Cruzan Black Strap Rum: The Bold, Molasses-Rich Essence of St. Croix's Naval Tradition
Dive deep into the rich, robust character of Cruzan Black Strap Rum, a truly distinctive spirit from the historic Cruzan Distillery on St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. With over 250 years of rum-making heritage, Cruzan is renowned for its dedication to crafting authentic and versatile rums. This unique dark rum takes inspiration from the hearty "navy rums" of the past, characterized by its deep color and intense flavor.
Cruzan Black Strap Rum is crafted by infusing their signature smooth, aged dark rum base (a blend of rums aged a minimum of two years) with blackstrap molasses, an ingredient celebrated for its robust, bittersweet profile. While it's sometimes described as a "flavored rum" due to this infusion, it stands apart with its singular, unmistakable notes of licorice, coffee, and rich molasses. The result is a bold, full-bodied spirit that adds an exotic, dark complexity to your cocktails, making it a favorite among bartenders and Tiki enthusiasts.
Key Characteristics:
- Blackstrap Molasses Infusion: Features the distinct, robust flavor of blackstrap molasses, providing deep notes of licorice, molasses, and burnt sugar.
- Aged Rum Base: Blended with Cruzan's smooth, aged dark rum (a minimum of two years in charred American oak casks) for depth and balance.
- St. Croix Origin: Proudly produced by the historic Cruzan Distillery on St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, a cornerstone of Caribbean rum production.
- Deep, Dark Hue: Known for its opaque, nearly black color, perfect for adding visual drama to cocktails.
- Bold & Aromatic (80 Proof / 40% ABV): A powerful flavor profile that stands out, yet remains balanced.
- Bartender's Favorite: Highly valued as a modifier or float in tropical and classic cocktails, particularly for its unique flavor and color.
Tasting Notes:
- Appearance: Opaque, deep black to very dark mahogany, often with a thin green edge.
- Nose: Intense aromas of warm molasses and bakery-fresh ginger snaps, with prominent notes of coffee, caramel, and a hint of licorice or fennel.
- Palate: Rich and full-bodied with a powerful, slightly sweet taste dominated by robust molasses, licorice, and strong coffee notes. Hints of toffee, brown sugar, and dark chocolate may also be present, with a velvety texture. Some also detect subtle smokiness or earthy notes.
- Finish: Lingering and satisfying, leaving a strong yet pleasant aftertaste of coffee, licorice, and burnt sugars.
Awards & Recognition:
Cruzan Black Strap Rum is consistently recognized for its unique profile and utility:
- Spirit Journal: "Recommended" (2004)
- Highly regarded by professional bartenders and rum enthusiasts for its distinctive and indispensable role in classic and modern Tiki cocktails (e.g., Jungle Bird, Corn 'n Oil, and as a float on a Mai Tai).
- Often cited as a go-to for its specific "blackstrap" flavor profile.
Overall Impression:
Cruzan Black Strap Rum is a true individualist in the rum world. It's not a rum for every occasion, but when you need its specific, intense, molasses-forward character, nothing else quite compares. Its unique flavor profile, born from the infusion of blackstrap molasses, makes it an unparalleled choice for crafting complex tropical drinks or adding a powerful, dark dimension to a simple rum and cola. For those seeking an authentic taste of Caribbean rum tradition with an unforgettable twist, Cruzan Black Strap Rum is an essential addition to any discerning bar.
