Here’s an update on nuking rum. I just got the Stage 1 sample opened. I was amazed, but the ABV was still 63% using my alcometer with temp adjustment. Sorry Angels, but, you’ll get another shot at it!
So, the color is significantly darker. There is a reddish tint that was not in the original sample. It looked more like an Irish Whiskey amber.
The nose still has that new whiskey (rum) bite, but, I “think” it is diminished a little. The flavor still has that same bite, however, I noticed an completely new “floral” flavor that wasn’t in the original sample. I’m not sure it’s a “rum” flavor, but, it was not objectionable.
I put the cloth over the jar and cut the time back to 3 minutes and gave it the 2nd nuke. Well damn, it came out at 169*F. My interpolation skills are not very good! So, I sealed it up an put it to rest for the night. I’ll start again in the morning for Phase 3.
For those of us who like details, there is one I didn’t mention. The original gallon that was aging in glass, at 63-65%, was on Jack Daniels charred barrel chips. After reading a number of posts that were less than complimentary of this aging wood, I decided to go back to mY normal applewood. So the original rum was aged for 3 weeks on JD barrel chips. For this test, I took the original rum and added unused, applewood smoking chips. Further, these were the darker samples from the bag as purchased. None were charred or toasted. I think this is the source for the reddish tint to the sample.
I’ll report back in the morning.