Smith & Cross Traditional Jamaica Rum

Smith & Cross Traditional Jamaica Rum is a nod to the historic, funky, and robust rums of 19th-century Jamaica, a style that had become scarce before its introduction. While the brand name itself traces back to an old English sugar refinery and spirits handler from 1788, this particular spirit is a more modern creation, conceived with the input of spirits historian David Wondrich and brought to market by Haus Alpenz. It’s a blend of 100% pot still distillates, primarily from the Hampden Estate, featuring both heavier Wedderburn and medium-bodied Plummer styles, aged for varying periods and bottled at a traditional "navy strength" of 57% ABV without chill-filtration or added sugar. This process results in its signature bold notes of caramelized banana, exotic fruits, and spice, making it a distinctive choice.

Smith & Cross brings that unmistakable Jamaican funk to the party, a bold declaration of overripe tropical fruits like banana and pineapple, alongside a current of warm baking spices. This pot-stilled, navy strength spirit isn't shy; it stands up beautifully in classic Tiki drinks, Daiquiris, and even a Kingston Negroni, lending depth and an assertive character that cuts through other cocktail ingredients.

Expect a bold greeting of overripe pineapple and banana on the nose, perhaps a hint of solvent funk that's classic Jamaican. The palate delivers a spicy punch of tropical fruit, cinnamon, and clove, evolving into a surprisingly creamy, prolonged fiery finish with lingering notes of tinned pineapple and spice.