Kraken
Black Spiced Rum
Proximo Spirits
47% Alcohol (94 Proof)
In the past when I've wanted rum, I've always sailed with one guy: The Captain (aka Captain Morgan). I've had my fair share of Captain Morgan over the years. Okay, probably more than my fair share. Much more... But, he has always treated me kind and makes a bad ass drink mixed with cola.
Anyway, after all these years there has been really only one other spiced rum that has even come close to The Captain, and that's Sailor Jerry. And while Jerry is an okay guy, he has nothing on The Captain. He's like the Captain's redheaded step-son who most people are ashamed of. So... when I heard there was a new spiced rum out, my hopes didn't get too high, the Captain seemed to be fulfilling all my spiced rum and cola needs. Many other rums had failed me in the past, tasting like rubbing alcohol and some sort of vanilla and spice extract. Not exactly great.
Kraken is owned by Proximo Spirits, based out of New Jersey, yet made in Trinidad and Tobago. Go figure. The Kraken is a giant sea monster octopus thing, that legend says lived near Norway. Apparently it attacked ships and dragged them under the water. A worthy adversary for The Captain, I say...
When I actually saw the bottle for Kraken, I thought, "Hey, at least the bottle will look cool in my liquor cabinet." The bottle actually is really quite awesome, one of the best new bottles I've seen in awhile, a definite plus. The color of the liquid suits the name spiced black rum, as it really is quite dark, looking nearly the same color as cola, much darker than standard Captain. The taste on its own is like a slightly amped up version of Captain, but at 94 proof. Granted, Captain does sell a 100 proof version, but it seems as though the alcohol flavors somewhat override the spicy rum flavors in the Captain 100. That is NOT the case with this nectar. Kraken has a deeper, spicier flavor than Captain. Kraken maintains its strong flavor at full proof without tasty overly alcoholy (is that a word?) and is tasty enough to be drank neat, perhaps, depending on your palette, but it definitely works on the rocks. But mixed with cola, like most rums, is where it really shines. It goes with cola better than any spiced rum I've ever had. It is like these two are soul mates, which is great since spiced rum and cola is one of the few mixed drinks I enjoy.
Drink This: if you are a fan of Captain Morgan and want to try something new, and perhaps even better.
Don't Drink This: if you don't like sailing the seas with pirates and giant sea monsters, while boozing it up.
i faced the beast at a local establishment last night...it did get the better of me, but i had fun trying! cola might mix well, but pineapple juice as a mixer made this eight-legged spicy monster a candy coated sleeper. highly recommended. just stay hydrated!
ReplyDeleteOoh yeah, pineapple. Good call. Sounds great! The difference between 80 and 94 Proof doesn't sound like much, but after a few drinks it could certainly sneak up on you! Sneaky beast!
ReplyDeleteSneaky isn't the word. Ninja quick, quiet, and lethal might be more apt.
DeleteOh yes. The Kraken may be my new choice in Rum. Just had my first bottle through out this last week. The bottle is awesome with the finger handles on the neck. That way it don't slip out of your hand. And the spices and flavor set me ablaze.
ReplyDeleteCool name, Captain Jack Spokane! And yes, the bottle is very cool! Like I said, one of my new favorite rums.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, I think I only have one or two drinks left in my current bottle of Kraken...
The first two paragraphs was like reading my own thoughts. Exactly how I've felt about spiced rum since I first tried it.
ReplyDeleteA friend brought over a bottle of kraken a few years ago now and after trying it once I was hooked. It was like someone took the captain and ran it through an awesome concentrator.
Sweeter, thicker and with more alcohol. Without somehow being too sweet, too syrupy or too boozy. Does everything right.
I agree. It's certainly one of the better spiced rums out there!
DeleteSpiced rum is definitely my drink of choice! I do prefer Sailor Jerry to Captain though, but I was introduced to both fine gentlemen at the same time so I didn't really get to get used to one or the other. I think Jerry is a bit smoother and more syrupy and like the spiciness a bit more. Don't get me wrong though, I love sailing with the Captain any day of the week!
ReplyDeleteI got Kraken for Christmas from my wife last year and it did not last long. Really enjoyed it! It is pretty heavy though and takes a bit of getting used to. Definitely is a winner though!
P.S. This year I got a new bottle for Christmas, FROM MY MOTHER-IN-LAW!!! It is a bottle of Smith & Cross Traditional Jamaica rum. NAVY PROOF (57%)!!! Not spiced rum, but just brilliant on the rocks. Cleansing...
I bought Sailor Jerry because it was on sale and higher proof than the Captain and I loved it. That's partially why I'm starting to check out more spiced rums.
DeleteFunny how great minds think alike! All 3 rums mentioned on this blog.
I think this is the best rum to go with coke. I prefer this over regular Captain Morgan but ALMOST equal to Captain Morgan OakHart, each brand come in a set with 2 glass. The Kracken beats it in bottle/cup packaging it's so cute in manson jars with the kracken on it, but I got this many times before the set and am very pleased. I get this when I have "new" drinkers over because its easy on the palette. Everyone either loves kracken with coke or root beer! I think root beers a little to sweet for me tho :)
ReplyDeleteWhere in the world in Karmen Sandiego?! ;)
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ReplyDeleteFirst timer tasting this rum tonight. All I can say is wow! This is the smootest rum Ive ever tasted. Well worth paying the extra for this :-)
ReplyDeleteMix with Olde English 800 or Old Stock , garnish with skittles and shaved fruit. It is called a beer sucker.Cheers!
ReplyDeleteIt's Christmas in a couple days. Try putting a Kraken in you egg nog. You won't be disappointed
ReplyDeleteI was dissapointed with my nogg.
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ReplyDeleteThis rum is good, I will recommend it to my friends, thanks for sharing. Rum Bottles
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