Ah, Captain Morgan, a name that brings back memories, both good and not-so-good. It’s been a while since I last tried their Spiced Rum, and with the introduction of their premium offering, Captain Morgan Private Stock, I thought it was the perfect time to revisit this brand and refresh my taste buds.
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The Legend of Captain Morgan
Let’s take a quick trip back in time to the 17th century. Captain Morgan, born in Wales in 1635, was a renowned privateer in the Caribbean. His daring exploits, including capturing Spanish ships and leading successful assaults on fortified towns, made him a legendary figure in Caribbean politics. Although much of his early life remains a mystery, his adventures were immortalized in a memoir by his shipmate Alexandre Exquemelin.
The Birth of Captain Morgan Rum
Fast forward to the mid-20th century when the Seagram company decided to create a new line of Caribbean spiced rum inspired by the infamous Captain Morgan. They acquired a Jamaican distillery that had been producing rum for the local Levy Brothers, who added their own blend of medicinal herbs and spices to create a unique flavor. Impressed by the Levy’s recipe, Seagram bought the distillery and used their formula as the foundation for their new rum.
From Canada to the United States
Seagram, originally a Canadian distillery, grew to become one of the largest spirits companies in Canada. Their most notable brands, Seagram’s 5 Crown and Seagram’s 7 Crown, achieved enormous commercial success. In 1944, Seagram launched their Captain Morgan Rum Company, focusing on the production of Caribbean spiced rum. The company’s influence expanded when they introduced Captain Morgan to the United States in 1984, quickly making it the second-largest spirits brand in the country.
The Legacy Continues
Seagram’s reign eventually came to an end. In the early 2000s, the company’s divisions were sold off to larger beverage manufacturers. Captain Morgan, along with other brands like Seagram’s 7 Crown, found a new home with the British spirits firm Diageo in 2001. Despite the changes in ownership, Captain Morgan remains a beloved brand, cherished for its distinct flavor and storied history.
Now, let’s dive into the experience of Captain Morgan Private Stock.
A Taste of Tradition
Captain Morgan Private Stock is a departure from the traditional Captain Morgan bottle. Its aesthetics evoke a sense of history, with a fat, short, and wide design, complete with a wood and cork stopper. The label, featuring an illustrated black and white captain, exudes a simpler elegance that draws attention to the spirit itself. It’s a bottle that stands out on any liquor shelf.
Unveiling the Aromas
The aromas of Captain Morgan Private Stock are undeniably artificial yet intriguing. There’s a delightful sweetness saturating the air, reminiscent of a blend of vanilla extract and brown sugar. Baking spices like nutmeg and cinnamon add complexity and create an enticing olfactory experience.
Savoring the Flavors
The flavors of this rum mirror its aroma. The viscosity is akin to real maple syrup, with a generous burst of brown sugar and vanilla hitting the palate. As the flavors develop, the baking spices make their presence known, culminating in a finish that is strikingly similar to a flat Coca Cola.
Compared to the standard Captain Morgan, Private Stock holds up much better. Even with the addition of ice, the flavors remain intact, albeit with a slightly reduced sweetness. While not meant for sipping, this rum serves as an excellent foundation for cocktails.
Mixology Magic
This is where Captain Morgan Private Stock truly shines. When combined with a splash of ginger beer, the flavors harmonize to create a delightful drink. The sweetness of the rum, particularly the rich brown sugar notes, balances seamlessly with the bitterness of the ginger beer. The baking spices lend depth and richness, elevating the overall experience.
It’s worth noting that this rum leans towards the sweeter side. Even with the addition of bitter ginger beer, the sweetness lingers, almost resembling a candy-like taste. While some may find it appealing, others might find it overpowering. Personally, I appreciate the rum’s compatibility with this cocktail, although it’s not my absolute favorite.
A Rum for Mixing
Captain Morgan Private Stock is undeniably crafted with mixology in mind. Its bold and almost exaggerated flavors, like a caricature of spiced rum, lend themselves well to creating a range of cocktails. However, if you’re seeking a premium rum with complexity and depth, there are other options in this price range that may better suit your preferences.
Explore the World of Rum
All reviews are evaluated in the context of their specific spirit classification. If you’re curious about other spirits similar to Captain Morgan Private Stock, be sure to check out our other reviews.
Overall Rating: 2/5
An overly sweet concoction reminiscent of cookie dough in a mildly alcoholic liquid.
Remember to enjoy responsibly and embark on your own journey of rum exploration!
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