AUTHENTIC CARIBBEAN RUM AND ROCOCO CHOCOLATE TASTING

Ian Burrell, representing The True Rum Campaign, and Chantal Coady, founder of Rococo chocolates, have combined to create a range of authentic Caribbean rum and fine chocolate pairings. An eye opener to some of the truly fine rums of the Caribbean. These include Angostura 1919, Appleton VX, Chairman’s Reserve, El Dorado 15, English Harbour 5 and Royal XM. I have been a dark chocolate fan for many years but, again, my palate was introduced to some new variations with the cocoa being carefully sourced (parallel to variations of grapes for wine).

The Angostura 1919 is a medium gold rum with hints of spice, vanilla, caramel and oak. It was balanced with a candied orange and geranium milk chocolate artisan bar. The flower and the fruit in the chocolate tamed the fire of the rum with the vanilla notes both blending flawlessly. The El Dorado 15 year old also has a beautiful medium gold appearance and produces an aroma of dark coffee, candied orange, almonds, dark chocolate and rich vanilla. A spread of flavours covers the palate with a smoky finish. It was paired with passion fruit and mango chocolate. The exotic fruit flavours in the chocolate served to enhance the tropical flavours of the rum.

As Ian Burrell says,

‘Of all the spirits you can match with chocolate, none offers the diversity and versatility of aged Caribbean rum. The subtle complexities and richness of these unique spirits brings out the full flavour of the chocolate and vice versa’.

A luxurious rich rum and hot chocolate was also sampled, together with a rum and chocolate cocktail. I would recommend the fine rums alone either for the cocktail hour or to be indulged in with fine chocolate after dinner.

For more information on Authentic Caribbean Rum visit www.truerum.com and for more information on Rococo chocolates visit www.rococochocolates.com

Alistair Marsella. June 2009