Rum Review: Shellback Silver Rum

Shellback Caribbean Silver Rum
Bajan Rum
Grade: (Above Average)
Price: $16 (750ml)

Shellback Caribbean Rum, currently available in silver and spiced varieties, represents another bold move into the spirits world by E.&J. Gallo, the ubiquitous California winemakers. It's produced in Barbados by the West Indies Rum Distillery, the company that also make the rum that goes into Cockspur and Malibu.

Shellback Silver Rum is reportedly aged for at least one year in once-used American bourbon barrels, which are the most popular barrels for aging rum. It must be heavily filtered after that aging, because it's completely clear in appearance. There's a little bit of spice on the nose, but mostly vanilla. Lots and lots of vanilla. You could easily mistake this for vanilla extract. (This could be from the aging, although a year in wood isn't very long, but more likely it means the distiller gave it a little help.)

The vanilla also hits you on the first sip. It's not as strong as the aroma, but it's definitely there. This rum is sweet, with a fruity, molasses-y flavor. There's just a little spice and acidity that hits you at the end, but mostly it's sweet vanilla. It also has a creamy texture that is quite nice. This is the standard 40% ABV, but it goes down very easily.

Shellback Silver Rum is pleasant enough to drink neat, but it's obviously designed to use in cocktails, and it certainly works well there. It's delicious in a Cherry Daiquiri or Cuba Libre. Any rum drink that works well with a hint of vanilla would likely taste good with Shellback.

This isn't an especially sophisticated rum. But it's a tasty and useful one, and the low price -- I've seen it on sale for $11 -- can't be beat.