Red Leg Spiced Rum (70cl , 37.5%)

A spiced rum from the creators of Blavod, named for the red leg hermit crab that’s native to the coral reefs of the Caribbean. It’s infused with ginger and vanilla before being rested in oak casks to round out and marry the spicy flavours.

It’s a 3 year old blend that we get from the Caribbean, most of it comes from the Appleton Estate (Jamaica) but it’s a blend of a few different islands. In terms of the infusion we use natural vanilla and ginger, no essence chemicals or anything like that.

I couldn’t get all the information on the blend as they like to keep it a secret as they think it makes a pretty good base and don’t want copycats.

Right so that’s all the information done lets get on with the show and start reviewing this Spiced Rum.

When poured in the glass RedLeg is actually quite a darkish brown colour.  The nose is nice.  It’s not cloying and you can definitely pick out the Vanilla and Ginger with little difficulty.  The Vanilla is slightly more dominant and the sweetness of the vanilla definitely stands out.  This is pretty sweet smelling stuff.

Sipping is quite a surprise.  You can actually quite comfortable sip RedLeg.  The Vanilla and sugar added to the rum definitely smooth out the rough edges of the 3 year old blend.  A 3 year old Appleton would certainly be a less pleasant sipping experience without these additions.  It isn’t as sweet as I had expected and the rum still displays a lot of its rummy character.  Appleton Estate rums are quite refined by Jamaican standards and this certainly shows that.  As a sipper its smooth and easy going enough to slide down nicely but surprisingly rummy enough to satisfy a seasoned rum drinker.  It’s not quite as spicy as I had hoped – the Ginger is quite subtle in the mix.

• Aroma: Strongly vanilla-forward with notes of caramel, spice, and a “cake-y” aroma.
• Taste: Very sweet and approachable, often described as vanilla heaven. The vanilla is dominant, accompanied by ginger, caramel, and occasionally woody notes.
• Mouthfeel: Smooth, with many reviewers noting it has almost no “burn” compared to other spiced rums like Sailor Jerry.
• Finish: Medium-short with a warming, ginger finish. 

• Mixed: Red Leg excels as a mixer, particularly with cola, ginger beer, or cream soda. It is highly recommended when paired with apple juice or a combination of apple juice and ginger beer.
• Neat/Over Ice: Its smoothness allows it to be sipped neat, although some find it too sweet for this purpose. 

• Vs. Competitors: It is frequently cited as superior to Captain Morgan Original Spiced and a smoother, less fiery alternative to Sailor Jerry.
• Value: Generally priced around £15–£20 (approx. $25–$30 USD) per 70cl bottle in the UK, it is viewed as excellent value for money.
• Verdict: A solid, everyday spiced rum that is ideal for those who prefer a sweet, vanilla-forward flavor profile over a dry or heavily spiced one.
• Important Notes
• Some reviewers found it too sweet, comparing it closer to a liqueur.
• It has an ABV of 37.5%, which is slightly lower than the 40% standard, contributing to its smooth, easy-drinking nature.
• The brand also offers a caramelised pineapple variant which is well-regarded as a summery alternative.