1:00pm Sunday 14th March 2010
By Joanna Kilvington
While the wintry weather drags on outside, one man is hoping to bring a taste of the Caribbean to Chiswick.
After years of enjoying a regular sip of his family’s golden rum – distilled 6,782km away in Barabados – Stephen Wallace has decided to bring it to Chiswick to brighten up the dreary days.
Rum Sixty Six is distilled, aged and bottled at his family’s distillery in the West Indian nation, which is run by Mr Wallace’s cousin Richard Seale, the fifth generation of the family to take on the job of master distiller.
For years a limited supply of the 12-year-old rum had been the sole privilege of the Seale family in Barbados.
It was given out as a leaving present to the English branch of the family, who moved to the UK in the 60s, when they flew over to visit their relatives in the sun.
But after enjoying the rum with friends in the slightly cooler climate of Chiswick Mr Wallace, an advertising executive, decided it was time to share his family’s rum with the UK’s discerning palates.
Chiswick residents were first to get their hands on the tropical drink after wine and spirit merchants Lea and Sandeman, in Chiswick High Road, became the first to stock it in the UK.
To tempt people’s taste buds the store hosted complimentary tasting sessions.
Mr Wallace, a father-of-two, said: “We’re all very excited by how quickly top bars and wine shops have discovered Rum Sixty Six.
“In Barbados the years count twice compared to ageing in cooler climes.
“After 12 years Rum Sixty Six develops aromas and flavours similar to a single malt aged a quarter of a century.”
To find out more visit rum sixtysix.com.
Our reporter Alistair Kleebauer gives his verdict on Chiswick’s new import...
“It could be a bit early in the year to break out the summer drinks, but this new rum, available in England for the first time, could already have you dreaming of your holiday destination.
“Rum Sixty Six’s family reserve is aged for 12 years in the tropical climes of Barbados, and after a couple of sips you can’t help but imagine yourself relaxing at the beach, glass in hand.
“The smooth taste isn’t far off that of a single malt whiskey, and it can easily be enjoyed on its own.
“Either way, your summer holiday won’t seem so far away.”
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