Legend has it that a huge tentacle-wielding sea monster has taken many a ship to a watery grave. The Kraken® is a black spiced rum named after this terrifying mythical sea creature.
The Kraken® Rum is a molasses-based rum blended with spices such as cinnamon, ginger, clove, peppercorns, and vanilla. The rum is then aged for 2 years in oak barrels to ensure a smooth and mellow flavour.
Due to the renaissance of spiced rum, I’ve selected 5 monstrous rums from The Kraken® range that I feel are well worth getting acquainted with…. sucker-filled tentacles are optional!
Best Kraken Rums
Dark, rich and delicious, here are 5 of the best Kraken rums packed with flavours of cinnamon, ginger, clove, vanilla, and more.
Related: 7 Sensational Jamaican Rums
1. Kraken Black Spiced Rum
Overview
- Distiller: Kraken
- ABV: 40% (80 Proof)
- Country: Trinidad and Tobago
- Colour: Dark Brown
Review
Said to be “Infused with the darkness of the depths”, Kraken Black Spiced Rum is a Caribbean black rum that’s rich and generously spiced with a nice sweetness. This rum is aged for two years in oak casks.
On The Nose
Aromas of spice, toffee, caramel, and toasted nuts.
On The Palate
Sweet vanilla and cinnamon on the opening, with delicious spices such as nutmeg, glove and ginger mid-palate. The finish is long with lingering spice.
Best Served
I prefer to drink Kraken Black Spiced Rum neat, on the rocks. Also, try it mixed with Crème de Cassis & lemon juice for The Kramble cocktail.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
2. Kraken Black Label Rum
Overview
- Distiller: Kraken
- ABV: 35% (70 Proof)
- Country: Trinidad and Tobago
- Colour: Very Dark Brown
Review
For an overall smoother yet darker rum experience, try Kraken Black Label Rum. This rich and well-balanced rum is easy to spot at the bar due to its black version of the classic Kraken label.
On The Nose
Wafts of toffee, clove and subtle spices
On The Palate
Sweet vanilla and contrasting ginger spice on the opening sip, with gentle spices, including peppercorns, soon emerging. I especially enjoyed the finish, as it’s smooth yet feisty.
Best Served
Kraken Black Label Rum is best served neat over ice or combined with ginger beer and lime for a tasty Darn ‘n Stormy cocktail.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
3. Kraken Black Roast Coffee Rum
Overview
- Distiller: Kraken
- ABV: 40% (80 Proof)
- Country: Trinidad and Tobago
- Colour: Dark Coffee
Review
If you need a jolt of caffeine and the taste of Arabica beans in your rum, then Kraken Black Roast Coffee Rum is a match made in heaven. This is a limited-edition coffee-infused rum, so move fast if you see a bottle!
On The Nose
Aromas of roasted coffee, chocolate, dried fruits, and spice.
On The Palate
Plenty of chocolate and coffee flavours are upfront before mild spices, dried raisins, and dates become evident mid-palate. The finish is sweet and lingering.
Best Served
Slowly sip Kraken Black Roast Coffee Rum neat over ice or as the perfect addition to my favourite; a flavoursome Espresso Martini.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
4. Kraken Gold Spiced Rum
Overview
- Distiller: Kraken
- ABV: 35% (70 Proof)
- Country: Trinidad and Tobago
- Colour: Mahogany
Review
Said to have..“Aged in the Kraken’s very own keep, The Beast has kept this golden treasure all to itself.”
Instantly recognisable by the glittering gold-coloured monstrous squid on the label, Kraken Gold Spiced Rum brings the smoothness of cinnamon and vanilla to the original recipe.
On the Nose
Sweet vanilla, rich cinnamon, caramel
On The Palate
Vanilla and spices start things off nicely, soon followed by nutmeg-dusted caramel and burnt oak. The finish is semi-sweet, with vanilla and caramel being the flavours I found most prominent.
Best Served
Aside from enjoying Kraken Gold Spiced Rum neat, combine it with fresh orange and pineapple juices for a tasty Krakens Keep.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
5. Kraken Black Cherry & Madagascan Vanilla Black Spiced Rum
Overview
- Distiller: Kraken
- ABV: 40% (80 Proof)
- Country: Trinidad and Tobago
- Colour: Dark Burgundy
Review
Cranking up the sweet fruitiness is Kraken Black Cherry & Madagascan Vanilla Black Spiced Rum. This delicious cherry and vanilla rum will elevate a rum a cola to new levels!
Dear readers, I am still looking for this version for sale in the US or Canada. Please pop me an email if you find where it’s available & I’ll update this article!
On The Nose
Black Cherry, Vanilla, Toasted Oak
On The Palate
Fruity dark cherry lifted by the sweetness of vanilla and brown sugar. The cherry flavours remain on the sweet vanilla finish, delish!
Best Served
I recommend this beauty is enjoyed with a cola and plenty of ice for a cherry cola with a kick!
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
Andrew’s Top Pick
Kraken Black Spiced Rum
Call me a traditionalist, but the original Kraken Black Spiced Rum remains my firm favourite because it’s a well-balanced dark sipping-rum with distinctive spice and vanilla flavours that works well in cocktails too.
Cocktail Ideas
| No. | Name | Cocktail Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kraken Black Spiced Rum | Kraken Dark ‘n Stormy, Kraken Rum Punch |
| 2 | Kraken Black Label Rum | Kraken Mojito, Kraken and Cola |
| 3 | Kraken Black Roast Coffee Rum | Kraken Espresso Martini, Kraken Coffee Old Fashioned |
| 4 | Kraken Gold Spiced Rum | Kraken Spiced Daiquiri, Kraken Gold and Ginger Ale |
| 5 | Kraken Black Cherry & Madagascan Vanilla Black Spiced Rum | Cherry Vanilla Rum Sour, Kraken Cherry Cola |
Conclusion
The Kraken® is a versatile rum with a terrifying tale that should be enjoyed on the rocks or as the base for a wide variety of cocktails. It is especially popular for colourful, fruit-filled tiki drinks to keep the holiday vibe going!
Related: 8 Things To Mix With Rum, Besides Coke
Further Reading
Below are some additional articles from The Drinks Geek blog. We write articles on several fascinating areas of drinks, including different brands, drink types, cocktail recipes and more.
