|
The Kraken is an enormous sea monster of legend, said to appear off the coasts of Norway. It had a co-starring role in “Clash Of The Titans,” where it was commanded to destroy cities by the Greek Gods.
It will appear this month in a less frightening, animated version, “Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken.” Ruby discovers she’s a direct descendant of the Kraken warrior queens sworn to protect the oceans of the world against the vain, power-hungry mermaids. O.K.!
The Kraken, one of the numerous superstitions and myths among sailors of old, was first described in the modern era in 1700. An enormous octopus that could pull down ships, it was written about by authors including Victor Hugo and Jules Verne [source].
In modern times, the belief is that the legend of the Kraken may have originated from sightings of giant squid, which can grow 40–50 feet in length. Here’s more about it.
Now: How do we get from the malevolent Kraken to a bottle of spiced rum?
Kraken Golden Spiced Rum begins with a legend:
“A lone ship, carrying barrels of spiced rum across the Caribbean, was viciously attacked by the massive tentacles and colossal strength of an unknown beast. All aboard the doomed vessel were dragged into the watery depths, never to be seen again. We now know this dreaded beast to be The Kraken.
“All but one of the rum barrels were destroyed in the carnage. Stained by the ink of the beast, the surviving barrel came to be known as The Kraken Rum.
“It is now known as a sacred libation of unparalleled flavor and darkness.”
The 70-proof Dominican Gold Spiced Rum is (so they say) “aged for two years at the bottom of the sea.”
As the legend says, “To not respect the power of the Kraken is to not respect the sea.” So, drink with respect.
HOW DOES IT TASTE?
Kraken can be sipped neat, yielding the flavors of spice, toasted oak, and vanilla. Sophisticated palates will detect molasses and caramelized sugar.
The aroma is sweet caramel, cinnamon, and vanilla.
You can, of course, mix your favorite cocktails. There are recipes on the website.
How About Some Dark Rum?
People who prefer dark rum should consider Kraken Black Spiced Rum, “infused with the darkness of the depths.”
The nose delivers aromas of allspice, clove, and toffee, with a palate of ginger, peppercorns, and vanilla.
GET YOUR KRAKEN
It’s a gift that’s bold, rich, and smooth. The SRP is $21.99.
Head to The Kraken website.
ABOUT SPICED RUM
Spiced rum is any kind of rum that has been flavored with natural herbs and spices: barks, dried fruits, leaves, roots, and/or seeds.
Allspice, cardamom, cassia, cinnamon, citrus, clove, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, orange peel, pepper, star anise, and vanilla are some of the spices that can go into a blend.
The spices are added to distilled white rum, along with molasses (which provides the golden color).
The result does not have to be spicy, just flavorful.
Spiced rum is a type of flavored rum, but there are other rums that are simply white rums flavored with fruit extracts (cherry, citrus, coconut, mango, etc.).
> The history of rum and the different types of rum.
|
|
[1] The Kraken Golden Spiced Rum. BYO tentacles (all photos © Proximo Spirits).
[2] Was The Kraken rum really found at the bottom of the sea?
[3] Washed up from the depths of the ocean, ready to be enjoyed at your home.
[4] The Kraken Black Spiced Rum.
|
