Review: Banks Rum at The Cliff Restaurant

The mere mention of The Cliff to many arouses whimsical dreams of nibbling canapés along side celebrities at sunset, sipping wine with a four-digit price attached, and observing wild manta-rays and sea turtles dancing in their natural habitat as you dine. Does this "stuff" really transpire at The Cliff? Sure it does! Literally hugging the coral cliff face of the Caribbean Sea, The Cliff is a kaleidoscope of quirky. Being one of the most unique and eccentric restaurants on the island, you can only imagine the creativity and not to mention pulchritude that screams at you upon entrance. It is no wonder that we were taken here to review the no less than finer, 5 Island Banks Rum; both going rightly, hand in hand.

Not to confuse Banks Rum with the Banks Beer of Barbados – Banks Rum is named after the one who inspired its conception and development, Sir Joseph Banks. Sir Joseph Banks was a botanist and explorer who sailed on Captain Cook’s boat, The Endeavor. You see, Master blender Arnaud de Trabuc used Sir Banks’ travels to various islands as the inspiration to blend a diverse set of rums to create one final rum, one which is dry and smooth, yet boasting with character and complexity. Banks Five Island is crafted from 21 of the worlds’ finest rums from 5 islands, one of course being the home that is recognized for the conception of rum itself, our home – Barbados. I mean, where else would they look for the aged and flavorful component to their concoction? Now we are no rum connoisseurs however, we do like our rum and we can say without a doubt that Banks is the most flavorful and well-balanced white rum we have ever tasted. On the nose, toasty and grassy aromas; however they are not too overpowering and you can truly sense the underlying tropical, citrusy and sweet notes. This outstanding symphony is also present in taste with all the flavors being ideally queued. Hints of black pepper and spice are appealing and vivacious on the palette, with more subtle notes of ginger graciously emerging.

The extraordinary element about Banks rum is the fact that its full-body makes a pleasant addition to cocktails without overpowering the other ingredients. Our first sampler was The Classic Daiquiri for which Banks won best rum at the Ultimate Cocktail Challenge 2010 & 2011 USA. Now, the daiquiri is quite some drink and its perception has been awfully tainted throughout the years. Mention the word to your average bartender and more than likely, you will receive an icy, blended fruit flavored muddle of chemicals and artificial sugars which facade any trace of the rum actually used.  Thankfully, Jules, The Cliff’s immaculately dressed and not to mention charming mixologist {with his polka dot bow tie and red suspenders – sorry I just had to mention that} brought us the real deal of a daiquiri. The elegant and minimal flavors of Banks rum, lime juice {fresh} and sugar cane syrup, created rightful enchantment in a glass. Simple, yes we know, but after all simplicity is the ultimate form of sophistication.

Our next cocktail was the famous Mojito, a softer cousin to the aforementioned daiquiri. With the same base ingredients – rum, lime juice and sugar – let us see what a little fresh mint, sparkling water and a tall slender glass can do. We bet a whole lot! Banks Rum was yet another winner for the “Best Rum in a Mojito” category at the Ultimate Cocktail Challenge 2011, USA; and this was for good reason, this Mojito was overwhelmingly refreshing and hands down the best Mojito I have ever had (and that is very strong statement to make, I know).  

Now our night certainly did not end here, however the next morning, we somewhat wish it did. We enjoyed a few more cocktails (to say the least) but I will leave you all here in suspense, as over due course we will be unveiling the specialty recipes to cocktails made specifically with Banks Rum. Cheers.