Portsmouth Distillery 1968 White Rum was the very first rum released by the Portsmouth Distillery in December 2018. It followed on from their first spirit release, the superb Fort Gin.
The Portsmouth Distillery is based at Fort Cumberland, located at Eastney Point at the entrance to Langstone Harbour. The distillery was established in 2018 by ex-Navy officers Vince Noyce and Giles Collighan and Dich Oatley, who has spent many years working in the wine trade. Vince and Giles shared a mutual love of rum, and the distillery was founded to produce a Portsmouth Rum.
There are now 7 rums in the Portsmouth Distillery Range: this rum, the 1968 White Rum, a flavoured white rum called Forum “Garden Rum”, Cinnabar Spiced Rum, 1812 3 Year Old and 1747 5 Year Old Rum, a coconut-flavoured white rum called Mutiny and a Dark Navy Strength Rum bottled at 57% ABV. All rums are available to buy now at Fareham Wine Cellar.
Portsmouth Distillery 1968 White Rum is an unaged white rum. At the time of writing this is the only rum made in the UK made from sugar cane syrup rather than the more commonly used molasses. Powdered sugar cane juice is imported from Costa Rica. This is then rehydrated at the distillery. The sugar cane syrup is then fermented. This is a long, slow fermentation (their very first fermentation took 4 weeks or so) before being distilled through the distillery’s 500 litre pot still (nicknamed Sophie Wu) and 4 plate column still. Sugar cane juice produces a different, more aromatic style of rum than those made from molasses.
Bottled at 41% ABV.
The name 1968 White Rum evokes the days of flower power, hippies and 1968 when Portsmouth was packed with people heading to the first Isle of Wight Festival. Inside the back label, there is a colourful rum-tastic Pop Art style picture. The bottle features a big 1968 on the front label with a plan of Fort Cumberland.
1968 White Rum is a clear, colourless white rum. The nose is aromatic with herbal, grassy notes and dried fruits. There are also aromas of white flowers, a hint of orange citrus and caramel. On the palate the rum has a silky soft mouthfeel with fruity character and more herbal flavours. Initially this appears dry but there is just a touch of sweetness and a bit of warmth on the finish.
The Portsmouth Distillery 1968 White Rum is an excellent mixer; however, it is nice enough to drink neat. Serve over ice with a wedge of lime. It is also a great ingredient for Mojito or caipirinha-style cocktails. Or a Ti Punch.
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