Stroh 80 Rum (500ml)

Austrian rum is hard to come by in Australia. This one from Stroh weighs in at a hefty 80% alc/vol and is limited to 500ml bottles. Stroh is unusual in that is distilled from herbs and fruit, as opposed to sugar cane and will come as something of a novelty for the rum connoisseur or may be equally appreciated as a cough soother. The unmistakable aroma of Stroh makes it indispensable for the creation of typical Austrian sweet dishes.

Tasting note: Deep sienna brown / old copper colour. Penetrating aroma opens with notes of caramelised onion and burnt herbs. Aeration draws out a sweet core of over-cooked fruits while the spirit prickles the nostrils. The palate is bitter and tannic on entry before an achingly intense, prickly and hot, bitter-sweet attack; hints of toasted almond and fruit cake are followed by a touch of rubber band on the finish. The tongue piercing spice and spirit heat continues to flame the mouth well into the aftertaste, turning bone dry as the fruit cake flavours fade. Lip numbing, and just way too much spirit heat to make this enjoyable straight. 80% Alc./Vol.

Other reviews... Unusual brick orange and metallic copper hue. Caramel and sweet buttered nut aromas with a whiff of sharp alcohol. A tannic, hot entry leads to a fiery off-dry full-bodied palate with roasted nut, treacle, and intense spices. Finishes with a mouth numbing wash of heat, rubber and cardboard flavors. Addition of water tames the heat and mutes, rather than enhances, the flavors. Too manipulated. 80% alc/vol.
International Review of Spirits Award: Bronze Medal
80 points (Recommended) - tastings.com