Sailing has been something of a wet, and sometimes cold affair for me this summer and a tot of something warming to keep the chill out once the boat was safely alongside was certainly on the cards at the end of most trips.

Arthur Beale has launched its new sea salted spiced rum.

It has taken over a year to blend to get the perfect flavour and uses three rums; the main one is made by the Demerara Distillers in Guyana, with small amounts from the West Indian Rum Distillers in Barbados and Jamaica’s Worthy Park.

The rum is smooth, sweet and rich. Credit: Katy Stickland

I am not one for drinking neat rum and usually mix it with either grapefruit juice or ginger beer to make it more to my taste.

But this spiced rum was different. On pulling out the cork, I took my first smell…memories of Christmas and eating figgy pudding came flooding back.

Continues below…

PBO Tested: 17 lifejackets

Five dedicated testers took to the RNLI College's training pool to put 17 lifejackets through their paces.

10 Gelcoat cleaners tested

Which gelcoat cleaners are best at combating waterline yellowing on boat hulls?

PBO Tested: Gin Gins Caramel

The Ginger People’s Gin Gins Caramel contain 30% ginger per sweet and are said to be great for combating motion…

PBO Tested: 12 mooring snubbers

David Pugh tests 12 readily-available snubbers to find out which one best absorbs a snatch load

There was no shudder when I took my first sip; instead it was smooth and caramelly, with a note of sea salt and warming spices of nutmeg, cinnamon and pepper, with a hint of vanilla.

The flavour was strong, sweet, rich…and incredibly moreish.

Arthur Beale Sea Salted Spiced Rum is best drunk neat

As loathed as I was, I decided to add grapefruit juice to see how well the rum worked in a longer drink. The sweetness of the rum cut through the bitterness of the grapefruit juice, and was refreshing.

Next, I used the dark rum to make a Dark ‘N’ Stormy cocktail. The spices worked well with the fiery flavours of the ginger beer.

From now on, Arthur Beale’s Sea Salted Spiced Rum will be part of the drinks cabinet onboard and at home.

Price: RRP £35

Buy direct from arthurbeale.co.uk

Enjoyed reading Arthur Beale Sea Salted Spiced Rum: tested?

A subscription to Practical Boat Owner magazine costs around 40% less than the cover price.

Print and digital editions are available through Magazines Direct – where you can also find the latest deals.

PBO is packed with information to help you get the most from boat ownership – whether sail or power.

• • • • Take your DIY skills to the next level with trusted advice on boat maintenance and repairs
      • Impartial in-depth gear reviews
      • Practical cruising tips for making the most of your time afloat

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter