Old St. Croix Royal Danish Navy Rum

Profile: The Old St. Croix Royal Danish Navy Rum at a glance

• A.H. Riise becomes Old St. Croix!
• Gold Medal winner at the 2020 Berlin International Spirits Competition
• A modern tribute to Danish naval tradition
• Inspired by Albert Heinrich Riise’s original recipes
• Caribbean roots meet Danish history
• Tradition and the romance of the sea in a single bottling
• Allergen information: may contain traces of walnuts

Portrait: What makes the Old St. Croix Royal Danish Navy Rum special

Some stories begin with a treasure map. This one begins with a pharmacy. When Albert Heinrich Riise started production in the Danish West Indies in 1838, no one likely imagined that his spirits would soon secure a permanent place aboard Danish naval vessels. Yet that is exactly what happened: sailors and officers alike truly appreciated a hearty ration after long days at sea. Who could blame them? Amidst the wind, waves, and weather-beaten faces, daily life was, after all, anything but a relaxing sailing trip.

Yet a clear hierarchy prevailed on board - even when it came to their drinks. Officers received their ration undiluted, while the crew had their portion watered down. This mixture bore a name as simple as it was famous: "Grog." It likely didn't lighten the workload, but it may well have improved morale. And on the high seas, that is often half the battle.

With Old St. Croix Royal Danish Navy, the brand harkens back to that very maritime heritage. This rum-based spirit serves as a modern tribute to the bottlings Riise once supplied to the Danish fleet. Rather than relying on dusty history books, it evokes an era when sailing ships traversed the oceans and a stiff drink was part of the daily routine. Of course, neither grappling hooks nor compasses are required to enjoy this tradition today - a comfortable sofa serves the purpose just as well.

The name "Old St. Croix" also creates a link to the former Danish Caribbean island of St. Croix, which was part of the Danish West Indies at the time. It was there that Riise laid the foundation for a brand that remains renowned today - a brand with a history deeply intertwined with the Caribbean and Danish seafaring. This bottling thus bridges the past and present in an appealing way, serving as a reminder that some traditions lose none of their charm, even after traversing many nautical miles. 
And rest assured: nowadays, you don’t need a hammock below deck or weeks of knot-tying experience to embark on this little journey through time.

Tasting Notes: This is how the Old St. Croix Royal Danish Navy Rum tastes like

• Nose: Intense and complex, featuring distinctive notes of licorice, fresh orange peel, and exotic coconut. Papaya adds a fruity element, while eucalyptus and mint provide a pleasant freshness. The bouquet is rounded off by subtle hints of balsamic reduction and black tea.
• Palate: Full-bodied and harmonious, featuring a balanced combination of vibrant citrus fruits, refreshing eucalyptus, and mint. These are complemented by bold notes of liquorice and spicy balsamic reduction, lending the spirit expressive depth.
• Finish: Long-lasting and elegant, with subtle notes of mocha and dark bitter chocolate. A hint of orange provides a pleasant fruity nuance at the end.