Blackwell Black Gold

This rum is named after its creator Chris Blackwell. You may not recognize the name, you may also not recall the independent label Island Records, but it's hard to overlook the later pop culture icons he spotted at the garage stage in the 60-70-80's and then promoted. The list is as long as impressive.

Chris is resourceful, runs successfully numerous resorts in Jamaica and launched in 2009 his signature rum. Joy Spence (master blender at Appleton Estate) helped to refine the recipe and the advertising guru Richard Kirshenbaum took care of design and advertising. Excellent company, but how does the product defend itself?

The label looks like a treasure island map. Pirate's fancy topography reveals some clues:  'fine ... black gold ... special reserve' and anno Domini '1625'. Let's decrypt. The date indicates Lindo's family traditions in importing bananas, coconuts and rum. Special reserve - refers to the recipe of the 'J. Wray & Nephew' distillery historical owners (and this is Blackwell's family from the mother's side). 'Black gold' and 'fine' are nice words hiding the fact that rum has matured for (only) a year.

Blackwell is made from Jamaican blackstrap molasses. The rum is distilled at J. Wray & Nephew. Blend includes traditional 'heavier' pot stills and some 'lighter' columns. Rum matures for one year in barrels from American oak.