The Kraken Black Spiced Rum

Isn't funny how regional dialect dictates what you call a carbonated beverage?

So... Because I don't drink pop anymore, rum tastings haven't been a priority on my list. This is a shame, because there are some fantastic rums out there, and not all of them are only fit for spiking an easily mixed cocktail. My goal, as of late, has been to find some rums that are ideal for sipping and will offer some kind of competition for the fine scotches I enjoy.

Here's my opening salvo in this battle.

In their words:
The Kraken is imported rum from the Caribbean blended with natural flavors. Named for a sea beast of myth and legend, The Kraken Rum is strong, rich, black and smooth.

In my words:
I'll be honest and say that this rum walks a fine line between the realms of sipping and just being a mixer. On the nose it's molasses balanced with warm spice, caramel, and a powerful aroma of residual sugar. The palate follows through on this, with the addition of a smooth finish that leaves a warm spike on the tip of the tongue and the roof of the mouth. The Kraken is pretty thick in the mouth feel, so if you're sipping, be prepared for that (I realize that some people can be put off by a syrupy consistency).

Great packaging (a la Herman Melville). The color is fantastic; black in bottle, but with a rich molasses color in the light.

I tend to prefer to dark rums, so this was a risk on my part. I was pretty pleased; I think the average rum drinker (i.e. the rum & coke or Mojito lover) would find this appealing addition to their liquor cabinet, although the color might throw off the presentation of their cocktails. For the genteel sipper, this might be a bit rowdy and immature.