Stroh 80

Stroh 80 is the legendary high-strength expression from Austria's Stroh, an 80% spiced rum that has long been a fixture in central European kitchens and bars. It is important to be clear about what it is: a flavoured, overproof spirit designed for baking, hot punch and boozy party mixers, not a sipping rum, and it makes no claim otherwise.

At 80% the alcohol overwhelms almost everything, though careful tasters can still find caramel and a few herbal notes beneath the heat, with a bitter, salty, slightly synthetic finish. Taken neat it is searingly hot, the liquid seeming to evaporate before it is swallowed, and most drinkers agree it is not meant to be enjoyed straight. Where it earns its place is in the kitchen and the punch bowl, lending warmth and aromatic spice to cakes, grog and winter cocktails. Judged as the utility spirit it is, rather than as a dram, it does its job.