Description
The history of Black Seal Rum® and the Gosling family began long ago. In the spring of 1806 James Gosling, the oldest son of William Gosling, wine and spirits merchant, set out from England on the ship, Mercury, with £10,000 of merchandise, bound for America.
After ninety one desperate days on a becalmed sea their charter ran out, and they put in at the nearest port, St. George’s, Bermuda. Rather than pressing on for America, James opened a shop on the King’s Parade, St. George’s in December 1806.
In 1857, the first oak barrels of rum distillate arrived in Bermuda. After much trial and error, the distinctive Bermuda black rum destined to be Black Seal was formulated and offered for sale. The secret blend of three different rums, aged independently, was not called Black Seal at first. It was called Old Rum. In fact, up until the First World War it was only sold from the barrel, and most folks brought in their own bottles for a ‘fill up’. Eventually the black rum was sold in champagne bottles, reclaimed from the British Officer’s Mess, and the corks sealed with black sealing wax.
Pretty soon people began to ask for the rum with the “Black Seal”. Many years later the idea of the little, barrel juggling “Black Seal” was born.
A family business for over 200 years, Gosling’s is today the only company that blends and bottles in Bermuda, and is the largest exporter of a Bermuda made product.
Description
Goslings 151 proof Black Seal comes from a long, dark line of Bermuda rums. So, unlike most high octane spirits, it has a deep, rich flavor not overpowered by alcohol burn. This is a muscular but refined rum that’s now widely recognized as the best overproof rum available. Indeed, the International Rum Festival awarded it their coveted Platinum Medal in the Overproof Category. So think of it as the No.1 151. While this lip-tingling beauty is probably a bit potent for most casual sipping, it has a complex taste and unique quality that makes it an ideal complement to any number of exotic libations and classic tiki drinks, as well as any dessert recipe that calls for a little extra flair.
Tasting Notes
Appearance: Clear, dark amber
Aroma: Sweet dark chocolate, hints of spice including cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg.
Taste: Herbal offerings become obvious and mix well with the smooth sweetness of molasses syrup and caramel
Finish: hints of coffee and tobacco, more sweet vanilla and lingering caramel
