First Impressions
Wild Oxen's chocolate rum takes British rum from Abingdon Distillery and macerates it in cacao shells sourced from the Maranon Canyon in Peru — one of the most prized cacao-growing regions on Earth. It's an unashamedly dessert-focused rum, and it doesn't pretend to be anything else.
Tasting
The nose delivers exactly what you'd hope. Dark chocolate and salted caramel dominate, with cocoa powder, fudge, and vanilla adding layers of sweetness. Roasted cacao nibs contribute a slightly bitter, roasted quality that prevents it from becoming one-dimensional.
The palate is decadent. Dark chocolate and salted caramel provide the backbone, fudge adds richness, and cocoa butter lends an almost unctuous texture. The underlying rum sweetness supports everything, and the overall character is smooth and dessert-like. It's not trying to be complex — it's trying to be delicious, and it succeeds.
The finish is medium with chocolate, caramel, and a clean cocoa close.
The Bottom Line
At £33.95, Wild Oxen Chocolate Rum is a fun, indulgent offering. The Peruvian cacao shells are the real deal, and the chocolate flavour tastes genuine rather than artificial. Perfect for Espresso Martinis, hot chocolate cocktails, or dessert pairings. A guilty pleasure with quality credentials.
