June 26, 2019
Goslings Stormy Ginger Beer | A Review
Goslings needs no introduction to fans of ginger beer as its ubiquity makes it easily available and hard to resist. The off-white can with gold extremes may be familiar but perhaps the story of the black seal may not be.
Goslings began as the venture of James Gosling, an Englishman from Kent who in 1806 came up short on his journey to America and found himself in Bermuda. In time he and his brother began developing rum there which, through necessity, they poured into champagne bottles. They sealed those bottles with black wax. The locals, taken with the spirit, began referring to it as “black seal rum.” Today bottles of Goslings rum feature a black seal on the label as does their Stormy Ginger Beer.
The Dark ‘n Stormy cocktail is a favorite for those appreciating the taste of ginger beer and originates with Goslings, who created it to feature their rum. They trademarked the drink and introduced their take on ginger beer to accompany the rum. So, to this day, a proper Dark ‘n Stormy is an all-Goslings concoction.
I’ve recently returned from an Alaska cruise aboard the Disney Wonder. For those dreaming of a Dark ‘n Stormy or a Moscow Mule, the bars aboard carry Goslings, meaning it’s available to ginger beer enthusiasts looking for a fix even if it doesn’t appear on the menu.
Looking back at the can, there’s 190 calories within. Carbonated water kicks off the ingredient list as usual with the much rarer high fructose corn syrup following. Next is the hilarious “natural ginger beer flavor” which is an oroboros of an ingredient as you clearly need the ginger beer’s flavor to create the “natural ginger beer flavor” ingredient but how can you create the ginger beer in the first place if you don’t yet have the “natural ginger beer flavor?” Citric acid, gum acacia and ester gum round out the list.
Goslings produces notable fizz when poured and possesses a cloudy appearance, practically opaque. The aroma is of ginger swathed in sweetness.
A nova of sweet appears first, preceding a burst of ginger that seems to grow more natural tasting as it develops. A touch of heat moves through the mouth, leaving prickles at the back of the throat, just a kiss lingering on the tongue and roof. The traditional formula means there’s not a lot to distract from the ginger flavor which hangs on longer than expected. While that first blush of sweetness carries weight, subsequent sips grow lighter, bringing it beautifully in balance.
The black seal may be a play on words but it’s also a seal of quality. This is a strong entry, both impactful and drinkable and thankfully easy to find.
Final Decision: Second Tier – Alluring
Purchased at: The Disney Wonder cruise ship | Widely available but you could always order it from Target.
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