Trying "Dead Man's Fingers" Coffee Rum

I'm not particularly a rum enthusiast, or fan for that matter. However, I am very fond of coffee. It being the foundations to each day of mine, the very thing that kickstarts my daily routine in the early morning -- though sometimes late morning -- as my eyes struggle to open and my mind begins to imagine that early morning coffee brew smell that fills the air.

While usually my intake of coffee related products tends to pertain to the typical grounded beans and simple cafetière, I did receive a small gift over Christmas of some rum. I am more of a beer person, and don't really drink anything other throughout the year regardless of the event or holiday. The rum being from a brand I've never heard of: Dead Man's Fingers. I completely forgot I had these little bottles until today, where I remembered that one of the small 5cl bottles is none other than coffee rum.

I've never tried anything like this before so I don't really know what to expect, though at an alcohol volume of 37.5% I know I shouldn't be too liberal when trying it. Sadly, there isn't much information regarding what type of coffee has been used for this drink; the packaging simply states that it's from their favourite barista blend, whatever that means.

According to the Internet, you can drink this coffee rum either 'neat' or use it as a mixer in another drink. Since I'm not all that fond of heavier drinks, I'm going to be trying this coffee rum 'neat', or simply put: I'll throw it in a glass with some ice. Though I'm curious as to how it tastes without the cold addition of ice as well. I think I'm more likely to enjoy it warm, given the cold English weather as of late. Before even trying this, I have warming thoughts of the many hot coffee drinks that the festive month of December brings. Though I'm not sure I should be comparing the Dead Man's Finger's coffee rum to those, I feel they might be the best comparisons.

Setting the mood a bit more, I dimmed the lighting and grabbed the glass I could find that was most appropriate for something with some ice and small quantity of liquid, which was still far too large, and sat down at my scratched-to-near-destruction desk. I certainly think I added far too much ice, but I was quick to open the coffee rum and pour in a little into the glass. Trying it, it hit me rather quickly. At first, I could only taste the alcohol. I couldn't really taste any notes of coffee or much else.

I assume that my initial taster was just far too strong, and the ice quickly diluted the flavours of coffee. Upon a second sip, I removed the ice; I could taste notes of what appeared to be chocolate and the coffee, coming through much more clear and enjoyable. The alcoholic quantity still being the rum's strongest factor, but that was to be expected.

The consequent sips of warm coffee rum sent a feeling of warmth that travelled down into my body, giving a relief from the winter weather while providing that mixture of chocolate and coffee flavouring. Each time, the strength of the coffee within displaying itself greater attention. Most likely a result of no longer being watered down by my complete ignorance of rum and its flavoured derivatives.

I have to say, I really enjoy it. While it's from what I'd usually consider, I am growing quite fond of the coffee taste it holds. Though I certainly would recommend it in situations where you want that taste of coffee without the strength of caffeine infiltrating your body in the evening.

From the first -- admittedly far too large -- sip of this coffee rum it was evident that it was very strong in its alcohol percentage. At 37.5% it's not something you'll want to rely on in order to wake up in the morning, it's more likely to send you to sleep! However, in efforts to relax it certainly holds some comfort if you're to drink it more in the evening when you've got few things to do.

I could mostly taste the coffee and some hints of chocolate within the drink, which certainly added to the levels of enjoyment I experienced as I took little sips of it. I think it's a nicer drink to have straight, without any ice. It holds a far greater enjoyment when it provides some warmth.

I didn't try it mixed with anything, though I feel that maybe you could find a way to implement it into another coffee drink so that you can appreciate the rum side of it. Whether that would actually be nice is a different story, and an experiment I don't think I'm willing to try.