We love to drink and in recent times we’re starting to see something exciting happen in the rum world. The gin revolution is ongoing and we saw the peak of the whisky industry not too long ago. Maybe this is the age of the rum.
So, we got a chance to try Nil Desperandum rum from Australia’s Sunshine & Sons Distillery. This organic molasses rum is something exciting and a first for the burgeoning rum industry in the country.
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At Travel Wanderlust, we want to introduce people to the different alcohols from around the world and this fits perfectly into what we want to achieve. The Nil Desperandum rum is something unique to Australia and by reviewing, we hope to give people around the world and in Australia, the opportunity to experience exciting and new flavours.
What is Molasses Rum?
Molasses, a byproduct of sugar cane refining, is used to make most rum in the world. The type of sugar used in the fermentation process is always a defining characteristic of any type of alcohol, whether it’s wine, beer, or liquor. The fresh sugar cane juice is ready to be fermented and distilled into rum once it has been fermented.
Introduction to Nil Desperandum rum?
Nil Desperandum (Latin for ‘nothing to despair’) ‘FIRST’ is the first Australian certified organic molasses rum. It is a full but smooth spirit, sparking vibrant local tones, with relaxed accents of the Caribbean.
Unlike many other Australian rums that are sweetened, coloured and in some cases flavoured, Nil Desperandum ‘FIRST’, Australia’s first certified organic molasses rum, contains only organic molasses, Woombye water and wild yeast with nothing else. The rum is then aged in sherry-soaked oak barrels.
The review
This was something quite new to us, so we took our time to try it. If it meant we had to try it 5 or 6 times in a row, so be it. But jokes aside, molasses rum is something we’re always keen to try and the Nil Desperandum rum is no exception.
Right off the bat, the Nil Desperandum is a full sensory experience. The rich molasses undertones were evident from the moment we opened it up.
Underneath it all, it was easy to identify the mocha, chocolate and vanilla in the rum. It also has a slight sweetness to it and faint hints of fruits and candy. It is a bit tough to tie it down, but it’s a pleasant taste and is something that grows on you.
The fact it has been aged in sherry and soaked in former wine and bourbon oak barrels is quite evident and has imparted a distinct flavour into the gin. Overall, it was a very interesting drink that grows on you. We ended up finishing most of it over the course of a night, so I guess that’s pretty much the best review we can give it.
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About the Sunshine & Sons Distillery
Sunshine & Sons Distillery is located in the lush Sunshine Coast hinterland rainforest, just a short walk from Queensland’s iconic and much loved Big Pineapple.
The core of the distillery are Maria and Sarah, the 6,000 and 2,500-litre Tasmanian artisan pot stills created specifically for the distillery. These copper pots are where the magic happens. The team at Nil Desperandum, who also produce Sunshine & Sons Gin, vodka and liqueurs.
The distillery is ably manned by Head Distiller Adam, who has an extensive 35-year international career and qualifications in winemaking and spirits production. Adam’s approach to the creation of beautiful drinks combines centuries-old traditions with modern science.
You can purchase a bottle online or at the distillery door.
