TOV has been attending quite a few wine/sake tastings and enjoying different styles of spirits from around the globe. So when Cruzan sent over its Peach-Clear Rum fusion, it was a definite welcomed change of pace. Don’t get me wrong I love my wine and sake but Caribbean Rum has its kick and much needed "higher alcohol by volume" than the aforementioned.
A little about Cruzan (pronounced kru-shan), est. 1760 in St. Croix this rum distillery is known for a variety of Rums from fruit flavored to many full dark body, Cruzan (Diamond estate) has earned its place in American history for giving us a 250 yrs. of distilled spirits & medicinal alcohol but, I digress, On to the Peach Rum. When I open the bottle, instantly the sweet scent is aromatic and it prepares you for what’s to come, yet it doesn’t overwhelm. The best description of flavor: imagine peach with a hint of rum compared to others where its rum with a hint of peach. This Cruzan combination makes it sweet like an “alchopop” with no carbonation. The flavor is light enough that a couple of ice-cubes will be sufficient, but if you want some variety here are a couple of recipes to bring out the flavor of the peach, direct from Cruzan.com:
Cruzan® Paradise Punch
- 12 parts Cruzan® Peach Rum
- 12 parts Ginger Ale
- 4 1/2 parts Honey Syrup* (recipe below)
- 3 parts Lemon Juice
*Spiced Honey Syrup
- 6 parts Honey
- 6 parts Hot Water
- 1/2 tsp. Cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp. Cracked Pepper
Method: Combine Cruzan® Peach Rum, Honey Syrup & Lemon Juice in a pitcher. Stir to mix and refrigerate. Add Ginger Ale right before serving. (Serves 8)
Cruzan® High Tai’d
- 1 part Cruzan® Peach Rum
- 1 part Cruzan® Estate Diamond® Dark Rum
- 1/2 part DeKuyper® Triple Sec Liqueur
- 3/4 part Fresh Lime Juice
- 3/4 part Orgeat Syrup
Method: Combine all ingredients over ice in a shaker. Shake vigorously and pour into a double old-fashioned glass over ice. Garnish with a sprig of Fresh Mint.
I like to try recipes out in my own personal way; the first is pretty simple just as long as you can freeze some pineapple chunks but it isn’t a must. The second recipe just takes a steady hand with a paring knife. I added the lemon juice the second time around so the apple won’t oxidize as quickly.
Peach Screwdriver
- 2 Parts Cruzan Peach Rum
- 1 Part Orange Juice
- 1 Part pineapple
- Frozen pineapple chunks
Method: Mix it all together. I prefer OJ w/ pulp; I also used frozen pineapple chunks instead of ice. It was edible and drinkable.
Apple Shot
- 1 apple
- Cruzan Peach Rum
- Lemon juice
Method: Carve the center out of the apple making sure all the seeds are out. Put a little lemon juice to rinse the inside then pour in the Cruzan Peach Rum let it absorb then pour in again, and start drinking and eating.
The Good:
The first glass of Cruzan Peach Rum, which I had on the rocks, left a pleasant impression as the strength of the rum is present but not commanding. The majority of the taste lies within the peach flavor. The combination of flavor, scent and the backyard, felt like I was on the verge of starting a vacation…and then it got late and had to go back in the house. I found Cruzan Peach Rum very easy to mix into already established recipes and at no point did the flavor overwhelm the drink, it only added hints of peach. I and my friends easily went through a bottle in a single sitting and were sad there wasn’t more.
The Bad:
I found that the smell didn’t quite match the flavor - both are amazing to the senses but just not quite a match. The scent was more peach/apricot as opposed to the flavor, which was a solid peach. To some palates it might be considered watered down due to the very sweet nature of the rum, which was a subject of contention for part of the evening. And in my opinion, a high alcohol volume doesn’t characterize the rum. If the full body is what you’re missing then you’re not getting the point of this drink.
The Ugly:
N/A
Now after finishing off the bottle I can say I enjoyed every sip of Cruzan Peach Rum either straight or mixed. And I also discovered that I like eating and drinking a lot more than I realized. Cruzan peach Rum is the kind of rum that is so light and sweet, it will easily mix with your favorite recipe. Out of TOV 5 stars, I give this rum TOV 5 out of 5.