The Kraken Black Spiced Rum. The name alone conjures images of mythical sea creatures and daring adventures. But beyond the captivating bottle lies a complex and flavorful spirit, waiting to be explored. So, how should you drink Kraken? The answer, thankfully, is multifaceted and depends entirely on your palate and preferences. This guide will navigate you through the various ways to enjoy this dark and mysterious rum, from sipping it neat to crafting elaborate cocktails.
Understanding the Kraken: What Makes it Unique?
Before we dive into specific serving suggestions, let’s appreciate what makes Kraken Black Spiced Rum stand out. It’s not just another spiced rum; it boasts a unique blend of spices that creates a deep, rich flavor profile.
Kraken is a Caribbean rum blended with a secret mix of over 13 spices. This blend typically includes notes of cinnamon, clove, ginger, and allspice, creating a warm and inviting aroma. The addition of caramel gives Kraken its distinctive dark color and contributes to its smooth finish. It’s typically bottled at 47% ABV (94 proof), offering a bold and assertive drinking experience.
This combination of ingredients results in a spirit that’s both sweet and spicy, complex and approachable. It’s this versatility that allows Kraken to shine in a variety of drinking styles.
Sipping Kraken Neat or on the Rocks: For the Purist
For those who truly want to appreciate the intricacies of Kraken, sipping it neat or on the rocks is the way to go. This method allows you to fully experience the rum’s aroma, flavor, and finish without any distractions.
Neat: The Unadulterated Experience
Drinking Kraken neat means pouring a small amount of the rum into a glass at room temperature, with no ice or other mixers. This is the purest way to experience its full intensity.
Choose a suitable glass. A Glencairn glass, similar to those used for whiskey, is ideal for concentrating the aromas. A small snifter or even a rocks glass will work as well.
Pour about 1-2 ounces of Kraken into the glass. Swirl it gently to release the aromas. Take a small sip and let it coat your palate.
Pay attention to the different flavors as they unfold. You’ll likely notice the initial sweetness of caramel, followed by the warmth of cinnamon and clove, and perhaps a hint of ginger or pepper.
The finish should be long and lingering, with a pleasant warmth.
On the Rocks: Cooling it Down
Adding ice to Kraken can mellow out the intensity and slightly dilute the flavors, making it a more approachable option for some.
Use large ice cubes. Larger cubes melt slower, minimizing dilution.
Pour 1-2 ounces of Kraken over the ice. Allow it to sit for a moment or two to chill.
Sip slowly and notice how the cold temperature affects the flavors. The spiciness may be slightly muted, and the sweetness may become more prominent.
Be mindful of dilution. As the ice melts, the flavor of the rum will gradually diminish.
Kraken in Classic Cocktails: A Spiced Rum Revolution
Kraken’s unique flavor profile makes it a fantastic addition to classic rum cocktails, adding a layer of complexity and spice that elevates the drinking experience.
The Kraken & Cola: A Simple Classic Reimagined
The Kraken & Cola is a simple yet satisfying drink that highlights the rum’s spiciness. It’s a great starting point for exploring Kraken cocktails.
Combine 2 ounces of Kraken with 4-6 ounces of cola in a highball glass filled with ice.
Garnish with a lime wedge.
The cola complements the sweetness of the rum while the lime adds a refreshing citrusy note.
Experiment with different types of cola to find your preferred combination. Some prefer a spicier cola, while others prefer a more traditional flavor.
The Kraken Mojito: A Dark and Mysterious Twist
The Mojito is a classic Cuban cocktail that typically uses white rum. Swapping it for Kraken creates a darker, spicier version that’s both refreshing and complex.
Muddle 6-8 mint leaves with 1 tablespoon of sugar and the juice of 1/2 lime in a sturdy glass.
Add 2 ounces of Kraken.
Fill the glass with ice and top with soda water.
Gently stir to combine.
Garnish with a mint sprig and a lime wedge.
The mint and lime provide a refreshing contrast to the rum’s spiciness, creating a well-balanced and flavorful cocktail.
The Kraken Old Fashioned: A Bold and Sophisticated Choice
The Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail that’s typically made with bourbon or rye whiskey. Using Kraken instead adds a unique spiced rum twist to this timeless drink.
Muddle 1 sugar cube with 2-3 dashes of Angostura bitters and a splash of water in an old-fashioned glass.
Add 2 ounces of Kraken.
Add a large ice cube.
Stir gently until the sugar is dissolved and the drink is well chilled.
Garnish with an orange peel.
The bitters and orange peel complement the rum’s spice notes, creating a complex and sophisticated cocktail.
The Kraken Dark ‘n’ Stormy: A Maritime Masterpiece
The Dark ‘n’ Stormy is a simple yet iconic cocktail that traditionally uses Gosling’s Black Seal Rum and ginger beer. Kraken makes an excellent substitute, adding its own unique character to the drink.
Fill a highball glass with ice.
Add 4-6 ounces of ginger beer.
Gently float 2 ounces of Kraken on top.
Garnish with a lime wedge.
The ginger beer’s spice and the lime’s acidity balance the rum’s sweetness and spice, creating a refreshing and flavorful cocktail.
The key to a perfect Dark ‘n’ Stormy is to float the rum on top of the ginger beer, creating a distinct layer.
Kraken in Creative Cocktails: Beyond the Classics
For the adventurous bartender or rum enthusiast, Kraken can be used to create a wide range of creative and unique cocktails.
Kraken Coffee: A Spiced Rum Awakening
Add a shot of Kraken to your morning coffee for a spiced rum kick. The rum complements the coffee’s bitterness, creating a warm and invigorating drink.
Brew your favorite coffee.
Add 1-2 ounces of Kraken.
Add sugar or cream to taste.
Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg.
Kraken Hot Buttered Rum: A Warm and Cozy Treat
Hot buttered rum is a classic winter cocktail that’s perfect for warming up on a cold day. Kraken adds a unique spiced rum twist to this comforting drink.
Combine 1 tablespoon of butter, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg, and a pinch of cloves in a mug.
Add 2 ounces of Kraken.
Fill the mug with hot water or hot apple cider.
Stir until the butter is melted and the ingredients are well combined.
Garnish with a cinnamon stick and a pat of butter.
Kraken Tiki Cocktails: A Spiced Rum Paradise
Kraken can be used to create a variety of delicious and exotic tiki cocktails, adding a dark and mysterious twist to these tropical drinks. Experiment with different fruit juices, syrups, and spices to create your own signature Kraken tiki cocktail. Some popular options include using Kraken in Mai Tais, Zombies, or Painkillers.
Pairing Kraken with Food: A Culinary Adventure
Kraken’s complex flavor profile makes it a versatile spirit that can be paired with a variety of foods.
Dark chocolate: The bitterness of dark chocolate complements the rum’s sweetness and spice notes.
Spicy dishes: The rum’s warmth and spice can stand up to the heat of spicy dishes, such as curries or jerk chicken.
Grilled meats: The rum’s smoky notes pair well with grilled meats, such as steak or ribs.
Desserts: The rum’s sweetness makes it a natural pairing for desserts, such as cakes, pies, or ice cream.
Storing Kraken: Preserving the Flavor
Proper storage is essential for preserving the quality and flavor of Kraken Black Spiced Rum.
Store the bottle in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat.
Keep the bottle tightly sealed to prevent oxidation.
An opened bottle of Kraken will generally maintain its quality for several years if stored properly.
The Final Sip: Embracing the Kraken Experience
Ultimately, the best way to drink Kraken is the way you enjoy it the most. Experiment with different serving styles, cocktails, and food pairings to discover your own personal preferences. Whether you prefer sipping it neat, mixing it into a classic cocktail, or creating your own unique concoction, Kraken Black Spiced Rum offers a world of flavor and adventure waiting to be explored. So, unleash the Kraken and embark on a rum journey like no other. Remember to drink responsibly and enjoy the experience!
What exactly is spiced rum, and how does it differ from regular rum?
Spiced rum, at its core, is rum that has been infused with various spices. Common spices include cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, allspice, ginger, and vanilla. These additions impart warm, aromatic flavors that distinguish spiced rum from its unflavored counterpart, which typically carries notes derived solely from the sugarcane and aging process.
Regular rum relies on the base ingredients, distillation methods, and barrel aging to develop its flavor profile. The process often yields rums with characteristics ranging from light and fruity to dark and molasses-rich. Spiced rum, however, sacrifices some of the purity of these inherent flavors to gain complexity through the intentional addition of spices, creating a unique and often sweeter drinking experience.
What are some recommended ways to drink Kraken Spiced Rum?
Kraken Spiced Rum can be enjoyed in a multitude of ways, depending on your personal preferences. Many people prefer it neat or on the rocks to fully appreciate the intricate blend of spices. The chilling effect can also mellow out the sweetness, allowing the bolder flavors to emerge.
Another popular method involves mixing Kraken with cola or ginger ale. These mixers complement the rum’s spice profile without overpowering it, creating a refreshing and easy-to-drink cocktail. For more adventurous drinkers, consider using it as a base for classic rum cocktails like a Dark ‘n’ Stormy (with ginger beer) or experimenting with custom creations that highlight the rum’s distinct characteristics.
What kind of food pairings go well with Kraken Spiced Rum?
Kraken Spiced Rum’s rich and complex flavor profile pairs exceptionally well with certain types of food. Its sweetness and warmth make it an excellent companion to desserts like chocolate lava cake, bread pudding, or even a slice of pecan pie. The spices cut through the richness of these desserts, creating a balanced and satisfying experience.
Conversely, Kraken can also complement savory dishes, particularly those with Caribbean or Asian influences. Think jerk chicken, spicy stir-fries, or even grilled pineapple salsa. The rum’s spice notes echo and enhance the flavors in these dishes, creating a harmonious and memorable culinary pairing.
Does Kraken Spiced Rum contain added sugar?
Yes, Kraken Spiced Rum does contain added sugar. While the exact amount can vary slightly depending on the batch and production methods, it is generally accepted that Kraken, like many spiced rums, incorporates sugar to enhance its sweetness and overall palatability.
This added sugar contributes to the rum’s smooth texture and helps to meld the various spice flavors together. While some rum enthusiasts prefer rums with minimal or no added sugar, the sweetness in Kraken is a deliberate part of its flavor profile and contributes significantly to its widespread appeal.
How should I properly store my bottle of Kraken Spiced Rum to maintain its quality?
To preserve the quality of your Kraken Spiced Rum, it’s crucial to store it correctly. The ideal storage environment is cool, dark, and dry. Avoid direct sunlight or excessive heat, as these can alter the rum’s flavor and color over time. A cellar, basement, or even a dark cupboard away from appliances is perfect.
Ensure the bottle is tightly sealed to prevent evaporation and oxidation. While storing the bottle upright is generally recommended, it’s less critical for spirits than it is for wine, as the high alcohol content protects the cork (if present) from drying out. However, storing upright prevents the rum from potentially interacting with the cork and altering its flavor.
What is the alcohol content of Kraken Spiced Rum?
Kraken Spiced Rum typically has an alcohol content of 47% alcohol by volume (ABV), which is equivalent to 94 proof. This higher proof contributes to the rum’s bold flavor and adds a significant kick to cocktails.
The relatively high alcohol content also allows the spices to macerate effectively, extracting their essential oils and flavors into the rum. It’s important to be mindful of the ABV when consuming Kraken, as it can be more potent than other commonly consumed alcoholic beverages.
Can I use Kraken Spiced Rum for baking?
Yes, Kraken Spiced Rum can be a fantastic addition to various baking recipes, adding depth and complexity to your creations. Its unique spice blend complements a wide range of flavors, making it a versatile ingredient for both sweet and savory baked goods.
Consider using it in cakes, cookies, pies, or even savory sauces and marinades. The rum’s warm spices will infuse your dishes with a delightful aroma and enhance their overall taste. Just be sure to adjust the recipe accordingly, as the alcohol content can affect the baking process.