A.H. Riise Black Coral

A.H. Riise Black Coral is a black rum bottled by the well known A.H. Riise house, associated with the Virgin Islands. It carries no age statement and arrives at 45.8%, and it offers an unusual, savoury take on the darker end of the rum spectrum.

The nose is sweet but layered, dried fruit, nutty notes and a grassy edge giving way to a distinctive botanical character, with tasters catching juniper and cardamom that lend an almost spirit forward, spiced quality. The palate is oily and full, sweet with woody spice, and the finish keeps that oily texture going with sweetness, wood and dried fruit. It is a richer, more aromatic style than its dark colour alone might suggest, the botanical thread setting it apart. For those drawn to sweeter rums with an unexpected savoury, spiced dimension, it makes an intriguing pour.