IS rum the new gin? Sales in the UK are certainly catching up as the sugar cane based spirit sheds its old groggy image. It certainly has its champions in Manchester in the tiki bars and at Revolucion de Cuba on Peter Street, but ToM decided to tackle the ultimate tot test at Turtle Bay.
This Caribbean restaurant and bar with bases on Oxford Street and Oldham Street boasts a roster of 40 different rums from Jamaica to St Lucia, Cuba to Barbados, Bermuda to Antigua. Hugely contrasting styles feature, too, from crystal clear, fruity, white rums, to the rich, luscious dark rums and powerful overproofs. Oh and with all the spiced styles and cocktail spin-offs (Rum Negroni, anyone?) it’s a rum old world to discover against the backdrop of Turtle Bay’s reggae soundtrack.
The menu is split up into four categories – Good, Better, Best and Fabulous. Rum lovers can also order a Rum Sharing Board from £14.50 and sample four different rums of their choice.
Some highlights from Turtle Bay’s collection…
Wray and Nephew White Overproof: This iconic Jamaican rum is flavourful, full-strength and complex. It is crystal clear and has a fruity natural aroma with overtones of molasses. Essential ingredient in authentic Jamaican rum punch.
Appleton Estate Signature Blend: A rich, medium-sweet rum blend of15 aged rums with a warm honey colour and a lush fruity aroma.
Appleton Estate Reserve Blend: Our big fave. Oak, nutmeg, and exotic spices all sing out in this complex, aromatic blend of 20 rums, with two from very rare reserve stocks.
Appleton Estate Rare Blend: The rare, hand-selected golden rums that make up this blend have all been aged for a minimum of 12 years. Rich mahogany in hue, it tastes robust yet smooth.
Santa Teresa 1796: Honeyed single estate rum from Venezuela with elements of bitter chocolate and nuts It is made, unusually for a rum, through the sherry-style solera process: casks of different aged rums are stacked vertically, the oldest (aged around 35 years) at the bottom, and as the distiller draws rum from one cask they top it up with younger liquid from the blend. Sip it on its own or with mineral water.
Plantation Pineapple: This intensely pineapple tipple is a tribute to the esteemed Reverend Stiggins whose favourite drink was the “pineapple rum” in Dickens' Pickwick Papers. Originally not intended for sale, the rum was created to share among colleagues and friends at Tales of the Cocktail 2014. Another ToM must try. Makes a great Daquiri.
Turtle Bay, established in 2010 has 42 restaurants across the UK.
