Made from blackstrap molasses, water, and yeast — nothing else. Distilled in two stages on two different stills: the stripping run goes through an all-copper pot still with a medium-angle condensing tube into a tube-and-column condenser; the spirit run finishes on a hand-built stainless steel still with a nearly flat condensing tube and a traditional worm tub.
Aged a minimum of two years in 15- and 53-gallon barrels — a mix of char 3 and char 4, mostly new American oak with some reused American oak (McGinnis and Barrel Mill Quercus Alba). Bottled at French Navy strength, around 54% ABV.
Tasting Notes
Nose Burnt sugar and charred caramel up front.
Palate Toasted rye bread and cacao husk, with strong hints of black licorice.
Finish Smoky sweetness that lingers.
Closing note
In the early years of Elk Heights, three distillers shared the floor: Erik, Rusty, and the youngest of us,
Tom. Tom loved rum — it was his favorite spirit before he ever made one, and the wash is more
forgiving than bourbon, which suited a young distiller still learning the craft. He worked hard for not
enough money. We couldn't afford to give him a raise, so we gave him a title. Captain Tom has since moved on, but the rum he made his own still carries his name.
