Rum Review: Hispanolia Mamajuana

Are these real rums? Is a chocolate flavored Bistec de Palomilla a steak? Maybe. Some are of lower proof. Some use real flavoring. And as for some, may we never drink worse than this!
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How do you rate Hispanolia Mamajuana (10 is best)?

9 to 10 inches
1
100%
7 to 8 inches
0
No votes
5 to 6 inches
0
No votes
4 to 5 inches
0
No votes
I'm a woman you idiot!
0
No votes
 
Total votes: 1

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Capn Jimbo
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Rum Review: Hispanolia Mamajuana

Post by Capn Jimbo »

Hispanolia Mamajuana: Toke up! Then get it up!

Yo mama, sucker. Hispanolia Mamajuana is a rarity among rums, particularly flavored rum. You can buy it all over California and other enlightened states at any medical marijuana shop. Indeed that was Sue Sea's very first reaction to this rum:

"Does it really contain...?"

Of course the truth is much different. Mamajuana is actually a historical and traditional native drink in the Dominican Republic. The term "Mamajuana (or Mama Juana)" comes from the English "demijohn" and refers to the short, squat, wicker-covered bottle in which it was stored. Think a classic chianti bottle.

"Mamajuana" means "Lady Jane" or "Mama Jane" - the bottle pregnant with this native concoction.

Traditionally, mamajuana was typically made by the native Taino Indians from indigenous herbs and barks and included sticks, bark, vines and leaves from native varieties of vegetation, cinnamon, agave, basil, cocoa and others. These were soaked first in red wine to remove some of the bitterness. The wine was discarded and replaced by a mixture of about 1/4 honey and 3/4 rum, as well as various added spices like vanilla, cinnamon and ginger. The herbs and barks were reused up to 20 or 30 times per the Wiki.

Hispanolia Mamajuana is made with cane neutral spirits and "...a secret combination of herbs, leaves, roots and spices. It is 30% alcohol so you can expect more kick than most rum creams. But I've left out the best part...

Sex.

Mamajuana was and is respected in Dominca as an aphrodisiac for both men and women. Call it Dominican Viagra. And trust that I - The Compleat and Humble Idiot, at your service - in my ongoing crusade to bring you honest and complete information intend to fully investigate and report on both the aroma, taste and uh, arousing finish of Hispanolia Mamajuana. In short...

Did I get a world class erection? The reviews:

Sue Sea:
I was doing a tasting at a local liquor store when Jim stopped by to give me moral support. The store is one of Fort Lauderdale's better stores and has an amazing selection of wines and spirits, some costing up to $3000 per bottle. Of course Jim struck out for the rum and cigar section but could only find one rum we hadn't already tasted.

Hispanolia Mamajuana.

And he is right when I saw the label. Had the Dominicans devised a clever way to deliver medicinal plants, lol? As we do, without reading labels Jim covered the history of this unique rum, a subject I find endlessly fascinating. I have great respect for tradition and history of distillers and their rums.

Hispanolia Mamajuana's bottle is a common but traditional bottle, with an ordinary faux parchment label and screw top. The rum itself is a clear amber. From this point on the rum is anything but ordinary. I should first explain that all too many rums, whether they are labeled "flavored" or not, often contain flavorings which are disgustingly artificial. To me this is off-putting. Fortunately there are a special few rum which use authentic native spices, coffees and fruits.

This rum is one of them.

I knew something special was happening when I find it hard to find the typical rum aromas I expect. Hispanolia Mamajuana's aroma is hard to describe. Finally it came to me - the aroma is much like root beer barrel candies, over a background of leather. From my first taste the rum is entirely smooth, consistent and unique. Think root or birch beer, beer nuts, cream soda and a little cacao or coffee. The lick your lips finish left a dry coffee aftertaste.

But please understand. It is clear to me that this rum, like Old Monk XXX is entirely authentic and not the least bit artificial. My descriptors fall short as I have not been exposed to the native Dominican ingredients.

I found Hispanolia Mamajuana very pleasant and would suggest this would make a good gift or dessert rum. I believe it could make a nice mixed drink iced, with milk or cream.

Me:

As noted by Sue Sea there are a handful of truly authentic flavored rums. By authentic I mean using local and traditional, real spices and components. Examples would be Richard Seales' Foursquare, Barbancourt's Pango, Old Monk XXX and Barbados' ESA Fields White. Some would include Brinleys or Ron Santero's coffee rums.

Modern flavoreds from Bacardi or Cruzan will never come close.

My initial nosing was extremely pleasant and equally unique. Think of a spiced men's aftershave. Honey, hints of menthol and even a bit of cherry. The early palate opens honey sweet and moves into Sue Sea's birch/root beer, with a subtle but steadily growing clove heat and a not unexpected lick-your-lips sweet aftertaste.

What's really a shame is how we as Americans have gotten so used to artificial flavors and manipulation that we are reduced to applying descriptors such as "root beer barrel candy" to a rum that is truly authentic and whose aromas and flavors are anything but artificial. But I will tell you this...

When you taste authentic, like the Supreme Court judge who knew porn "..when I see it", you'll know it when you taste it.

The best comparison I can make would be Old Monk XXX, a mainstay in India and which is composed of authentic Indian spices unknown to almost all Americans who think Double Bubble Gum grows on trees. In fact one of the challenges you must achieve is to avoid artificial comparisons, and to accept the native authenticity of this rum.

If you are so fortunate as to find Hispanolia Mamajuana, Old Monk XXX or ESA Fields do not hesitate to buy a couple as you may not get another chance to enjoy real, traditional and authentic flavored/spiced rum.

Rating (10 is best): Sue Sea - deferred at her request, Jimbo - 9.
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