A BLACK spiced rum has been launched in Scotland – six months after snow put paid to its intended launch date
The Kraken, which is said to be named after a mythical squid which grew up to 100ft long and attacked ships, is part of US-based Proximo Spirits’ portfolio, which includes Hangar One vodka.
The rum was set for a pre-Christmas 2010 launch by distributor Marblehead Brand Development, but the arrival of the first stocks in the UK was delayed after snow caused the roof of the bonded warehouse to collapse.
The Kraken, now being rolled out across Scotland, has an ABV of 47% and is described as a “strong, rich, black, smooth” rum. Packaged in a 70cl Victorian flagon-style bottle, featuring a drawing of the sea creature that inspired its name, it has gained initial listings with Matthew Clark, Edinburgh-based wholesaler Laurence Smith, and is due to be launched in a number of JD Wetherspoon pubs and independent bars north of the border.
Marblehead is promoting ‘signature serve’ The Perfect Storm (The Kraken, ginger ale and lime), though it expects ‘Kraken Coke’ to become a popular bar call. Marblehead’s Dave Steward reckons The Kraken is “distinctively different from everything else on the market. The Kraken has a story to tell, it tastes good and the packaging will have strong appeal to those who want to experiment,” he said.
