Kirk and Sweney Reserva Dominican Rum

by Andrew Chalk

Few spirits exude history and authenticity, and XXX more than aged rum. This one is a blend of vintages aged 2-12 years. That kind of spiritmaking dials in complexity and idiosyncracy. It also makes you want to jump on a plance to the DR and demand of the winemaker "Now, what were you thinking when you made your Reserva?"

In fact, the name comes from a smuggling boat. Here is the full background and product list, from the producer.

"With summer officially here on Friday, we’d love to reintroduce you to Kirk and Sweeney Dominican Rum, a category leader in the ultra-premium rum segment, perfect for summer sipping and refreshing warm weather cocktails.

Named for an infamous wooden schooner known for smuggling rum from the Caribbean to the Northeast during the early years of Prohibition, the striking design of Kirk and Sweeney’s rounded bottles is evocative of the brand’s nautical heritage, built to stay upright during turbulent ocean voyages. The glass design and raised cork were inspired by the elegantly squat 18th-century onion bottles, which typically contained rum.

Below are Kirk and Sweeney’s three flagship expressions for your editorial consideration:

·       Kirk and Sweeney Reserva ($39) – A blend of rums aged from two to twelve years, this deep mahogany colored rum has cane honey aromas with earthy sugar cane undertones, along with a hint of vanilla, luscious, toasted oak, caramel and dried fruits. A weightier body is serious but not overbearing, with light notes of vanilla and wood that transform into a smooth, long, luxurious finish.

·       Kirk and Sweeney Gran Reserva ($49) – A blend of rums aged from five to 20 years, this full-bodied rum delivers an intriguing range of aromas. Expert blending comes to life with the first taste, revealing a deep vanilla flavor, followed by dried fruits, nutmeg, cinnamon spices and a hint of oak. Immensely smooth all the way through, this rum unwinds with a gently wavering sensation of oak, sherry and raisin.

·       Kirk and Sweeney Gran Reserva Superior ($59) – A blend of rums aged from 5 to 23 years, subtle notes of dried fruits and sweet, toasted breads, mingle with a base toffee, fresh honey, almonds and caramelized sugar. This complexity continues on the palate, crescendoing before finishing on a decadent sherry note.

An antique nautical map of the main rum smuggling route is silkscreened around each bottle. Along with the ornate logo and the safety seal printed to look like nautical brass, the design serves as a reminder of the risk so many were willing to take for a good taste of rum during the 1920s.

With the tagline, “A Rum Well Worth Pursuing” Kirk and Sweeney Rums are easy to seek out, distributed throughout the United States, Canada, Europe and parts of Asia. Cocktail recipes can be found here."

GETTING THE BEST OUT OF RUM

One benefit of having so deep and full-powered spirit is that it can augment and participate in so many recipes. From timid first steps of flavored coffees to saucing up desserts, rum is a first-class member of the modern bar.

RECIPES

HOT BUTTERED RUM RUNNER

• 2 OZ. KIRK & SWEENEY RESERVA

• 1 TBSP. HOT BUTTERED RUM BATTER

• 3-4 OZ. HOT WATER

  
  

Place hot buttered rum batter in the bottom of an Irish coffee glass or mug. Pour in rum and top with hot (not boiling) water. Stir, garnish with a cinnamon stick and enjoy hot.

HOT BUTTERED RUM BATTER

Stir 1 lb of butter, 2 1/4 cups packed brown sugar, 2 cups sugar, 1 tbsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp ground clove and 1 tsp ground nutmeg in a bowl to combine. Add 1 qt of softened vanilla ice cream and stir again. Use immediately or freeze for future libations.

Samples.