Smuggler's Reserve Rum - The Forbidden Blend
Smuggler's Reserve Rum is more than just a drink—it’s a testament to the daring rum runners and the vibrant speakeasy culture that flourished during the Prohibition era in the United States. With its roots in rich history and its luxurious taste, this perfectly crafted spirit serves as a liquid homage to resilience, celebration, and the timeless allure of rum.
A Glimpse into Prohibition and the Rise of Rum-Running Prohibition, the nationwide constitutional ban on alcohol from 1920 to 1933, led to the closure of thousands of bars across the United States. Yet, this sweeping legislation did little to diminish the public’s demand for “liquid gold.” To satisfy that thirst, rum runners emerged—fearless individuals who risked life and liberty by navigating dangerous waters and winding backroads to deliver their coveted cargo to eager customers. Speakeasies, concealed behind unassuming facades, became secret hubs of social and cultural life. These hidden bars buzzed with energy, offering drinks, lively music, and camaraderie away from the watchful eyes of law enforcement. From dimly lit basements to glamorous, hidden venues, speakeasies symbolized defiance and celebration in an era of restriction.
Carrying the Spirit Forward Smuggler’s Reserve captures this bold legacy with every pour. It is not merely a nod to history but a celebration of the human spirit’s unyielding determination to find joy, connection, and expression. Each bottle embodies the courage of the rum runners, the ingenuity of speakeasy owners, and the exuberance of those who refused to let Prohibition silence their love for life’s pleasures.With its exquisite flavor and rich heritage, Smuggler’s Reserve invites you to experience this history firsthand. Whether you’re sipping it neat or mixing it into a cocktail, this rum isn’t just a drink—it’s a story, a tribute, and a celebration of a bygone era that continues to inspire.
This golden amber Rum has gentle aromas of Caramel, Chocolate & Vanilla. The palate of this Rum has a beautiful velvety texture and the finish is smooth, with notes of Baking Spice and Oak. It is an exquisite representation of what a Latin Style Rum can taste like.
Country of origin: Guatemala & The Dominican Republic
Distilleries in the blend: DARSA and Alcoholes Finos Dominicanos- Age: 3-8 years old
Type of aging: tropical aged in former bourbon barrels
Distillation: column still
Base material: molasses
40% alc.
The Cocktails
Golden Spiced Old Fashioned
A refined take on the classic Old Fashioned, this cocktail emphasizes the Rum's baking spice and oak notes for a warm, complex experience.
Ingredients:
- 60 ml Smuggler's Reserve Rum Forbidden Blend
- 10 ml Demerara sugar syrup (1:1 ratio of Demerara sugar to water)
- 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
- 1 dash of orange bitters
- Large ice cube
- Orange peel for garnish
Instructions:
1) Add the Demerara sugar syrup and both bitters to a mixing glass.
2) Pour in the Smuggler's Reserve Rum Forbidden Blend.
3) Fill the glass with ice and stir gently for 15-20 seconds to chill.
4) Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
5) Express the oils from the orange peel over the drink, then use it as garnish.
Tropical Spice Daiquiri
Ingredients:
- 50 ml Smuggler's Reserve Rum Forbidden Blend
- 25 ml fresh lime juice
- 15 ml spiced simple syrup (made with cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg)
- Ice
- Garnish with whatever takes your fancy
Instructions:
1) Combine the rum, lime juice, and spiced simple syrup in a shaker filled with ice.
2) Shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds until well-chilled.
3) Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
4) Garnish with a lime wheel.
The Rum’s baking spice and oak notes are complemented by the spiced syrup, while the lime juice adds brightness, balancing the cocktail perfectly.
