Aluna Coconut Rum came on the UK market in 2017 as a coconut flavoured rum alternative. The idea behind it was to make something that has the coconut as the main player, rather than being a sugary mess.
The company sources the rum, blends it and then lets it macerate for a few days with actual toasted coconut. The thing that I find interesting and clever is the fact that they use sustainably sourced coconut water to bring it down to bottling strength. Now regarding that, I have the 35% ABV bottle which I bought on Amazon (yep, it was on offer, lockdown budget y’know), but from my understanding they have upped their ABV to 37.5% so it can at least be regarded as (flavoured) rum according to the EU regulations. I will review it as the 35% ABV that I have, but I’ll keep in mind they weren’t being trying to be deceptive, apparently the coconut flavour was simply not as intense at a higher ABV, yet they made efforts to change that.
Also worth mentioning is that during the COVID they are donating any profits made through their website to The Drinks Trust – bravo!
The rums for the base hail from Guyana, Trinidad and Guatemala with the Guatemalan component being aged for 2-3 years.
Aluna Coconut is molasses and sugarcane juice based (Guatemala), most likely entirely column still distilled, aged from 0 to 2-3 years in ex-Bourbon casks, macerated with toasted coconut for a few days and brought down to 35% ABV (or 37.5% ABV) using coconut water. They have added 21-25g of sugar per litre to help bring out the coconut flavour.
On the nose it’s more subtle than expected from a flavoured rum. Coconut of course, vanilla, pistachios, lime and grapefruit zests and floral honey. I do enjoy the aroma and the balance. Some biscuits and cappuccino too.
On the palate the alcohol is quite noticeable even at just 35% ABV. Coconut cream, pink grapefruit, whipped cream, marzipan and toffee. Cappuccino and biscuits once again with a lovely dark chocolate flavour. Is Bounty as a tasting note too on the nose here? The finish is medium to short with vanilla, coconut flakes and honey.
Coconut and rum is such a natural combo, and Aluna delivers. The coconut does not feel artificial or forced, it’s well integrated… just a tad too sweet for my own taste, but I understand why the use of sugar and, to be fair, it’s less than what many “unflavoured” rums on the market use. Seems like a Pina Colada is inevitable now.
Aluna can be found on Amazon at around £20 when on offer, the 35% ABV one, or at £22 on Master Of Malt and you get the 37.5% one. Would’ve still preferred 40%…
Aluna Coconut Rum score:
Flavour/taste: 42/70
Value for money: 14/15
Transparency/purity: 14/15
Overall: 70/100
Cheers!