First Impressions
Thameside is inspired by the long history of rum blending in London's dockyards, where Caribbean rums were imported and blended through the 18th and 19th centuries. Using rums from Jamaica, Barbados, and Guyana — the traditional sources — this is a modern recreation of a historical style.
Tasting Notes
The nose offers chocolate and dried fruit prominently, with oak and vanilla adding depth. There's a maritime character — subtle saltiness and a dockyard quality — alongside gentle spice and molasses. It's richly aromatic.
On the palate, rich chocolate and dried fruit depth lead. Vanilla sweetness and oak tannins provide balance, and the maritime salt adds a savoury dimension. The blend of three rum origins creates a complexity — Jamaican funk, Barbadian smoothness, and Guyanese depth all contribute. It's well-blended and historically informed.
The finish is medium-long, with chocolate and dried fruit lingering alongside a warm maritime close.
How to Drink It
Neat as a history lesson in a glass, or in a classic cocktail that would have been served in London's 18th-century taverns. A Rum Punch or Navy Grog feels historically appropriate.
The Bottom Line
Thameside earns a 7 — a thoughtful blend that honours London's rum heritage with quality liquid. At £43, the provenance story and blend quality justify the price. A compelling bottle for anyone interested in rum's British history.
