Kraken Spiced Rum
The Kraken is a bold and exceptionally smooth black spiced rum with dominant flavours of rich vanilla and dark treacle, all wrapped in a warm, lingering finish of cinnamon.
Type
Country
Producer
Featured Flavours
Alcohol %
40%
Serving Size
- 25ml
Suggested with
In Cocktails
Kraken Spiced Rum
Upon pouring, The Kraken Spiced Rum presents itself as a visual spectacle before a single drop is tasted. It fills the glass with an opaque, inky blackness reminiscent of molasses or squid ink, clinging viscously to the sides. The aroma that rises to meet you is bold and unapologetically sweet, a powerful bouquet of rich, dark caramel and concentrated vanilla extract. This initial wave of confectionery sweetness is quickly followed by a warm and inviting medley of baking spices; think freshly grated nutmeg, a generous dash of cinnamon, and a subtle hint of clove, all mingling to create an impression of a decadent, spiced treacle tart.
The first sip confirms the promise of the aroma, revealing a texture that is exceptionally smooth and velvety on the palate. An immediate, powerful wave of rich vanilla and scorched sugar dominates the entry, coating the tongue with a satisfying weight. This sweetness, however, is not one-dimensional. It is quickly joined and balanced by the complex spice blend at the rum’s core. Strong notes of cinnamon and a whisper of ginger provide a gentle warmth, while deeper, darker flavours of molasses and a hint of liquorice root emerge from the depths, lending the spirit its characteristic complexity and preventing the sweetness from becoming overpowering.
The finish is satisfyingly long and warming, a pleasant echo of its bold character. The sweet vanilla and cinnamon notes are the last to fade, mingling with a gentle, peppery warmth that lingers pleasantly in the back of the throat. It’s a spirit that doesn’t whisper; it declares its presence with a rich, decadent, and accessible flavour profile. The overall taste is not that of a traditional, dry aged rum, but a modern and indulgent spiced spirit, perfect for mixing into a “Perfect Storm” with ginger beer or sipping slowly as the evening draws in.
Of course. Here is a history of The Kraken Spiced Rum, with a focus on its remarkable journey and impact.
Despite its elaborate, old-world branding that evokes centuries of maritime lore, the history of The Kraken Spiced Rum is surprisingly modern. The brand was launched just 15 years ago, in 2010, by the American company Proximo Spirits. At the time, the spiced rum market was growing rapidly, but it was largely dominated by traditional pirate and sailor themes. Proximo Spirits, the marketing arm of the historic Jose Cuervo tequila family, identified a gap in the market for something darker, more mysterious, and with a more premium feel. They didn’t acquire an old distillery; instead, they invented a legend from scratch.
The true history of The Kraken is a masterclass in brand creation. The entire identity was built around a compelling fictional narrative: a ship carrying a huge quantity of Caribbean black spiced rum was attacked by the mythical Kraken, dragging the vessel to the depths. Only a few barrels survived, stained black by the beast’s ink, and the rum was named in its honour. This myth was brought to life through distinctive packaging—a Victorian-style flagon bottle with two handles—and a scientific illustration of the sea monster. This created an “instant history” and a powerful identity that immediately set it apart from all competitors on the shelf.
This unique approach proved phenomenally successful, particularly here in the United Kingdom. Upon its launch, The Kraken quickly became a staple on the back bar of pubs and cocktail bars across the country. Its sweet, accessible flavour profile and strong branding made it an easy and popular choice for consumers. Its signature serve, “The Perfect Storm”—a simple mix of Kraken and fiery ginger beer with a wedge of lime—became a modern classic. In just over a decade, The Kraken went from a new market entrant to one of the most recognisable and best-selling spiced rums in the UK, proving that a powerful, well-told story can be just as potent as a centuries-old distilling legacy.
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At its heart, The Kraken is a Caribbean rum, widely believed to originate from Trinidad and Tobago, distilled from naturally sweet molasses. After being aged in oak barrels for 12 to 24 months, this base rum is infused with a secret blend of around 13 spices. While the exact recipe is guarded, the dominant flavour notes are unmistakably rich and warm: cinnamon, Madagascan vanilla, clove, ginger, and nutmeg, all underscored by a deep, dark caramel sweetness.
Its iconic, near-black colour is central to its identity. This is achieved with caramel colouring, which not only provides the visual drama but also enhances the smooth, toffee-like finish. In the UK, the flagship rum is bottled at a standard 40% ABV. The result is a rum that is intentionally bold, smooth, and easily drinkable, making it highly accessible compared to more traditional, funky rums.
