Named after HMS Formidable, the flagship of Admiral George Rodney during the famous Battle of the Saints, this rum comes from Saint Lucia and is produced by St. Lucia Distillers. The naval connection isn't just marketing - the entire Admiral Rodney range pays tribute to ships that played a key role in British naval history.
What makes Formidable stand out is its weight and richness. The rum is drawn from the lower sections of a Coffey still, producing a heavier, more flavour-packed spirit than lighter column still rums. It's then matured for between 9 and 12 years in ex-bourbon casks, allowing plenty of time for the oak to add depth without overpowering the rum itself. There's a real sense of maturity here. Rather than relying on sweetness alone, it layers together dried fruit, honey, vanilla, spice and toasted oak, creating something that feels refined and rewarding to sip slowly. This is very much a rum for enjoying neat or with a single cube of ice rather than hiding away in cocktails.
Tasting Notes
Nose:
Honeyed raisins, vanilla, spice, and toasted oak
Palate:
Rich and velvety with sultanas, honey, caramel, warming spice, and layers of oak
Finish:
Long and smooth with lingering vanilla, oak spice, and dried fruit
