I first met the chaps behind Salford Rum when they launched their original Spiced Rum. Their signature spirit is made in Manchester, spiced in Salford, and sold all over the place.
Since then they launched their Pride bottle, raising money for Salford Pride. And now, in time for Christmas they’ve launched their Dark Spiced Rum. Something just a little bit different.
The launch happened at the iconic Salford Lads Club. It was my first visit, but I suspect not my last – not because I’m a particularly big Smiths fan, more because of what they do. Since 1903 they’ve been a place to go for kids who need them. They’re still going because there’s still a need for full bellies, occupied minds, active bodies, and supported hearts.
And whilst I’m sad that there’s still a need for all of the above, I’m so very glad they’re still there.
(Oh and Smiths fans, you can go and tour around, have your picture taken, and as they are a charity, give generously. Ta).
More on why the event was hosted there later. First, let’s talk rum.
Just like their signature spiced rum, they’ve taken inspiration from the Salford Docks. Dark Spice features a blend of selected Bajan pot and column still rums (up to 8 years old), and then adds spice – vanilla, coconut, burnt caramel and cloves.
The result is easy to drink, and distinctly moreish – one blink and your glass is empty. On the nose, there’s caramel, vanilla, bonfire toffee and overripe banana. Then on the palette, you get a hit of that burnt caramel, that stops it being overly sweet, vanilla toffee, butterscotch, and spice. It’s fabulous for cocktails, sipped neat, or my personal preference, with a good spicy ginger beer, and a little lime.
Add in a Dave Draws design on the bottle, and a price point of just £35. And yeah, I’m expecting this to fly off shelves, so get this while you can.
I did promise to talk more about why the launch was at Salford Lads Club. Well it’s pretty simple. After the popularity of their Salford Pride bottle in 2019, in 2020, Salford Rum will launch a specially designed bottle, with Dave Draws, to raise money for the Lads Club.
And in a world where we still have kids hungry, in need of places to go and just be kids, this makes me a rather happy bird.
