Mad River First Run Rum 750 mL
Pairs with: Slow-smoked brisket, sticky glazed pork ribs, caramelized bananas foster, or a rich pecan pie
Good for: Sitting around a crackling backyard fire pit on a brisk evening, or acting as the ultimate, sophisticated crossover pour for a dedicated whiskey lover
Cocktails: A complex Old Cuban, a tropical Painkiller, a rich Rum Old Fashioned, or a bold Jungle Bird
I am from: Warren (Mad River Valley), Vermont, USA
The Story: Born on the historic Cold Spring Farm in the heart of the Green Mountains, this exceptionally unique craft spirit is a benchmark producer from Mad River Distillers. Vermont is legendary because it holds some of America's most fiercely independent agricultural and craft heritage. Disregarding the traditional Caribbean molasses-based approach, the distillers set out to create a rum with a distinctly modern American point of view. It is meticulously crafted from 100% fair-trade certified, natural raw demerara cane sugar. The true magic, however, lies in its maturation: rather than using used casks, First Run Rum is aged entirely in brand new, deeply charred American oak barrels—the exact same highly regulated aging process used for premium straight bourbons and ryes. It captures a masterful harmony of pure tropical cane and rugged New England whiskey craftsmanship.
Why You'll Love Me: It balances a remarkably bright, bourbon-like richness with an incredibly seductive, smooth and toasted caramel edge. Standing out as a true "whiskey drinker's rum" because it is never artificially colored or back-sweetened with added sugar, it bursts from the glass with lively aromas of deep vanilla bean, charred oak, sweet butterscotch, and a hint of warm baking spice. On the palate, it delivers a beautiful, exceptionally robust medium-to-full body that is instantly cut by a laser-beam core of dry wood tannin, toasted marshmallow, and subtle black pepper spice. It gracefully sweeps into a long, complex finish defined by a mouthwatering clean minerality, a touch of rich toffee sweetness, and a signature hint of deep, lingering barrel warmth.
