Deerfield, Ill. (September 9, 2013) – This month, Cruzan® Rum unveils the Cruzan® Distiller’s Collection, a line of super-premium, blended aged rums. Comprised of Cruzan® Estate Diamond® Dark Rum and the new Cruzan® Estate Diamond® Light Rum, along with the popular Cruzan® Single Barrel Rum, the collection stays true to the spirit of The Don’t Hurry and doesn’t rush the aging process, waiting until each rum is aged to perfection.
The Cruzan Estate Diamond rums were originally created by Hardy Nelthropp, who served as Cruzan Master Distiller from 1959-2007 and bottled the rum to share with his close friends on St. Croix. Each rum is aged between five and 12 years and, like all Cruzan rums, is made from tropical rainwater, high-quality molasses and distilled to be the cleanest-tasting rum on the market.
“I’m thrilled for Cruzan fans to experience our Distiller’s Collection,” said Gary Nelthropp, President and Master Distiller of Cruzan Rum. “We take great pride in the craftsmanship of our aged rums, and the Cruzan Distiller’s Collection offers consumers the opportunity to enjoy some of my family’s favorite expressions.”
From CaribJournal.com:
Cruzan Estate Diamond Light Rum
It seems a great deal of effort and care has been taken to create this new blend of aged rums — at least five years old — with some components reaching twelve years of age.
Careful filtering has removed most color while allowing much of the smooth and mature characteristics to remain in Estate Diamond Light Rum. The result is a faintly straw-colored expression of notable quality.
With aromas of light cane and subtle aromatic oak, plus a touch of mild peppermint, the nose is very light. On the palate, we find a luscious mouth feel of light vanilla building to warm pepper, cane and delicate wood. The finish is medium long and warm.
The new 750ml bottle of Cruzan Estate Diamond Light rum at 80 proof carries a suggested retail price of $19.99.
Cruzan Estate Diamond Dark Rum
A legacy product now brought back to market, the Estate Diamond Dark Rum delivers a rich and satisfying blend of authentic aged rum — five to twelve years in the barrel — at a price point that can only be described as generous. It easily straddles the line between a sipper and a mixer, offering a robust profile that stands up on the rocks and works well in cocktails that require a hearty rum component.
Aromas of vanilla dominate the nose, leading to toasted oak, baking spices, bourbon, and pistachio. On the palate, warm wood, buttery vanilla wafer notes with baking spices lead to warm pepper and a dry finish.
The new 750ml bottle bottle of Cruzan Estate Diamond Dark Rum at 80 proof also carries a suggested list price of $19.99.
Cruzan Single Barrel Rum
A heritage staple of rum connoisseurs and collectors, the Single Barrel premium aged rum remains on the short list of great sipping rums of the Caribbean region. The master blender selects his best vintage barrels for inclusion in this blend, then re-barrels them into single casks for further aging until they reach their peak of maturity. This popular rum is a fine sipper that plays well in a rocks glass with a single, large, clear ice cube.
Big wood dominates the nose with a creamy note, toasted whole wheat, dried fruit and Brazil nut. The taste as well is dominated by big oak and a buttery caramel mouth feel, leading to dry pepper and big warmth receding to a long lasting dry butter and pepper finish.
The new 750ml bottle at 80 proof carries a suggested lit price of $29.99.
All three rums are equally enjoyable neat, on the rocks or as a base in classic cocktails. Jesse Card, Master Mixologist for Cruzan Rum, created the following recipes to introduce the new collection to cocktail lovers:
Cruzan® Fig Pie
- 2 parts Cruzan® Estate Diamond® Dark Rum
- ¾ parts Orange Juice
- ¼ parts 1:1 Brown Sugar Syrup (1 part brown sugar, 1 part water)
- 1 tablespoon Fig Chutney
Method: Combine all ingredients over ice in a shaker. Shake hard for 15 seconds, double strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with grated nutmeg & skewered fig.
Cruzan® Winter Break
- 2 parts Cruzan® Estate Diamond® Light Rum
- 1 parts Pineapple Juice
- ¼ parts 2:1 Muscovado Syrup (combine 2 parts Muscovado sugar, 1 part water)
- 5 parts Hot Peppermint Tea
Method: Combine rum, pineapple juice and Muscovado syrup in a toddy glass and stir. Slowly add tea to the glass and garnish with fresh grated cinnamon and stick.
Cruzan® Sidecar
- 2 parts Cruzan® Single Barrel Rum
- 1 part DeKuyper® Triple Sec Liqueur
- A splash of Lemon Juice
Method: Combine ingredients and shake with ice in a mixing glass until chilled. Stir in and pour into a cocktail glass (a sugar-rim garnish is optional.)
All three products in the Distiller’s Collection are available nationwide. The Distiller’s Collection joins the Cruzan portfolio of rums that include Cruzan Aged Light Rum, Cruzan Aged Dark Rum, Cruzan Black Strap Rum, Cruzan 151 Proof Rum, Cruzan 9 Spiced Rum and 13 flavored rums infused with natural flavors, such as vanilla, key lime, passion fruit, coconut, mango and strawberry. For more information, please visit www.CruzanRum.com, www.YouTube.com/CruzanRum, like us on Facebook.com/CruzanRum or follow us on Twitter @CruzanRum.