To the west of the popular beach destination Cancun lies the modern Mexico city of Merida. Allegedly this is where the Mexican cartel live with their families, making the city very safe. North of the city is the quiet and relaxing beach town called Progresso. Seemed like the perfect place to try the local rum El Ron Prohibido.
So a little history... in the 1700s the Spanish brought barrels of their sweet raisin wine across the atlantic to the new colonies. Once drunk, rather than waste the barrels they would re-fill them with the local Mexican rum and send them back across the pound to Spain.
By the time it reached the Spanish shores the rum had infused with the raisin soaked barrels to great a spirit that proved very popular with the locals.
It actually became a little too popular to the point that the King banned it from coming into the country. This is how they got the name El Ron Prohibido... "The Forbidden Rum".
Great story... not sure it's true but never let facts get in the way of a good story.
One thing that is for sure is this 40% (80 proof) rum is aged via the Solera system with the oldest being aged 12 years.
You have to admit the bottle looks cool. With its glass loop handle, embossed glass bottom, solid wood top with cork and pirate scroll style label. This cork delivers a lovely little pop every time.
Smell: It has a lovely smell of molasses, caramel and a slight hint of vanilla.
Appearence: dark thick amber liquid with long legs.
Taste: Its a rich and raw flavour with a strong kick to it that doesn't last. Its sweet smell is matched by its taste. You can definitely taste rich raisins but it's just a little too rich and sweet for me.
Rating: 2/5...Generously helped by the beach setting where it was drunk.
You could make a Daiquiri (pronounced die-ker-ie in Mexico) or better yet use to top up a dark and stormy or add to a Grog mix.
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