Avid fans of Honest Booze Reviews know that the Buffalo had a penchant for Goslings 151 as it was the easiest way to conjure the drunken spirit from the man. While it’s been a long time since such a spirit was allowed in the Buffalo Lounge’s bar we feel it’s ripe to try the little brother.
Of course we have had a Gosling since then (their Gold rum which was red), but this is in short a more similar product to the 151, but with a much weaker proof. The aroma and bottle look though are enough to flood the Buffalo’s head with memories and pain, but still we must give it a fair shot. (Pun unintended)
What they Say: “Rich, smooth & full-bodied, Black Seal Rum is a unique blend by Gosling Brothers of Bermuda, the original recipe being a closely guarded family secret that has been handed down for over four generations. Originally called Old Rum it was available only on draught out of oak barrels. Finally, after World War One, Black Seal was sold in champagne bottles, the most widely available bottle at the time. The cork was sealed with black sealing wax, hence the name Black Seal. Rated 96 and Best Buy World Spirits Championship.”
(It also follows with a Dark & Stormy recipe but we’re not making one)
Taste: 5.0 – You at first get a subtle sweetness that’s middling at best.
Aftertaste: 4.0 – Then like a bomb it explodes when it hits the back of your throat and while the sweet helps it’s like enjoying a punch to the face.
Burn/Smooth: 4.5 – Okay yes that does burn. Sure it leaves a lingering warmth but this is still rum.
Aroma: 7.0 – It is pleasantly sweet, and while it lacks the full power of the rum – you can still sense it. (Pun unintended – again)
Honesty: 5.0 – Again the problem here is that because it has a recipe and because the 151 is more accessible – you show up with this and depending on age you will be met with ‘why didn’t you get the 151 ya weakling’ or ‘thank god we grew up and backed away from dying from rum, just a little in my coke please’.
Mixability: 9.0
Rum and Coke: 9.0 – Almost exactly like it’s brother and not the gold in this respect. You get the ratio right and that is a delicious product. I am a huge fan of the Kraken, but from here out if I want a dark rum and coke – this is it.
Value: 6.5 – I myself have seen this vary, and while the higher proof is a couple of bucks more – if your goal is not to get drunk, but to enjoy a rum and coke dollar-to-value this is a good deal.
Google Shop Average: $18
Website: http://www.goslingsrum.com/
Reviewer Scores:
BuffaloJern: 7.0
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Metric Score: 41/70 |+| Metric Average: 5.86 |+| Reviewer Average: 7.0
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Final Thoughts: Yes the number is higher for review score, but anytime something supplants or becomes the de-facto standard in the Buffalo lounge barstock it deserves some points. I bought this because I wanted some decanter filler with a good color (and to review of course), but despite my bad memories I see a bright future with Goslings.
Got this to make a Dark and Stormy, which it does very well. Surprised you didn’t try one. I’m not big on rum and coke but will give it a try. Not bad, IMO on the rocks too. I have tried it straight but can’t remember. If it was bad, I would remember. This is my current go-to dark rum.