Cruzan Black Strap Rum

Cruzan Black Strap Rum shines in tropical and tiki-style cocktails, adding depth and complexity, but can also be savored neat or on the rocks for those who appreciate its bold molasses flavor; it's particularly refreshing on warm summer evenings and pairs wonderfully with spicy Caribbean cuisine or rich desserts.

Nose: Rich molasses dominates, accompanied by notes of gingerbread, licorice, and a hint of coffee. There's a subtle undertone of vanilla and dark caramel, reminiscent of freshly baked brownies.

Palate: Thick and syrupy with an intense molasses flavor upfront. Dark chocolate and black coffee notes emerge, balanced by hints of anise and fennel. A touch of oak and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg add complexity. The sweetness is restrained, allowing the robust flavors to shine.

Finish: Long and warming with lingering notes of molasses and dark brown sugar. A slight bitterness reminiscent of espresso remains, along with a subtle smokiness. The finish tapers off with hints of licorice and a touch of salted caramel.

Cruzan Black Strap Rum is crafted by blending Cruzan's signature aged dark rum with black strap molasses, a thick, dark syrup produced during sugar refining that lends the spirit its distinctive color and robust flavor profile reminiscent of classic navy rums from the U.S. Virgin Islands.

• Despite its name, Cruzan Black Strap Rum isn't actually made from blackstrap molasses. Instead, it's a blend of aged dark rums with added molasses flavoring, creating its signature intense taste without using true blackstrap molasses in production.
• The Nelthroop family, who owns Cruzan Distillery, has been making rum on St. Croix since 1760 - that's over 260 years of rum-making expertise! Their family motto "The rum that's aged naturally, never artificially" speaks to their commitment to traditional methods.
• Cruzan Black Strap Rum played a pivotal role in reviving the classic Tiki cocktail "Jungle Bird." When bartender Giuseppe González substituted it for Jamaican rum in 2010, it sparked a renewed interest in both the cocktail and this unique rum style among mixologists worldwide.