Objective Notes

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

Old Port shows dark in the glass, with a definite pinkish-orange-red tone.  Thin, fruity aromas like cherry, nuts and butterscotch don’t completely mask the musty old wood and compost essence, but make it a challenge to detect Old Port’s nicer aromas.  These are simple aromas, neither offensive nor especially interesting either – alas not the kind of scents that endear a rum to your nose.  Thankfully the initial taste somewhat redeems the rum, bringing forth flavors of vanilla, molasses, caramel, butterscotch, oak; all notably more pleasant than the aromas suggested, but still not the kind of genuine flavors associated with prolonged aging in oak barrels.  A medium-thin body contributes little to the flavors before the slightly sweet and musty finish lingers simply for awhile before drying away.

Anecdotal Notes

Dave -  As on of the world’s largest producers of sugarcane, India  has ample resources from which to produce fine rum.  Unfortunately, we don’t receive much of it here in the States.  Amrut Distilleries Ltd. is a major producer of Scotch (SIngle Malt Whisky) in India, beginning business operation in 1948, and also makes Old Port rum in what appears to be a traditional Indian style.  Indian sugarcane is used for the fermentable wash, the distilled spirit is double charcoal filtered to remove most of the harsh flavors, then aged in oak casks.

Taster’s Opinion

Dave - Old Port has some of the techniques in place, but the rum still suffers from edginess and a lack of complexity.  Old Port isn’t exactly a first choice sipping rum, unless you’re looking for something uniquely on the other side of classic.  If you are enlisted in India’s armed forces, then it’s probably your regular fare.  For us civilians, consider it a Government Issue rum, with all that entails, then adjust your palate’s expectations accordingly.  Or just splash some in a cola or a cocktail that calls for rum and Grenadine syrup – it fits in just fine there.  On a price/value index, Old Port Rates suffers a bit, as there are more sophisticated rums better suited to sipping and mixing in the $20 range. 

Note:  Old Port may be an acquired taste.  I’ve learned through experience that some rums taste best when sampled in their native locale, accompanied by the typical food, spices, or other aspects of the cultural environment.  I try my best to get around, but perhaps my palate is not attuned to Indian sugarcane and water, or flavoring that might be added to Old Port, or the barrels used by Amrut Distilleries for aging. - Dave

Roger – Old Port Rum is one of a few rums produced and exported from India. It has a unique aroma and flavor profile that I’ve not encountered before. Aromas of candied fruits and Tutti-Frutti flavored bubblegum along with similar flavors with the addition of pepper and some wood notes. It’s good enough to enjoy on it’s own neat or with ice. I’m sure it would make a good rum and coke cocktail but I’m not sure how the Tutti-Frutti flavor would go with bitters and/or a lime in a more complicated recipe But not to worry as it’s just fine straight. Old Port Rum is not an easy rum to find but if you are looking to add an Indian rum to your collection this is the one I would choose. 

Taster's Rating (10 is best): Dave - 6.5 Flasks; Roger – 7.5 Flasks 

Most recently tasted by: Dave, April 2011 at RnD’s South Tasting Room, and Roger, May 2011 at RnD’s North Tasting Room, USA.