Review: Gosling’s Black Seal and Gold Rum
Not exactly a Johnny-come-lately in the rum world, Gosling's is a brand that's been around for over 150 years. 151 to be exact (hmmmmm)....
Here's a long-overdue look at two of Gosling's most popular and commonly-available blends. Both are sourced in Bermuda and bottled at 80 proof.
Gosling's Black Seal Black Rum - This is the most common of the Gosling's bottlings, a dark, "black" rum that's commonly called for by name in Dark & Stormy cocktails. It's easy to see why: On the rocks, it's a smooth and intensely sweet and filled with deep molasses character. Aromatic and full of exotic spice notes -- cinnamon, ginger, cloves -- it almost could pass for a spiced rum and is interchangable in cocktail recipes if you're out of Kilo Kai. Best of all, Black Seal is a good deal at just $16 (and often on sale for much cheaper). A-
Gosling's Gold Bermuda Rum - Seen less frequently, Gosling's Gold is an interesting counterpart to Black Seal for when you need a different style in your concoction. Less smooth and more rustic in style, it's got more of a wood and smoke character than the molasses-like Black Seal. Lighter in color than your typical amber rum, it mellows out with ice and a little meltwater, but on the whole it's better as a mixer than on its own. Still, as with Black Seal, an impressive value for the money (also $16). B+
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April 28th, 2009 - 08:04
You should try the Gosling’s Family Reserve. That’s one of my favorite sipping rums.
April 28th, 2009 - 17:14
Gosling’s Old Rum is to die for if you really enjoy aged rums. Still bottled in champagne bottles and sealed with the black wax (hence the “Black Seal”) so it has a very old school feel that’s a nice change from the standard bottles of the day. So delicious. Might actually have a glass of it when I finish my beer… We shall see.
April 30th, 2009 - 09:35
Glad to see the 80 proof Black Seal was enjoyable. Up until recently, I strictly stuck with the 151 proof, but it’s all but disappeared in my state. So sad.