Kraken Black Spiced Rum 70 Proof

Smell - vanilla cola syrup, molasses, mint, caramel, an unidentifiable baking spice, powdered sugar, and a mild ethanol burn. Taste - vanilla cola syrup, molasses, mint, ginger, tart oak, various baking spices, black pepper, a mild alcohol sting, finishing medium short with vanilla, cola syrup, and tart oak flavors. The 70 proof version is a definite downgrade from the standard 94 proof Kraken. Many of the appealing notes found in its counterpart are muted and indistinct. The enjoyable, lively Vanilla Coke vibe has devolved into a cloying, syrupy imitation of its former self. The worst aspect is the sourness that permeates the palate from start to finish. It's diluted to the point where the flavors begin to break down into a bitter, sour mess. In summary, this is terrible. I question who thought a watered-down version of an already excessively sweet and easily drinkable spiced rum was necessary? While I found some aspects to appreciate in the original, this version has no redeeming qualities worth mentioning.

It goes down quite smoothly, with only a mild warmth. It's definitely quite plain, though. Subtle vanilla sweetness, a bit of cola, and indistinct spices... the flavors are delicate and muted. It would likely be excellent for mixing, but as a standalone drink, it's rather uninteresting. The bottle design is fantastic, however!

As someone who favors whiskey and has a long history of mixing rum and coke, rum itself isn't really my preference anymore. I believe this would work well in a cocktail, and I appreciate the bottle design; the Kraken is an effective marketing element for a rum.

Sweet. I prefer the lower proof version because it's less sharp and a pleasant drink. It makes a fantastic Dark & Stormy.

I'm not a huge fan of rum, but this one has a pleasant taste, it's smooth, and doesn't burn intensely after I consumed it.

Pleasant aroma of sweet vanilla. Smooth taste with upfront vanilla and a spicy finish.