One of the most beloved rums in the mixology and Tiki communities, Smith & Cross is revered for bringing back the funky, high-hogo style of rum that had been sadly absent for many years. Distilled at the Hampden distillery in Jamaica, it’s a blend of two styles of pot-stilled rum, Plummer and Wedderburn, which fall at different points on the funkiness scale.
The nose of this highly aromatic rum leads with overripe banana, followed by leather, spice, and molasses. Sipping yields additional fruity esters and a touch of sweetness, but without the viscosity of added sugar. The finish is more tobacco, spice, and citrusy grapefruit. At 114 proof, it has a moderate burn, and it is not promoted as sipping rum. However, if you can’t get enough hogo in your life, carry on and sip away.
