Harpalion Spirits launches Pedro Ximénez cask-finished rum

Scottish drinks group Harpalion Spirits has added a new rum brand to its portfolio – Cabal, beginning with expression No. 1513.

Harpalion Spirits has unveiled the debut expression from its Cabal rum brand, made using pot and column distillation techniques with rums from distilleries in Guatemala, Guyana, Trinidad, Panama and the Caribbean.

Claire Kinloch, CEO at Harpalion Spirits, said: “People are at the heart of Cabal’s ethos. So, we brought together whisky drinkers, spirit lovers, rum champions, liquid specialists, trade experts, and literally the couple next door to experiment and sample until we had created our very first expression.

“Our rums are distinctive and flexible because they are developed and tested by both real people and industry experts. They have wide appeal and have been developed to offer choice in the way they are enjoyed and consumed.”

The Scottish rum is finished in Pedro Ximénez Sherry casks, creating a ‘complex taste profile’.

Martin Watts, founder at Amber Beverage UK, formerly known as Cellar Trends, said: “In 40 years working in the Caribbean and UK drinks industry, I’ve been privileged to taste some super sipping rums, but none better than Cabal.

“Cabal No.1513 is a great example of the spirit blenders’ art, using the best rums from several distilleries coupled with slower cask finishing in Speyside’s gentle climatic conditions.”

Some contend that premium rum is making its mark on the shelves – and more than half of the first batch of Harpalion Spirits’ first expression No.1513 has already been sold during the pre-order phase.

The rum category is also re-evaluating the global travel retail sector and how it can regain enthusiasm from travellers when they start to journey again.

Cabal No.1513 is non-chill-filtered and bottled with a 43% ABV. It is available to purchase from today (24 May) for an RRP of £40 (US$56).