Trinidad rum and puncheon have historically gone hand in hand. Originally created in the Forres Park estate, it was named after the big puncheon barrels it was stored in, and became popular nationwide among the “baa-johns” looking to show how tough they are by drinking 75% ABV rum straight. It’s meant to be very strong and quite light on flavor.

Of course, when I bought it, I knew basically nothing about any of that. I am running really low on Wray & Nephew, and I thought that this might be something akin to a Jamaican white overproof, for some reason. I think the flames on the bottle reminded me of Rum Fire, and Wray & Nephew is often used by Jamaicans to make punch, so… I figured I’d give it a try.

Review

Smell

Surprisingly light on the scent. When I first opened my bottle of Bounty 151, it smacked me in the face with alcohol, but with Forres Park, I can put my nose right up against it and barely get any alcohol fumes. I get maybe the slightest hint of a Bacardi-like vanilla and coconut rum smell, but it’s pretty neutral.

Taste

I’m getting very spicy earthy notes. Vanilla, anise, chocolate… it’s pretty intense in heat too. Definitely not fruity or Jamaican at all. Of course, it’s very difficult to sip neat due to the high proof.

I tried it in a daiquiri, and it’s not very good. It’s pretty neutral, and the earthy and spicy tastes don’t really mesh well with a daiquiri. Perhaps it might be better for a savory drink, or maybe some other purpose. I am just not sure of how to use this.

Verdict 4/10

It’s just not very flavorful, and the flavors it does have, while not bad on their own, don’t really work with any cocktails that I usually make. Maybe it can be used as a base for dissolving pimiento dram or something. I recall Bounty 151 also being pretty earthy and anise-forward, so they might be interchangeable.