Note: Link to Margaritaville Dark Rum Review
I'm not a Parrothead, nor will I parrot the marketing hype from our Key West Pal Jimmy. Now I know there is a cocksure group of rhum snobs that tend to put down new ventures, particularly those by a - horrors! - a singer songwriter (btw, this didn't stop them from buying Sailor Jerry).
Now I'd be less than honest if I didn't say I have my doubts, but I intend to keep my big mouth shut until I've given M'ville Parrot Rum a fair chance. Of course in Florida we usually get first dibs on any new rum and Jimmy's brew is no exception.
For the record, Margaritaville rums include a silver, dark, spiced and coconut (how apropos):
Now the red flag zone of my medulla of course notices the abundance of meaningless marketing drivel (eg "soft, silky entry... fresh cut coconut... dry-yet-fruity... creme brulee... buoyant entry..."), as well as hard-to-believe complexity for what are likely relatively young rums.SILVER.
80 proof; 40% ALC/VOL
Clear. Light vanilla, cane stalk, warm custard, and nougat aromas. A soft, silky entry leads to a dry light-to-medium body of attractive cane, vanilla bean, and pepper flavors. Finishes with a zesty, peppery powdered sugar flavor.
SPICED.
70 proof; 35% ALC/VOL
Pale golden amber color. Creamy vanilla, cloves, nutmeg, and white chocolate aromas. A rich supple off-dry medium body with notes of white pepper and toasted nut. Finishes with a long, warm cinnamon and spicy vanilla fade.
COCONUT.
42 proof; 21% ALC/VOL
Clear. Rich fresh-cut coconut and soft vanilla bean aromas follow through to a mildly sweet medium body of toasted coconut flavor. Finishes with nice length and creaminess.
DARK.
80 proof; 40% ALC/VOL
Deep golden amber color. Vibrant aromas of brown sugar, buttery caramel, roasted nuts, and crème brulee. A buoyant entry leads to a dry-yet-fruity medium body accented with vanilla beans, nut, and peppery brown spice flavors. Finishes with a dark caramel toffee and peppery spice fade.
On the other hand I was intrigued by the claim of "Jamaican rum" on the label. If Jimmy has engaged a good Jamaican distiller, his rums may be a lot better than you think.
Stay tuned...