Objective Notes

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

Cypress Creek Vanilla Flavored Rum is light straw or pale ale in color and clear with a few particles but no cloudiness. On the nose vanilla is discovered first as you would expect and but nicely done and not overpowering. Accompanying aromas are bitter almonds, light coco bean, light alcohol but nothing offending. Initial taste reveals several surprises including a velvety entry, medium and dry body. Soft flavors of vanilla (moderate but not overdone) and caramel are noted as are hints of dark chocolate, and white pepper. The finish is short, dry, and warm with a vanilla and spice fade.

Anecdotal Notes

Roger – David Watson and his wife Laura own and operate D.E.W distilling a small artisan distillery is located outside of the small town of Wimberley Texas which is northeast of San Antonio. Located in a picturesque setting near Cypress Creek which their rums are named after. The inspiration for starting the distillery came from a trip to the Mauritius Islands and finding the great rum that was produced there.  David had been a welder most of his life working in the oil fields so he set out building the distillery and most of the required equipment.

Cypress Creek Vanilla Flavored Rum is made from all natural ingredients and starts off with black strap molasses as the base for their fermentation. It’s distilled twice through a self designed and fabricated stainless steel pot still which is done to ensure a quality final distillate. Its then filtered through a coconut carbon filter for smoothness and flavor according to Mr. Watson. The rum is flavored using the highest quality Tahitian Vanilla Beans which he chose over other types including Madagascar vanilla beans as Tahitian beans give the best and strongest aromas.  They age their vanilla beans in their own white rum for a period of time which makes a highly concentrated extract.  That extract is then in turn used to flavor the rum. The entire process including bottle filling and labeling is done by just David and Laura.

The bottle is a tall and square shaped with eased corners. It has rounded shoulders and a long neck. The front label is long and black with an artistic picture of Cypress Creek and the surrounding hills. It’s topped with a cork and black plastic cap.

Taster’s Opinion

Roger – Cypress Creek Reserve Vanilla Flavored Rum is one of the better vanilla flavored rums I’ve tried. It’s hand crafted in small batches using quality ingredients. It isn’t like the many mass produced, super sugary sweet, thin, low alcohol, and artificial tasting vanilla flavored rums on the market. It isn’t overpowering and is fairly complex, smooth, and flavorful.  It really is meant to be enjoyed in a cocktail but you have to try it neat to really appreciate it. It also would work well in recipes. Savor in the aromas and flavors then add it to your favorite cocktail. I don’t normally enjoy a rum and coke but this vanilla rum makes one heck of a good rum and diet coke cocktail!

Dave – Cypress Creek Vanilla is smooth enough to sip and its while its flavor is more subtle and refined than many of the latest crop of flavored rums, I believe it’s intended purpose is for mixing.  As a mixer, Cypress Creek Vanilla works well to add vanilla flavor without an abundance of sweetness, so it should do well in a Rum ‘n Cola, and would be interesting to combine with an edgier rum in a painkiller or even eggnog.

Taster's Rating (10 is best):  Roger - 8.5 Flasks, Dave – 7.5 Flasks.

Most recently tasted by:  Roger and Dave, March 2011 at RnD’s North and South Tasting Rooms, USA.

*750ml unless otherwise specified.