Rum Journal: This 12-Year-Old Rum Is a Taste of Grenada
Martinique. Cuba. Guyana. Guadeloupe. Barbados. Puerto Rico. When you think of legendary Caribbean rum-making markets, these are some of the first names that come to mind.
But hidden away in the southeastern Caribbean is another one that should be on your radar: Grenada.
The lush, fertile island has long been a haven for great rums under several brands, from the revered white rum at the centuries-old River Antoine to the expert aging and bottling at the historic Westerhall site (where one of our favorite rums of the last decade, the XXO, is made).
But the signature rum brand in Grenada is unquestionably Clarke’s Court, a distillery set in the southern third of the island and one with nearly a century of history.
There’s a range of expressions, from the wonderfully named Old Grog (it stands for Georgius Rex Old Grenada) to the Pure White.
The flagship rum is named for the birth of the brand: 37, a nod to its founding in St George’s in 1937 (a distillery with a terrific gift shop just on the outskirts of town).
On any trip to Grenada, picking up a bottle of this stuff is a must.
The #37 Blend is a 12-year-aged expression (one that actually began life back in 2010 as an eight-year rum; now it’s aged to a dozen.
So what’s it like?
The aroma has notes of almond, vanilla and nutmeg (the last one shouldn’t be a surprise). The flavors are marked by bitter orange, nutmeg, cinnamon, cane stalk, mango and brown sugar.
There’s a nice, delicate finish, with a slightly warm glow.
In a place called the Spice Isle, where the flowery aromas of fresh spices are palpable in the air on every corner of the island, the #37 is a welcome, loyal expression of Grenada.
There’s something deeper you learn about a spirit when you order it in its natural spirit. Here, the #37 makes perfect sense, feels true to the island.
This is a lovely rum, one that pairs particularly well with a sunset on Grand Anse Beach.
If you’re among those who travel the islands of the West Indies in search of rums rare and renowned, this should be on your list.
Rum Journal Rating
92 Points
