Seven Fathoms Rum

Cayman Islands
40%
£40

Pure Single Rum – 100% Pot Still

ABV Hydrometer Test: 40% ABV @ 20°

* P

All rum, or indeed other drink’s producers, are perpetually looking for that unique selling point or something to set themselves apart from the rest. In the case of Seven Fathoms’ rum, their niche is that they have decided to age their rum 42 feet beneath the sea – one fathom equals six feet, hence the name and apparently the depth was chosen as the ideal pressure and temperature for rum ageing.

Cayman Spirits Co., the only distillery on the island of Grand Cayman who produce Seven Fathoms claim that the motion of the ocean is responsible for triggering a unique way of ageing a rum, with the waves gently rocking the barrels from side to side, mimicking historical barrel movements experienced when ships were rocked by waves. Whether this is true or not remains to be seen but I can say this appears to be completely unique.

Prior to reaching the depths of the ocean, (mostly) local sugar cane is used in this molasses-based rum, which is distilled in a copper pot still. The brainchild of friends Walker Romanica and Nelson Dilbert was originally conceived in the early 2000s. Following much success over the years, exporting around the world, they expanded their operations and added a new still in 2013 and have since gone onto create another rum (Governor’s Reserve) vodka, gin and rum liqueurs.

Under Richard Seale’s/Luca Gargano’s proposed rum categorisation, this would most-likely be classed as a “Pure Single Rum” – 100% Pot Still.

So, how does ageing 42 feet beneath sea level affect the taste? Let’s see…..

Bottle/Presentation 1/3

There has certainly not been much invested in the bottle/label design nor info provided. In fact the only info provided on the label; states that it is an artisanal rum from Grand Cayman along with a batch number (mine is 041) and the 40% ABV.

The bottle itself is slightly squat in design with a natural cork enclosure.

Glass/Aroma 8/10

In the glass Seven Fathoms is a medium amber colour with a slightly hazy appearance. It produces medium density legs that are medium paced down the sides of the glass.

The nose offers up bright and fresh citrus notes accompanied by ripe caramelised pineapple, white pepper and vanilla infused pastry.

Taste, Initial-middle 30/40

The entry has a lovely balance between sweet caramel and dried bitter oak. There is a light touch of grassiness to the rum, not unlike an aged agricole. It develops into caramelised fruits accompanied with white pepper and vanilla. It is smooth and easy to drink.

Taste, Middle/Throat 34/40

More vanilla and caramel develop in the mid-palate. The rum continues to be smooth with the caramel notes developing into the rear palate. But at no point does it become sticky or cloying like you would find with most spiced or dosed rums. The pepper present on entry re-appears – it never dominates, remaining no more than a light and tasty flavour. Towards the back of the mouth, light citrus notes lead to cacao and a honeyed finish.

Afterburn 5/7

A medium length finish, remaining smooth with more chocolate, honey and peppery notes.

 

TOTAL 78/100

Overall

Virtually all rum products seem to have to be accompanied by some novelty or other. This is certainly a unique niche!

It seems that most consumers really do fall for various gimmicks, which I prefer to just call marketing bullsh*t! It could be a fancy bottle/packaging or usually, in the rum world, it is some dodgy tale about pirates vaguely linked to Britain’s naval history.

Whether or not Seven Fathoms’ unique ageing process makes a difference or not is unconfirmed. It is novel and the rum is certainly very drinkable and enjoyable. The rum’s quality is there, the flavours are very good, albeit, generally light in style. I think it is a rum to enjoy in the sun with a bar of high-content cacao.

Review No. 116

*
P Denotes the rum contains POT still distillate.
C Denotes the rum contains traditional/Coffey COLUMN still distillate.
B Denotes the rum contains a BLEND of POT and COLUMN still distillate.
M Denotes the rum contains MULTI-COLUMN still distillate or is a MODERN rum.
A Denotes the rum is an AGRICOLE i.e. from Cane Juice.
S Denotes the rum is presented in a SWEETENED style.

Marking Guide:
Bottle/Presentation Out of 3
Glass/Aroma Out of 10
Taste, Initial-middle Out of 40
Taste, Middle/Throat Out of 40
Afterburn Out of 7
TOTAL 100