As some of you might know, I’m a big fan of UK distilled rums, the more local the best – but what if the rum is made in London one hour away via public transport from my place? Let’s just say I should’ve had a look at Cabby’s sooner.
Dubbed as London’s first rum distillery, Taxi Spirit Co opened its doors in June 2018 and it’s Moses Odong’s dream come true. The name of the company is inspired by Moses’ current profession as he is a taxi driver. He is working together with his partner, Bianca Whiskey, Abhishek Banik, a technical expert and ex-ICBD (International Centre of Brewing and Distilling at Heriot-Watt University) graduate in the profession, and a good friend of the company, Frank Tumwesigye.
Cabby’s is made from scratch from molasses in small batches of about 250 bottles at a time. Apparently they have some casks aside for maturing, although none of it is yet released – they sell an unaged and a spiced rum as well as a gin. As per my preference, I will have a look at their white, unaged rum.
Cabby’s Small Batch is molasses based, pot still distilled and bottled at 41.2% ABV without any additions.
On the nose it feels somehow botanical. Honey biscuits, pine tree, toffee and coconut cream. Lemon meringue, paper glue, lemongrass and fresh ginger. Some white pepper, wet paint and chromo board.
On the palate it feels a bit gin-y. Lemon zest, juniper, honey biscuits and coconut flakes. Whipped cream, lemongrass and toffee. It’s a tad too herbaceous. Ginger, vanilla and saffron. The finish is short to medium with sharp ginger and coconut.
This is the 2nd rum made in London that has a weird, botanical profile and I doubt it’s a terroir thing. Instead it could be a case of distilling both the gin and the rum in the same still without cleaning it properly between batches – not sure if that’s the case, but it is kind of off putting regardless.
Still not a bad rum, it’s fresh and zesty with coconut all the way throughout the tasting experience, but the medicinal notes seem out of place. It’s priced at £29 (The Whisky Exchange) for a 50cl bottle which isn’t an ideal price, but it could be worse too.
Cabby’s Small Batch Rum score:
Flavour/taste: 46/70
Value for money: 12/15
Transparency/purity: 15/15
Overall: 73/100
Cheers!