Today we take a little review of the Cruzan Distiller’s Collection which includes three products in their lineup: Cruzan Estate Diamond Dark Rum, the new Cruzan Estate Diamond Light Rum, along with Cruzan Single Barrel Rum. The three products come in a commonly branded “look and feel” with the Single Barrel rum being slightly re-branded in the shorter bottle design.
I found the Cruzan Estate Diamond Dark to have a great tropical aroma that reminded me of a muted coconut rum. Perhaps the sweet molasses on the nose brings out that tropical reflection of a dark rum. The flavors are definitely on the sweeter side with a light brown sugar appeal, medium bodied with a “thick on the tongue” dark sweet flavor that shows off a mild “heat” with a very crisp and clean finish. Lots of deep dark flavors and tropical spice that has enough age to add weight and round off the finish from any harsher alcohol bite.
The Cruzan Estate Single Barrel definitely brought more oak-aroma to the nose of the glass. As compared to the Cruzan Dark, the build up is slightly more exciting, a bit more rich and flavorful and weighty oak and vanilla dynamics. The alcohol intensity seems to remain clean and clear with just enough oak to give you a nice vanilla “aging.” Imagine a light sipping rum that acts like a mildly aged bourbon but doesn’t come close in the bigger “punch in the face” intensity of a bourbon. Might still be a little light for “martini” designs, but could really work well floated on a tropical cocktail.
The Cruzan Estate Diamond Light rum is going to make for a great cocktail mixing rum as it brings just enough flavor without overdoing it. Keeping it light but not as light as a vodka. A light yet warming body that does have a bit of an alcohol scent as you sip but it lacks the aggressiveness of a cheaper less filtered rum and still finishes clean and crisp. You may find Cruzan Estate Diamond Light may reduce its aggressiveness to nothing when ice is added or chilled. Cruzan Estate Diamond Light is almost too easy to drink.
You’ll find both the dark and light Estate Diamonds on sale for USD $19.99 and the Cruzan Estate Single Barrel for $29.99. While our three bottles were sent to us for review, there is no doubt we’ll be seeking out replacements for our next polynesian cocktail tiki party as they’ll bring to live many great tiki recipes without the striking alcohol sensation.
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