Hum Botanical Liqueur

By Gayot Editors

Another vodka. Another rum. Another bourbon. Yet another vodka. Things can get monotonous in the spirit world, as there are so many different brands, but so few types of base spirits. Every once in a while a VeeV comes along to break the tedium, but it’s rare for a spirit to stray far from its predecessors.

For those looking to avoid the hum-drum, we recommend hum. This 70-proof American botanical spirit is the answer for those seeking to jazz up their home bar, not to mention their taste buds.

Technically a liqueur, hum is made from pot still rum instilled with four botanicals — hibiscus, ginger, cardamom and kaffir lime — after distillation, then bottled unfiltered. The result has floral scents and spice on the palate, with citrus and ginger flavors predominant. The dark red potion is thick and tangy, sweet and peppery, and lingers long on the tongue.

hum is elegant enough to be imbibed straight, but can be mixed in cocktails, added to sparkling wine and beer, and even used as an interesting cooking ingredient. We enjoyed it in a variety of creative cocktails made by hum’s co-creator, Chicago mixologist Adam Segar, including a ‘hum Reale’ made with Bellavista Franciacorta, hum, Egyptian lemon, biodynamic chamomile and organic bee pollen.

Origin: Chicago, IL U.S.A.
Price: $35.99 for 750 ml.
ABV: 35%
By: Hum Spirits Company