Objective Notes

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

A first sniff of this cinnamon-orange colored rum reveals mild aromas both fruity and spicy (vaguely like juicyfruit gum), with tangerine, cinnamon, spice, vanilla, butter-pecan, spearmint, and a vegetal quality.  There are no discernable ethanol notes but with the slightest hint of less appealing isopropyl alcohol presenting itself as the aromas tail off.  On the initial taste you’ll discover a refreshingly inviting complexity of caramel, banana and vanilla, balanced atop a medium body.  A semi-sweet finish begins with simple pleasing vanilla, then introduces a candy sense at mid-point, and ends a little warm as you would expect from an unaged rum.

Anecdotal Notes

Enthusiasts in the extreme, RnD believes in not only purchasing exotic rums in-country, but drinking them in-situ as well, to fully appreciate their native contextual motivation.  But the truth is: I (Dave) didn’t travel all the way to the Seychelles just for the rum. The islands lie east of the African continent in the Indian Ocean, 1,000 miles from land in any direction, and about as far away from my home in California as I can possibly get and be standing on terra firma.   Instead, my furthest rum hunt was combined with a sailing adventure, piloting a big catamaran around some of the most picturesque islands in the world, and being greeted along the way by the friendliest people. After 30 hours of air travel and a 12 hour time change, I simply needed some rum to adjust to the day-for-night jet lag. Takamaka Bay dark rum was my first encounter – and I quickly understood why it’s the choice of many Seychellois.

Spicy, fruity, fresh and easy drinking, Takamaka Bay rum reflects the essence of relaxed Seychelles living.

Taster’s Opinion

Dave - Takamaka Bay Dark rum is versatile – well suited to sipping on the rocks, or possibly with lemon and a pinch of sugar (the locals’ way), or in a beach cocktail.  It mixes well in rum punches and tropical elixirs, though I advise avoiding mixing it with cola.

Roger - I’ve been looking forward to trying Takamaka Bay  Dark Rum for about a year. I was surprised to learn it tastes similar to a few spiced rums I’ve enjoyed, including a nice Cajun spiced rum. I assume spices were added in.   Takamaka Bay dark rum can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks or in your favorite cocktails where spiced rum might be called for. It made an excellent rum and coke and I don’t drink those often. If you are ever in the Seychelles pick up a couple bottles to enjoy and bring home.

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

Most recently tasted by: Dave in April 2009 on Mahé, Seychelles; and by Roger in June 2009 at RnD’s North tasting room.

*750ml unless otherwise stated.