Take a swig, read this review and say “Happy 110th Birthday” to Norman ’Sailor Jerry’ Collins.
Sadly Norman isn’t around today to hear the rum glass clink but from the 14th of January 1911 until 1973, Norman etched hundreds of bright coloured tattoos across his sailor skin canvases.
As a tattoo artist he was an innovator. He was the first to create purple ink, brought Asian inking techniques to the states and his bold, colourful style lives on to this day.
I could talk for hours about Norman’s tattoo life but let's focus on the rum (for more on the man, have a read of this great link)
So the rum was a by product of the jointly created Sailor Jerry Ltd, a homage to all product a la Norman. These days the rum is distilled in the U.S. Virgin Islands and at its base is a blend of Caribbean rum which is then spiced , just as sailors did to ship waters on long voyages.
It’s this traditional spicing with top notes of vanilla and cinnamon that brings Sailor Jerry’s unique flavour.
This bottle has to get a mention with Norman’s iconic style and tattoo art present across the bottle. It is a “living” homage to the man and a combination of of style and sailor cues.
My favourite story is that of the Hula Girl. In a time before airlines, the only Westerners who reached the island of Hawaii were sailors after months at sea. Like the movies they would be greeted by hula dancers and a flower necklace.
Norman’s tattoo of this iconic moment would serve as a permanent reminder for those sales once they left the paradise island.
Look: Light in yellow- amber colour similar to mead.
Aroma: Faint and fruity smell with hints of apricots and of course vanilla.
Taste : You can not deny that this is a smoooooth rum. It delivers a nice, light heat with a quick finish. On the tongue there is a little sweetness and light vanilla. At its core you get a juicy liquid of fruit and light spices.
Rating: 4/5...It’s a great, authentic spiced rum. and the perfect starter rum for any newcomer. Hand on heart, I do miss the original Sailor Jerry’s that I have a soft spot for. It was that rum that got me into this great category in the early 20s.
Feel like a sweet shot of the old stuff? Then try the Figaro-tini. But I'm sure Norman would have had it straight. "Happy birthday Norman".
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