Starr African Rum

Category: White
Country: Mauritius (Africa)
Aged: Up to 6 Years
Alcohol: 40% (80 proof)
Availability: Limited
Price: $32-$39 (750 mL)

Appearance (0-5): 5
Aroma (0-25): 21
Taste (0-35): 24
Smoothness (0-10): 6
Body (0-5): 4
Overall Quality (0-20): 16
Machete Grade (0-100): 77

Notes: There is no mistaking that Starr African Rum, also known as Green Island rum outside of the US, is a unique rum. If the highly-stylized, pyramid-shaped bottle doesn't at least merit a glance, the fact that it's African rum made from sugar cane grown in volcanic soil and distilled like a vodka should get your attention. Specifically, this rum is from the island of Mauritius, east of Madagascar in the southern Indian Ocean. Definitely an unusual place for rum-production. As a bonus, they donate a portion of their proceeds to various African charities in an effort to become "the Ben & Jerry’s of the booze business." Now on to the tasting... Very clean and gentle aromas of vanilla and alcohol float from the open bottle. Pours clear and clean. In the glass the alcohol becomes strikingly strong but eventually gives way to earthy cherry and brown sugar. Cherry is also identified in the taste as the prominent flavor, followed by anise, vanilla, and ginger. Bittersweet aftertaste. Because of its exhaustive distilling, I expected a bit more smoothness. As far as white rums go, though, the sipping is acceptable, as the cherry flavor is present enough, yet subtle enough, to make for an interesting drink had neat. On the rocks with a touch of lemon, as recommended on the bottle, is pretty good. Above all, Starr is wonderfully versatile in cocktails (the cherry adds a nice complementing note to Hemingway Daiquiris). For my tastes, it's a little too pricey since it's primarily a mixing rum, though it's definitely worth a try as it makes for an interesting drink. For traditional Mojitos to rum and cokes to the specialty mixes listed on their site, Starr is sure to be a hit for high-end parties.

Reviewed: July 2007

Website: http://www.africanrum.com/