Cockspur 12

Category: Dark
Country: Barbados
Aged: 12 years
Alcohol: 40% (80 proof)
Availability: Very Limited
Price: $25-$35

Appearance (0-5): 5
Aroma (0-25): 23
Taste (0-35): 29
Smoothness (0-10): 6
Body (0-5): 5
Overall Quality (0-20): 16
Machete Grade (0-100): 84

Notes: The squat bottle, with its rounded shoulders and bubbled neck, is very similar to Mount Gay XO's bottle. Or is Mount Gay's similar to Cockspur's? Either way, it's a handsome look - and the small label lets the fierce, burnt-auburn color of the rum do all the selling. The plastic "cork" works as a good balance between the classiness of a true cork and the reliability of a screw cap. Poured, the color becomes more of a golden copper. Molasses, butterscotch, and bourbon whiskey dominate the nose. Aeration releases vanilla and oak along with an undertone of stone fruit. A very inviting and subtly complex bouquet. Features flavors of vanilla, caramel, brandy, and oak. Has a strong bite that seems to be sourced equally between alcohol and spices (nutmeg, allspice). There's also a honeyed, earthy aftertaste with a soft backdrop of what I can only identify as buttery marshmallow. Full bodied and intense yet it does smooth out slightly with time, particularly when a few drops of water are introduced and a couple of choice ice cubes are allowed to mingle. Even on the rocks, it's warm with a long, dry finish. Be warned, this rum is not for the weak: it can quickly go straight to ones head. I find it somewhat similar in aroma, flavor, and bite to another aged Bajan rum: Doorly's XO. In short, Cockspur 12 is a fine sipping rum that, despite some initial harshness, is a pleasure to enjoy slowly.

Reviewed: June 2007

Website: http://www.cockspurrum.com/