of Australia’s largest beverage companies. The Inner Circle Cask Strength rum weighs in at an incredible 75.9% ABV. It offers up powerful aromas of caramel and molasses, along with dried fruit notes of raisins, apples and prunes, stone fruit and orange zest. There are spice notes of cinnamon, nutmeg and clove, along with some dark chocolate and walnut.Nosing Siddiqui Brown Rum I am hit by a lot of oak and smoke. It’s very woody but not terribly “spicy”. I’m not getting a lot of vanilla its more an old smell. I’m wondering about oak staves being used and perhaps some added sugar or glycerin. It smells old but has a strange smoky/sweetness to it. Simon’s exceptional work in the global travel retail market and developing international markets, in particular, will support the plans we have in place for Penderyn over the next five years.” It’s certainly distinctive and unusual. I wouldn’t nose this and think “oh its a bit like whisky” its more like a Smoked Rum. It was hard to resist such a compelling story which many people will relate to, along with a recipe that has been perfected over a long period of time.’

Cachaça is a Brazilian spirit that is made from sugarcane juice that has been fermented and distilled. Stylistically, it is similar to Rhum Agricole and features intense fruit flavors, along with green vegetative and herbal notes.

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Roffe said: “I’m thrilled to be joining the Penderyn Distillery brand. Penderyn is already making huge leaps and bounds on the global spirits markets. They are a brand-driven by enormous ambition. It’s exciting to be working with such an innovative team delivering success after success.”