There is a small island off the southeast coast of Africa called Mauritius, once described by Mark Twain as "You gather the idea that Mauritius was made first, and then Heaven: and that Heaven was copied after..".
Starr African Rum is a product who also produces a hard-to-find rum called Green Island Rum, among others. The distiller plays it close and simple, so details of how this 2-4 year, molasses-based rum is made are impossible to come by - and if I can't find it, no one can.
Sure.
If you've never seen a bottle of Starr African Rum, you aren't alone - but if you have - you will never, ever forget what may just be the most attractive bottle and presentation that we've seen. As much as we prefer classic presentations like the pre-marketing Mount Gay, this is a simply astunning, clean and completely modern presentation.
Basta! The reviews...
Me: Starr African Rum was not easy to categorize. Other reviewers have it so easy - they simply plop a rum into the usual misleading color and other categories: white, gold, dark et al. They toss this one in with the white or silver rums, typically very new and harsh mixers.Sue Sea: Jimmy is so, so right about Starr's presentation in a triangular red bottle, featuring a gold leaf outline of Africa, with the island of Mauritius just off the coast. Below states simply: "Starr, ultra superior light African Rum". It is real eye candy for the rum lover, and a bottle that is impossible not to feature on your bar.
Starr African Rum presents as a clear, but not brilliant rum, with unusual sticky teardrop legs. Its aroma was completely enticing, featuring licorice over anise, pitzel, a baked pastry like shortbread, a touch of vanilla, and hints of coconut, molasses and pecan. As for taste, this Starr rum is consistent and does not disappoint. So many rum present well, but then either fall apart or change character unexpectedly. To be fair, sometimes this can be pleasant, but usually is not.
The early, middle and late palates all reflect this enticing aroma and Starr finishes with a terrific white pepper, clove and ginger. It is smooth and I think quite versatile for enjoying with any food, and before, during or after a meal. It is simply delicious, but be careful! It may not last long.
That would be an error and is exactly why these marketing classifications fail.
In the end, Starr's smoothness and sophistication place it squarely - or is it triangularly - in the camp of the Cuban style. Both Sue Sea and I agree on the primary aroma of licorice over anisette and honey - think a sugar cookie. I won't repeat the rest (with which I agree). The early palate represents these wonderful aromas, then build into a slow growing heat to a memorable and lingering white pepper and clove finish, all the hallmarks of a nice Cuban style rum.
The only negative: this is yet another dangerous rum, in the sense that it is way too easy to drink. When I pullled this rum out for a re-review I was shocked to find but a couple of inches remaining in the bottom of the bottle! How could this be! When it comes to fine, and hard-to-find rums, I tend to be very stingy, to preserve the rum for future comparisons (we buy all our rums to preserve our integrity).
It was then I reflected on how misleading bottle shapes can be. Sue Sea often is amazed that a tall bottle holds the same 750ml as a short, squat bottle. Starr's tall triangular bottle - though the bane of a space seeking bar - is completely misleading. The liquid levels fall alarmingly fast and do mislead. The wide triangular base holds most of the contents.
Or did we really drink it that fast? You decide, lol...
Rating (ten is best): Sue Sea - 9, Jimbo - 8.