The Bite Magazine - Autumn/Winter 2019 - Issue 26

bite drinks high-proof Caribbean rum, to which creamy Madagascan vanilla and a generous helping of zesty orange peel are added. The rum derives from a secret recipe that is finished with a handful of cassia and cloves, and a hint of cardamom. On the nose, it has an intense, sweet vanilla and flamed orange zest. The cardamom of- fers an evocative suggestion of old fashioned cola, and the cloves bring out a deep, dark complexity. With a strong but pleasantly sweet taste, these come from the juicy, fresh cinnamon, which melds beautifully with the core of the essential oil of Seville orange peel. The taste on the palate is of thick cut bit- ter-orange marmalade and tingling, zinging spices, with hints of Manuka honey and mouth-watering cinnamon. There are also traces of molasses, candy floss, toffee apples, crème brûlée, and clove-studded oranges. The finish is long, with tongue-prickling spices, and a stunning degree of freshness as the cinnamon, orange, and creamy, sweet vanilla coats the palate for minutes. Bath Tub Gin - Sloe Gin is also made using the cold-compounded method that involves several botanicals such as juniper berries, cassia, coriander, cloves, and orange peel. It is best served with tonic water or by replac- ing the Maraschino in your Martinez with a generous splash of Sloe Gin. In a dark red hue, it has a slightly strong but sweet taste which is enjoyable. This gin has marzipan and juniper waft up the nose with waves of cinnamon and hot clove. Citrus swirls in the background, danc- ing with aromas of freshly baked cakes. The taste of almond and berries hit the palate on entry, with the berries lasting throughout which is thick and seriously flavoursome. There are hints of vanilla and oak tannins as well. The finish is spicy which lasts for a while and as the brand says is ‘lip-smacking’. The taste of Rumbullion XO 15 Year reminds me of an Old Fashioned cocktail. It is described as a spectacular, shipshape spiced rum inspired by the seafaring fraternity from centuries, but this time, it’s the Cap- tain’s special reserve that he keeps locked in his quarters. The blend of vanilla, orange peel and fine spices bring back the familiar, fantastic notes of the original but the XO gives the rum a seductive intense depth. The rum has a huge hit of creamy, sweet va- nilla and juicy, freshly sliced oranges on the nose. There is a mulled wine-like delivery of toasted cinnamon and cloves, with a core of well-aged rum. Aromatic notes of dark choc- olate, ripe plums and fragrant oak develop in the glass. The palate has an exceedingly thick, mouth-coating entry offering up crys- tallised peels, Seville orange marmalade and even a hint of blackberry. Soft chamois leather and cedarwood provide a complex backbone alongside a huge dose of cinnamon, cloves, and liquorice. It has a long, sparkling finish with notes of old-fash- ioned cola cubes and intense bittersweet orange. A final flutter of toasted oak appears on the tail. Rumbullion XO 15 Year is best enjoyed neat but will make an excellent spiced Palmetto cocktail. Out of the two rums, Rumbullion is my favourite. The final taster, Bathtub Gin - Old Tom is a recreation of the traditional style of gin that was popular in 18th and 19th century Eng- land. It is a slightly sweetened gin; created following a request fromThe Handmade Cocktail Company which needed a tasty Old Tom gin for use in their Martinez cocktail. The name, Old Tom, came from an unusual dispensing method used by London gin houses. A tom cat-shaped plaque would be hung outside where passers-by could drop a coin in the animal’s mouth. The proprietor would then dispense a shot of gin from a tube un- der the cat’s paw. This almost-forgotten style of gin is perfect in sweet gin cocktails as well as making a tasty gin and tonic. It is also how Tom Collins got its name. I found this gin strong but with a less burning sensation than the Rumbullion XO 15 Year. On the nose, it is fruity and sweet with pronounced botanical notes and has a good citrus element as well. The light sweetness of the palate seems to add body and help to develop some of the juniper and orange flavours. The finish is clean with a touch of pepper. Out of the three Bathtub Gins, Bath Tub Gin - Sloe Gin is my favourite because of its delightful sweet taste. Master of Malt delivers to a wide range of countries around the world including Aus- tralia, Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Japan, Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the United States. www.masterofmalt.com Photography TonyWellington