Myers's Original Dark Rum
Myers's Original Dark Rum is a classic and iconic Jamaican rum, globally recognized for its distinctive dark color, rich flavor, and long-standing heritage. Produced by Diageo, it's a blend of up to nine different rums, all distilled from Jamaican sugarcane molasses and matured for extended periods in white oak barrels.
Key Characteristics:
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Authentic Jamaican Rum: A true representation of Jamaican rum, produced on the island using traditional methods and local sugarcane molasses, contributing to its unique funky and robust character.
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Aged for Richness: Achieves its deep, almost opaque dark hue and rich flavor through extended aging in white oak barrels, generally between two to four years, before being expertly blended.
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Pot and Column Still Blend: Incorporates rums from both traditional Jamaican pot stills (for heavier, aromatic components) and column stills (for lighter, cleaner notes), resulting in a balanced yet bold spirit.
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Versatile & Robust Proof: Bottled at 80 Proof (40% ABV), Myers's delivers a strong and expressive flavor that stands out prominently in cocktails.
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Iconic Packaging: Instantly recognizable by its familiar squat, dark bottle with the yellow label, a staple on back bars for decades.
Tasting Notes:
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Appearance: Very dark, almost black or deep mahogany, with a thick, viscous appearance.
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Nose: Rich and assertive aromas of molasses, caramel, and dark brown sugar. Prominent notes of tobacco, coffee, and dried fruit (like raisin and fig) are often present, with a distinct underlying "funk" or estery note characteristic of Jamaican rum. Hints of vanilla and allspice may also emerge.
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Palate: Full-bodied and robust, with a complex interplay of sweet and savory. Flavors of heavy molasses, burnt sugar, and dark chocolate dominate, complemented by notes of nutmeg, allspice, and a peppery warmth. Distinct flavors of coffee, licorice, and a rich, earthy funk are also apparent, offering a depth that stands up to mixing.
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Finish: Long, warming, and distinctly rich. It lingers with notes of molasses, dark spice, and a pleasant bitterness from the coffee and cocoa, along with a persistent and satisfying warmth.
Awards & Recognition:
Myers's Original Dark Rum has been a consistent performer and a foundational spirit in the rum category for generations, leading to numerous accolades over its history. The brand has historically received:
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Multiple Gold Medals from various international spirits competitions (e.g., San Francisco World Spirits Competition, International Wine & Spirit Competition) throughout its long tenure.
- Recognized as a benchmark dark rum by bartenders and spirits experts worldwide.
Overall Impression:
Myers's Original Dark Rum is a true classic in the rum world. Its unmistakable dark color, potent molasses-forward flavor, and characteristic Jamaican funk make it a unique and indispensable spirit for many applications. It's not typically a sipping rum for most, but its robust character shines brilliantly in cocktails like a Dark 'n' Stormy, Planter's Punch, or a classic Rum Punch, where its rich depth can truly elevate the drink. It's a foundational dark rum that provides an authentic taste of Jamaica's rich rum-making heritage.