St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram

While ratings are subjective without a point of reference, this is the well-known one. Even a small amount, like 1/4 oz, provides a significant impact in a tiki cocktail with abundant delicious flavor. Sipped neat, a tiny taste coats the mouth, quickly overpowering the initial sweetness. It dries the tongue and cheeks with an astringent quality and baking spices, even subtly reaching the nose. The allspice is obvious, suggesting notes of clove and molasses, almost like black strap but not quite. This might not appeal to everyone, but I'm definitely a fan. It's reasonably priced and a 750ml bottle will last ages. It works well in most applications where Angostura might be used.

I wouldn't sip it straight (it's strangely both thick and harsh) but a little bit adds considerable spicy flavor to mixed drinks. While typically mixed with rum in Tiki beverages, my partner and I enjoy it with whiskey. A local spot in Charlottesville, The Alley Light, initially introduced us to it with a cocktail named the Fancy Leather Couch, featuring Scotch Whiskey, Allspice Dram, and Earl Grey Tea. Fantastic!

A decadent cordial from Jamaica, made with premium pot-still rum and allspice berries. It begins with herbal notes of rum and spices, followed by a spicy middle with hints of cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, and pepper, concluding with a robust, moderately long finish. From November 2016 to May 2018.

Just as the name suggests, featuring allspice (cinnamon, nutmeg, clove). It starts sweet, but the allspice or pimento berry leaves a drier spice on the finish. Excellent for tiki drinks, or it can even stand in for bitters and sugar in an Old Fashioned.

Absolutely fantastic spice rack aroma, essential for a Lion's Tail. But the price for the size? After finishing two bottles of St. Elizabeth's, I discovered making allspice dram yourself is quite simple.

Used in numerous tiki cocktails; it's my preferred allspice or pimento liqueur.