First Impressions
The Admiral Rodney range from St Lucia Distillers celebrates the British Admiral who defeated the French fleet at the Battle of the Saintes in 1782. HMS Princessa is the entry point to the range, blending rums aged between five and nine years in ex-bourbon casks. The naval heritage is more than marketing — it's woven into Saint Lucia's history.
Tasting Notes
The nose is generous and inviting. Raisins and vanilla lead, with honey and Caribbean spice adding warmth. Toasted oak provides structure, and there's dried tropical fruit in the background. It's a nose that promises richness and delivers.
On the palate, raisin sweetness is prominent, joined by vanilla cream and honey warmth. Caribbean spice builds through the mid-palate — allspice and nutmeg rather than anything too aggressive. Oak structure keeps things balanced, and there's dried mango adding a tropical dimension that ties it to its Saint Lucian origins.
The finish is long, with raisin and honey warmth fading alongside oak tannins and a clean spice close.
How to Drink It
Neat or with a splash of water to open up the spice character. The raisin richness also makes this an excellent choice for an Old Fashioned with a twist of orange.
The Bottom Line
Admiral Rodney HMS Princessa earns a 7 — a well-made Saint Lucian rum with genuine character and excellent ageing. At £61, it sits in premium territory and delivers accordingly. A solid choice for anyone exploring aged Caribbean rum.
