Objective Notes
Very Smooth (on the RnD scale of Harsh-Smooth-Very Smooth-Extremely Smooth).

Cockspur 12 is pleasing to the senses with a golden amber color in the glass, aromas of brown sugar and vanilla. Your first taste reveals a little heat and spiciness up front that works its way to the back of your tongue and throat. It's not too hot though, and finishes velvety warm, revealing flavors of light brown sugar, dried fruit, and sugar cookie. The second sip makes you desire a third, as it's smoothes out even more. 12 year old Cockspur Rum exemplifies what a good aged rum should be, for a fair price.

Anecdotal Notes
I tried Cockspur on the recommendation of a co-worker who has been drinking this distiller’s rums exclusively for many years. I was pleased with their 12 year old aged rum, which contains the oldest rums kept on reserve at the distillery in Barbados. Every year Cockspur selects a few barrels of special rum from locations known only to the Master Blender. These are set aside to develop the smoothness and color that a superior rum should possess. Sometimes lying down for many years under the blender's watchful eye, the rum is released when he decides it is faithful to the founder's original blend, and only then is it ready for the public. Sealed in a classic bottle with plastic covering over a plastic and natural cork topper. The understated black label  allows the rum rto reveal the wonderful color that the oak barrels imparted to the spirit. It’s a wonderful presentation that doesn't disappoint when you try it for the first time.

Tasters Opinion
Roger - This rum is best for sipping neat or on the rocks. It could be used in premium cocktails but the age and smoothness of this rum deserve a highball glass, and so do you, sipping in an easy chair at the end of a fine day, or enjoying after a great meal. Cockspur 12 is a good value as compared to other rums it's age and class.

Dave – Cockspur 12 is thoroughly enjoyable; the unmistakeable Bajan pot still parentage clearly evident in the cherry red color and complex aromas of orange marmalade and old black raisins, deeply dry and floral like pipe tobacco smoke and clove spice, which segué consistently into the flavors.  Cockspur 12 is a very smooth, buxom rum, finishing chewy, jammy, and full of semi-sweet cocoa.

Taster's Rating (10 is best):
Roger - 8.0 Flasks; Dave - 8.5 Flasks

Most recently reviewed by: Roger in December, 2006 at RnD's North tasting room in USA.

*750ml unless otherwise stated.