This “rum” is actually made on Vancouver Island completely from honey! Needless to say, there’s an abundance of nectarous honeyed notes as well as overripe tropical fruits, crème brûlée, marzipan, nutmeg, and ginger notes.
Review: Reece Sims
Photo: Reece Sims
Flavor Camps
Overall Rating
Total Score: 37.5/50
Appearance: 4/5
Aroma: 7/9
Taste: 7/9
Finish: 3.5/5
Distinctiveness: 4/5
Overall Drinkability/Balance: 7/9
Value for Price: 5/8
Tasting Notes
- Appearance: Tawny. The bottle is stunning - definitely would stand out on a shelf.
- Aroma: Pear drops, overripe tropical fruits (mango, banana, papaya), wildflower honey, caramel sweetness.
- Taste & Mouthfeel: Surprisingly dry on the palate. Honeycomb, crème brûlée, toffee, nutmeg, almond/marzipan, pepper, and ginger.
- Finish: An orange creamsicle. Slight bitterness on the sides of the tongue.
- Distinctiveness: Fairly distinctive but easily forgotten.
- Overall Drinkability & Balance: We think this rum would work in cocktails, but it's a bit too sweet on its own to sip. That being said, if you have a sweet tooth, this may be the rum for you.
Product Details
- Distiller: Wayward Distillery
- Type: Aged Rum
- Age: 15 months minimum
- Still Type: Stainless steel column
- Cask Type(s): Ex-Bourbon American Oak Barrels
- Origin: Courtenay, British Columbia, Canada
- Composition: Molasses made from caramelized BC Honey
- ABV: 42.5%
- # of Distillations: Not Disclosed
- Price: $86.96 CAD in BC (+ taxes)
Additional Rum Specifics
- Fermentation Duration: Not disclosed
- Dosage: No sugar added
- Ester Only Levels: Not disclosed
- Volatile Compound Levels: Not disclosed
Comments / Conclusions:
Wayward Distillery’s Drunken Hive Rum is a unique spirit made in Canada that combines traditional rum-making with a distinct twist. It’s crafted using 100% British Columbia honey, giving it a rich, smooth flavour with natural honey notes that set it apart from conventional rums. The distillery is known for its commitment to sustainable and locally sourced ingredients, reflecting their dedication to quality and environmental responsibility.
- Crushable / Daily Drinker
- Cocktail Worthy
- Special Occasion Sipper Only
- Weird & Wonderful
- Skip It
Food Pairing Recommendations: Steak, Chicken Wings, Mild Cheeses
Cocktail Recommendation: Airmail, Old Cuban