This week we have a very special kind of review, a first for me on this page: A double feature! Today we’re looking at two bottles that are sold at England’s National Memorial Arboretum, their dry gin, and their navy strength rum! This post will be focusing on the rum, while the sister post will focus on the gin!
Bottled at 57% ABV, it’s worth noting that this is not the only rum sold at the National Memorial Arboretum, as they also sell a navy flavoured rum bottled at (if I remember right) 43% ABV. That bottle means that 3 spirits are sold at the National Memorial Arboretum and I’ll do a review of it down the line, fret not. The correlation between Navy Rum and the military should be clear, and it’s an inspired choice to choose to sell. I will also note that the National Memorial Arboretum don’t make their own spirits, and these were instead actually made by Nelson’s Distillery, which as of July 2025 unfortunately entered administration.
The nosing is very sweet, with notes of rich treacle and vanilla immediately apparent, followed by a blend of crisp apple, marshmallow and milk chocolate, all rounded out by the subtle aroma of honey. The front is rife with the sweetness of golden syrup and caramelised pear, with a gentle hum of warmth which will linger throughout the whole experience. The body begins with gentle chocolate, before crescendoing into a symphony of spicy cinnamon, red apple and fudge. The finish starts rather tart with an immediate tone on tobacco, but this is quickly softened by the warm embrace of honey and cooking spices.
Dilution is very interesting with this rum, as it changes the character rather significantly. The nosing becomes more spicy with a strong cassia bark influence, but also becomes cloyingly sweet. The taste becomes more akin to fermented chocolate syrup, which goes down like silk, leaving an aftertaste of fruity caramelised pear and green apple.
This is a rum that is surprisingly mellow for just how damn strong it is! Its warmth is gentle and welcoming, it’s incredibly smooth and even has such a subtle way of coating your mouth that you don’t notice it until minutes after you stop drinking! Genuinely, there are 15% fruit liqueurs I’ve tried that taste stronger than this, that’s how well it’s hidden. Honestly this is a rum that can be drunk a myriad of ways, but thanks to its rich, sweet profile I love having this neat while eating a rich desert, preferably after a hearty meal.
This is easily the best navy rum I’ve tasted, which makes it even more of a massive shame that the distillery that made it has shut down, as that means these bottles are going to be very few in number. If by some miracle you get the chance to try this I highly implore you to do so, not just because it’s amazing but because you’d be supporting a good cause in the process!
If you would like to read the other half of this double feature, click here!
This post’s recommended song is: “Traditional: Over The Hills And Far Away (Album Version)” – Royal Scots Dragoon Guards
