Kirk and Sweeney Burning Mast Dominican Rum 750mL

Kirk and Sweeney Burning Mast is an extraordinary Dominican rum inspired by the maritime phenomenon of St. Elmo’s Fire—a rare weather event that creates the illusion of glowing masts during thunderstorms. This unique expression pays homage to the rum-running days of the early 20th century, delivering a bold and adventurous spirit infused with the heat of a variety of hot peppers. Handcrafted in the Dominican Republic, this rum is a true testament to the art of rum-making and the creativity of blending heat and flavor.

Production Process:

• Origin: Dominican Republic, adhering to the stringent standards required to be classified as “Dominican Rum.”
• Base Ingredient: Hand-harvested, high-quality sugarcane.
• Fermentation & Distillation: The sugarcane is processed for fermentation and then distilled to create a robust rum base.
• Aging: The rum is aged in a variety of American and French oak barrels, with a meticulous process of dumping, blending, and re-barreling to achieve a balanced and complex flavor profile.
• Infusion: In the final step, the aged rum is infused with a blend of hot peppers, creating a fiery and spicy character that sets this rum apart.

Tasting Notes:

• Aroma: Offers a captivating blend of honeysuckle, caramel, and vanilla, layered with hints of habanero spice and cinnamon. The sweet notes of the rum are beautifully balanced by the warm, spicy undertones.
• Taste: The initial sip is bold and spicy, with the upfront heat of freshly sliced chili peppers leading the way. This intense spice is softened by notes of cashews, creating a complex and intriguing flavor experience that evolves with each sip.
• Finish: The finish is a harmonious blend of hot and sweet flavors, with the habanero spice building through the mid-palate and spreading throughout the mouth. The heat is bold yet balanced, leaving a lingering impression of red-hot spice tempered by the rum's natural sweetness.

Key Features:

• Spicy Infusion: Infused with a blend of hot peppers, this rum delivers a unique combination of heat and flavor that is both bold and complex.
• Crafted in the Dominican Republic: Adheres to strict regulations for Dominican rum, ensuring a high-quality, authentic rum experience.
• Aged to Perfection: The rum is aged in American and French oak barrels, with a careful process of blending and re-barreling to achieve depth and complexity.

How to Enjoy:

• Neat: Best enjoyed neat to fully appreciate the complex interplay of sweet and spicy flavors.
• On the Rocks: Serve over a large ice cube to temper the heat and bring out the nuanced flavors of caramel and vanilla.
• Cocktails: Perfect for adding a fiery twist to classic rum cocktails such as a Spicy Daiquiri or a Hot Pepper Rum Old Fashioned.

Ideal Pairings:

• Food Pairing: Pairs wonderfully with spicy foods like jerk chicken, grilled shrimp with a chili glaze, or spicy Mexican dishes. It also complements desserts featuring dark chocolate or caramel.
• Cigar Pairing: Ideal for pairing with a medium-bodied cigar, enhancing the smoky and earthy notes of both the rum and the tobacco.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. What makes Kirk and Sweeney Burning Mast unique?

   • This rum is infused with a blend of hot peppers, creating a distinct and bold flavor profile that balances sweetness with intense heat. It’s inspired by the maritime phenomenon of St. Elmo’s Fire, adding a unique story to its character.

2. How should I enjoy this spicy rum?

   • It can be enjoyed neat or on the rocks to fully appreciate its complex flavors. It’s also excellent in cocktails, where its spicy kick can add a unique twist to traditional rum-based drinks.

3. Is the spiciness overwhelming?

   • While the initial heat is prominent, it is balanced by the rum’s inherent sweetness and notes of caramel and vanilla. The result is a bold yet harmonious flavor experience that is both intense and enjoyable.

4. What is the inspiration behind the bottle design?

   • The vintage bottle shape and intricate silkscreened design reflect the historic era of rum-running. The glowing gradient on the bottle represents the phenomenon of St. Elmo’s Fire, while the chili pepper and heat meter on the label highlight the rum’s spicy character.

5. Is this rum additive-free?

   • Yes, the rum is crafted with high-quality ingredients and natural infusions, without the use of artificial additives.