Spurgeon's is the first rum made in Alabama, distilled by John Emerald Distilling Co. in Opelika from locally sourced sugar cane syrup and barrel aged two years in used single malt whiskey barrels, bottled at 86 proof (43% ABV).
Since Alabama has no sugar refineries, the cane grown there is cultivated for rich flavor and traditionally used for syrup or as chewing cane; these varieties, along with sugars from Mauritius, give the distillery its base. The rum is named for Spurgeon, a big man with a gruff exterior and a gentle interior whose spirit was bold, feisty, cocky and kind all at once, and John Emerald likes to think its Alabama rum embodies the same.
Alabama sipping rum at its finest: two years in single malt barrels give it a sweet, woody complexity in every sip.
The rooster label makes it a fun gift for Southern spirits fans.
Aged rum is one of the most diverse spirits in the world, shaped by the sugarcane, the still and the warm climates where it matures, which speed up the interaction between spirit and wood.
Barrel aging in former whiskey casks adds layers of oak and malt.
Serve it neat in a snifter or over a large ice cube.
A splash of water opens up the aroma.
It makes a smooth Rum Old Fashioned with a dash of bitters.
Try it in a Daiquiri for a richer twist.
It pairs with pecan pie, bread pudding or dark chocolate.
It is a fun gift for Alabama natives and craft spirit fans.
Rum collectors will enjoy a true Southern original.
Tasting Notes
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Character: Sweet woody complexity.
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Barrel: Used single malt whiskey casks.
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Style: Alabama sipping rum.
Specifications
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Distillery: John Emerald Distilling Co., Opelika, Alabama
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Style: Barrel-aged rum
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Base: Local sugar cane syrup
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Aging: 2 years, used single malt whiskey barrels
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Proof / ABV: 86 proof (43% ABV)
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Size: 750ml
How to Enjoy It
Sip it neat or on the rocks, or use it in a rum Old Fashioned.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes it special?
It is the first rum made in Alabama.
How is it aged?
Two years in used single malt whiskey barrels.
Who is Spurgeon?
A bold, kind-hearted local character the rum is named for.
Explore more in our Rum collection.
