Rumbullion

A sure-fire hit from Professor Cornelius Ampleforth, Rumbullion! is a cockle-warming spiced concoction, based on the kind of rich, full-bodied rums the seafaring fraternity would have enjoyed centuries ago.

At the core of this fabulous winter warmer lies a blend of the very finest high proof Caribbean rum, to which was added creamy Madagascan vanilla and a generous helping of zesty orange rind. A secret recipe was followed, and the Professor finished his hearty tipple with a handful of cinnamon and cloves and just a hint of cardamom.

Rumbullion! proudly flaunts its maritime inspiration with a label that bears a hand-drawn illustration of a Navy grog tub, emblazoned with the words: "The Queen, God Bless Her", and just like all of the fine spirits in Professor Cornelius Ampleforth's arsenal, each bottle is wrapped in crinkled brown paper, wound with twine and sealed with black wax.

In the Professor’s own words: "'tis a most heart-warming tipple that will surely see off the Winter blues. Whilst this is rum, it’s certainly not a rum thing by any means and I recommend you enjoy it neat, or with ice and squeeze of fresh lime."

Nose: A fabulously decadent nose of intense, sweet vanilla and flamed orange zest. The cardamom makes itself known by offering up an evocative suggestion of old-fashioned cola, and to this the cloves bring out a deep, dark complexity. Yet more sweetness comes from the juicy, fresh cinnamon, which melds beautifully with a core of the essential oils of Seville orange peel.

Palate: At once a fabulous mix of thick cut bitter orange marmalade and tingling, zinging spices. Hints of Manuka honey and mouth-watering cinnamon form its heart, with molasses, candy floss, toffee apples, creme brulee and clove-studded oranges.

Finish: A long finish, with tongue-prickling spices, and a stunning degree of freshness as the cinnamon, orange and creamy, sweet vanilla coat the palate for minutes.

Overall: Rich and profoundly intense, this is a rum to see you through the coldest months.