SUNSET RUMS

Sunset Very Strong Rum (169 proof) is a robust youthful white rum which is an integral part of the social fabric of the islands comprising Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in the Southern Caribbean. It is enjoyed by the islanders neat with a chaser, or added to the traditional Black Cake after having soaked dried fruits in the spirit for months. Those of us without the fortitude or desire to sample it straight can enjoy it on ice, mixed with coconut water, fruit juice or cola, or as part of the many Island Punch recipes that are graciously offered to visitors to this tropical paradise. Mild nut and caramel notes help give this overproof rum its distinctive flavor, and send tourists searching for this memorable product once they return home.

The strong rum is part of the social fabric in Saint Vincent. It is used not only as libation (“neat” with a chaser of water, fruit juice or coconut water), but also for baking during Christmas and on other special occasions such as weddings. However, its purchase for those occasions is not limited to those time periods. For example, the dried fruits soak in the rum for many months prior to baking the customary “black cake.”

Sunset Captain Bligh Golden Rum (80 proof) is a distinctively-flavored, aged golden rum. Distilled from a molasses wash in a modern two column still, the success of this blend is due in part to the unique aging conditions. After distillation, the fresh rum is diluted to 87.5% alcohol by volume before it is mellowed in once-used oak Kentucky bourbon barrels for up to ten years. Owing to its location and lack of industrial development, St. Vincent has some of the purest drinking water in the Caribbean. This water is used in the distillation process, contributing to the rum’s pure flavor. Generations of blend masters have carefully reproduced this distinctive elixir, which is sought after by true connoisseurs. Captain Bligh is named for the seafaring captain of Mutiny on the Bounty fame who introduced the food staple breadfruit to the Caribbean.