It isn't every day that you get your hands on something delectable that isn't available on the market yet. In the case of Temptryst, I had an incredible opportunity to sample a rum that will be coming to market in the (hopefully) not-too-distant future that is full of promise...rich, delicious, fabulous promise.
If you've never heard of Temptryst, you're not alone. Temptryst is distilled by Au Naturel Spirits Inc., based in Texas. Daniel Watson, the principal owner and self-titled "Mad Scientist In Charge" of Au Naturel, says that it will probably be "about a year" before the product appears in stores. I came to know about it through discussions at the
Ministry of Rum, where I read about the efforts of this fledgling company and it's entries into various tasting competitions. I had been fascinated with the idea of getting to try some of this rum from the beginning, and my appetite was only further whetted by the results of the Ministry's
rum tasting competition, in which the Cherrywood rum was awarded a gold medal.
Through various machinations and conversations, I was able to acquire a bottle of the Cherrywood, along with a bottle of the Dark Chocolate for my wife, from Daniel - who I'm sure is very happy that his dog was returned unharmed. Upon hearing that the spirit was heading my way, I waited with eager anticipation. I checked for packages daily, walking into the living room dejected every day that it didn't appear in my inbox.
Finally, it arrived and I greedily opened the package and dusted the few styrofoam bits off of the bottle and held it up to the light...
Appearances
The Temptryst Cherrywood is a nice mahogany color. Swirling it about in the glass reveals that it is not a heavy, viscous rum like Ron Zacapa or Zaya. Nonetheless, the rum has good, strong legs.
Nose
The nose of the Cherrywood is indicative of many of the things to come. The aromas include vanilla and a bit of woodiness at first sniff. There's a subtle richness in the nose, and with some further exploration one coaxes out the scent of toasted caramel and the slightest hint of cocoa, the two of which really add to the depth of the experience.
Character & Palate
The Cherrywood rum has, as one would expect, a rich, woody flavor to it - owed to the aging process in charred oak casks. This is a dry rum, leaving one with a tingling sensation on the tongue and in the chest while possessing almost no burn whatsoever. The smoothness of the rum is in excess of superb. This is a sipping rum, plain and simple. Mixing or blending this with anything other than a few drops (and I mean DROPS) of water would be nothing short of a mortal sin.
Diving deeper into the glass for a second sip reveals some very subtle botanical notes. For those not familiar with the flavor of cherrywood in general (bourbon drinkers should know the flavor), there is no real "cherry" flavor in "cherrywood". The hints of something like orange peel are there, but they're so slight that I find myself going back to see if I really tasted them. One has to search them out, although two or three drops of water make them a little easier to find.
The Long & The Short Of It
Temptryst has a truly magnificent rum in their Cherrywood. It is an experience that envelops the imbiber with rich flavors on the tongue and a nose that is experienced both on the inhale and then again on the exhale when sipping. It is the perfect spirit for sitting and relaxing for a quiet evening with a good book or a good friend (spouses count here too). While I haven't had the pleasure yet, I would venture to say that this would be an excellent companion to a fine cigar or would make an excellent follow-up to a fine meal.
Addendum: Winning Hearts & Minds
Having enjoyed this so much, I've shared it with a few close friends and relatives (not too many though, it's not like I can replenish my stock at any time), some who were already rum drinkers and some who have been stout drinkers of scotch or cognac. Their responses have all been the same: "This is FANTASTIC!" My father, never a big fan of rum, but always a fan of fine cognacs and Scotches even commented that this was superior to many spirits he had had that would cost several hundred dollars a bottle. Everyone I have let try it has immediately inquired as to how they can acquire some on their own, only to be heartbroken when I inform them that - at present - they can't.
After letting my brother taste it, his response was that it made him want to sit on his front porch in a rocking chair and just sip the spirit for an afternoon. I think that's the perfect image of this rum...the drinker sitting quietly, lost in the experience of the world as it slows down on a lazy afternoon.
I look forward with tremendous anticipation to the day that I can walk in to a liquor store and purchase a bottle (or two) of this fine rum to keep on my shelf.
Dood's Rating: 5 Bottles of Rum Out of 5
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