With the temperature rising unusually high for mid-October, it seems only fitting that the tropical Caribbean vibes of this year’s RumFest have a suitably warm radiance. For those with an eye on the weekend tipple of choice, there seems only once choice that makes sense – rum! It is for this reason Elysium Magazine welcomes to the drinks cabinet of the discerning gent Wester Rum.

 

The common train of thought is that this is a rum hails from the sunny shores of a Caribbean island, however you would be mistaken. Wester Rum is actually from Scotland; in fact, it is one of the first rums to come out of Glasgow in more than 250 years. Taking its name from the Wester Sugar House Company, established in Glasgow’s Candleriggs in 1667, it is a nod to the penchant for the sugar-cane free spirit and rich history of the city it calls home.

 

It is made in the traditional rum sense, using copper still pots. This method allows the rum to impart the full-bodied flavour it is recognised for. It’s a deep mahogany in colour whilst the spirit is infused with the finest spices, citrus zests and notes of vanilla that all come together. The result is a complex yet smooth tipple best enjoyed over ice or with a mixer of the discerning drinker’s choice.

 

On the nose, it is a bouquet of spices and brown sugar. On the palate the brown sugar is complemented with warming clove and star anise which then develops into creamy vanilla. The finish is lingering but not too long, making you dive in for another mouthful.

 

Wester Rum is 40% ABV and bottled at 70cl. It is available directly from Wester Spirits, RRP £35.