Smith & Cross is a traditional Jamaican rum from the Hayman distillery.
Produced according to the English tradition, the rum is a blend of heavy rum distilled in Wedderburn stills and aged for 6 years in oak barrels and lighter rum distilled in Plummer stills and aged between 18 months and 3 years. The whole is packaged in "Navy strength", i.e. with a strength of 57°.
Powerful and complex, Smith & Cross is a reflection of the rums of the past centuries. It is suitable for tasting and for making cocktails such as the Mai Tai, the Planter's punch or the Rumble.
Nico's tasting notes
The nose of this typically Jamaican rum opens with very powerful varnish/glue aromas briefly tinged with a metallic (coppery) hint. But don't worry, it's the banana and pineapple that quickly take over to give a very "funky" profile as they say there.
Then the candied red fruits give thickness to the nose, followed by sultanas and spices (cinnamon, nutmeg). It's rather sweet despite the 57°, especially as a slight vanilla woodiness sets in.
After a little airing, the red fruits are there, a slightly acid cherry at the head. They are accompanied by blackberries and blueberries, which brings a fresher side. From this freshness emerge notes of lemon, resin and liquorice: one thinks of an Alpine candy. The spices are also finer (cloves, cumin).
On the palate, still a little acidity, quickly followed by a good dose of exotic fruits (pineapple, mango, banana, papaya) roasted with pepper and chilli. It is rather faithful to the nose as the red fruits are back.
The aftertaste is reminiscent of a spicy honey, the rum quickly fades from the tongue but remains in the background for a long time with a little alcohol all the same.
"A perfect rum to discover the character of Jamaican rums..."
On video
This rum is part of the Jamaica discovery pack that we tasted live with Olivier Scars, in a video to be found on our Youtube channel.
Anthony Brocourt
Very good Jamaican rum, original as well in the nose where it is almost disturbing, as in the mouth with a great power in attack, and a very pastry final. Personally I love it.
Anthony Brocourt
Very particular in the metallic nose, varnish-glue, but also very original in the mouth, an impressive power in the attack and a pastry finish to wish. Personally I love it, but it will not please everyone.
Blaise Dropsy
Blended 1:1 with Demara El Dorado 12 year old, perfect for making a black jamican rum in tiki cocktails worthy of Don.
Customer
Perfect, thank you!
Pascal Zanetta
Unbeatable price for such a good bottle, in tasting but especially in cocktail!
Urbain COFFI
Rival good Scotch whisky
I love it.
GERARD MASOT
I already knew this rum. But don't drink it just after opening the bottle. wait a bit. very good, still surprising not to feel the 57 degrees.