Top 6 Spiced Rums to Try This Autumn

It feels like we went straight from Winter to a block of April showers. Now in August anyone feeling shortchanged? The Summer felt like a fleeting walk in Clapham Common where one curse for not remembering their sunglasses. Especially as that was the only window where one could wear them. But let's not focus on the shit. We can at least pull one positive out of the hat, as my Great Granddad used to philosophise; Carl, there's always Rum. 

And here we are, with half a nose on the change of the season, awaiting the crispy leafs under foot and the deluge of regurgitated menswear blogs about 'layering', an insightful reminder that there is always Rum, Spiced Rum in particular. Some picks, and recommendations for you all. 

8Track

8Track Spiced Rum is created and owned by Upbeat Spirits Limited, an independent drinks company based in Cornwall, England. Check out their cocktail recipes such as Back to Black, which is letter-headed by an Art Deco motif that will put you right on the Miami Beach, albeit in Autumn. 

Kraken 

The name is derived from a ship carrying spiced rum from the Caribbean was attacked by a monstrous Kraken. The Beast thrust upon the ship its massive limbs, plunging the vessel and the men on board into impenetrable darkness. Although if you heard 'The Kraken has been released' when I was in a flat share ten years ago, it meant the toilet was out of commission for 20-30 mins. 

The Kraken cocktails listed have a dynamism and a mystery to them, compounding the very spirit and ethos of the brand itself. 

Captain Morgan

To coin a coquettish Moneypenny, 'Sometimes the old ways are the best'. Flavoured with the taste of vanilla and spice. It’s made to mix. Lemonade, ginger ale, fresh orange, grapefruit, pineapple juice... you name it, it’ll mingle with it. With 18 cocktails listed on their site you'll struggle to not find something that will befitting of the captain's table. 

Rumbullion 

Have this as your ace up the sleeve. One from left field and a best kept secret. Rumbullion is a spiced rum from Ableforth's. Made using Caribbean rum, Madagascan vanilla, orange peel, cinnamon, clove and cardamom, this is rich and intense. 

The Duppy Share 

A fruity spiced rum from The Duppy Share, distilled in Jamaica and Barbados and infused with pineapple, kola nut and Caribbean spices. The Jamaican's know what they're doing when it comes to Rum, and this is a terrific ambassador for their notorious Rum exports. Try serving this over ice or as part of a fruity, tropical cocktail.

Trafalgar  

A Caribbean spiced rum from Gibraltar Distillery Company, made with a secret blend of spices to create a complex, smooth palate. A moorish liquid, a subtle and replenishing libation. A slice of escapism to a place where you don't need an umbrella, even if it was sunny when you left.