Crafthouse Espresso Mar

Crafthouse Espresso Mar is a rum from Esplanda, and the name points to a coffee-forward bottling. The listing doesn't state an age, ABV, origin or whether the espresso character comes from infusion or flavoring, so check the label for those. Coffee-leaning rums like this usually show roasted bean, dark chocolate, cocoa nib and caramelized sugar on the nose, with a bittersweet finish. The base rum's own molasses or vanilla notes tend to sit underneath. The style sits closer to a dark or spiced rum than to a white rum, so expect a fuller body and less of the grassy brightness of a light rum. Rums in this category work both neat and in cocktails. Neat or over a single large ice cube in a rocks glass, the roast and sweetness are easiest to judge, and a small pour at cool room temperature shows more aroma than one served ice-cold. It is also well suited to an espresso martini variation. Shake it hard with fresh espresso and a little simple syrup, then strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass so the foam holds. A Rum Old Fashioned is another strong fit: stir it with a dash of Angostura or chocolate bitters and an orange peel over ice in a rocks glass. The roasted notes also pair well with the spice of ginger beer. Build a Dark 'n' Stormy in a highball with plenty of ice, a squeeze of lime and the rum floated on top. Lighter, citrus-driven drinks such as a Daiquiri or Mojito are less natural matches, since coffee and fresh mint or lime can clash. If you try one, keep the lime generous and the sugar modest. For dessert, expect it to suit vanilla ice cream, dark chocolate, tiramisu or a spoonful over affogato.