Still Spirits Top Shelf Dark Spiced Rum Essence

Still Spirits Top Shelf Dark Spiced Rum Essence is a 50ml Still Spirits Top Shelf flavouring that turns 50% ABV neutral spirit into a finished spirit. One bottle makes 3 bottles of 750ml. Still Spirits describes it as "A chocolate and vanilla profile, with notes of cinnamon, clove, and coffee."

What it tastes like

The spiced rum style that has taken over the rum shelf: dark, sweet-edged, with vanilla and chocolate first and cinnamon, clove and coffee behind. It is made for cola, ginger beer or neat over ice.

How to make it

Shake the bottle and add the 50ml to 2.25 litres of neutral spirit at 50% ABV, then mix well. Note the higher strength: Still Spirits specifies 50% for this one rather than the usual 40%, so if you are using bought vodka it will come out lighter than intended.

The spirit can be bought vodka or your own neutral spirit. Most of our customers run theirs off an Air Still Pro or a Turbo 500 and carbon filter it first; our guide to making a clean neutral spirit covers the wash and the run. A clean base matters more than the flavouring: an essence cannot hide a rough spirit.

When to choose this one

Choose this over the Top Shelf Dark Rum when you want the spice. The Dark Rum is the mellow, unspiced version. Against the Aussie Gold Rum, this is darker and sweeter; the Gold is molasses-led and lighter. The rest of the range is on the Top Shelf essences collection.

Specifications

• Range: Still Spirits Top Shelf
• Bottle size: 50ml
• Makes: 3 bottles of 750ml
• Base spirit: 50% ABV neutral spirit
• Base pack needed: none
• Allergens listed by Still Spirits: none listed

Check your local laws regarding home distilling before purchase.

Reviewed by the AHB Brewing Team, September 2026.