Introduction
Spiced rum has become one of the UK’s favourite spirits, and the shelves are packed with options. Most follow a familiar formula of vanilla, caramel and warming spice. Barti Spiced takes a more adventurous route, adding hand picked laver seaweed from the Pembrokeshire coast.
Barti Spiced is made in Wales by the team behind Café Môr, a much loved seaweed focused street food business. It is named after Bartholomew Roberts, the legendary Welsh pirate known as Black Bart, which gives it a fun, characterful story.
At 35% ABV, it is a spiced rum with notes of vanilla, clove and subtle orange, balanced by a gentle savoury depth from the seaweed. It is designed to work neat, over ice and in cocktails.
What makes it stand out is that unique coastal twist. Many spiced rums taste similar, but Barti has a distinctive character that reflects its Welsh roots.
We spent two weeks tasting Barti Spiced neat, mixed and in cocktails to see whether it lives up to its reputation.
Quick Verdict
Overall rating: 4.4 out of 5
Best for: Spiced rum fans, foodies and anyone who enjoys trying independent spirits
Short summary: Barti Spiced is a smooth, flavourful and genuinely distinctive spiced rum. The vanilla and clove are warming, the orange adds brightness and the seaweed gives a subtle savoury depth that makes it more interesting than many supermarket brands. It is slightly lighter in ABV than some spiced rums and pricier than mass market options, but the character and story make it worthwhile.
Main pros
- Unique Welsh seaweed twist
- Smooth and easy to drink
- Warming vanilla, clove and orange notes
- Versatile neat, mixed or in cocktails
- Great story and eye catching bottle
Main cons
- More expensive than mass market spiced rums
- Seaweed notes are subtle rather than bold
- 35% ABV is lighter than some spiced rums
Quick buying recommendation: If you enjoy spiced rum and want something with character and a story, Barti Spiced is an excellent choice.
Where to buy: Buy direct from Barti | Check the latest price on Amazon
Product Overview Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Barti Spiced Rum |
| Brand | Barti Rum |
| Product Type | Spiced rum with Pembrokeshire laver seaweed |
| Key Features | Welsh made, seaweed infused, 35% ABV |
| Main Purpose | Sipping and mixing |
| Price Range | Around £30 to £35 for 70cl |
| Ingredients | Rum, spices and hand picked laver seaweed |
| Best For | Spiced rum fans, foodies and gift buyers |
| Available Variants | 70cl (reviewed), with smaller sizes available from some retailers |
Design & Build Quality
First impressions
The bottle is bold and characterful, with branding that nods to Barti’s pirate namesake. It looks fantastic on a drinks trolley and feels like a gift worth giving.
Packaging
The 70cl bottle has a screwcap closure, which is practical for keeping it fresh between pours.
Presentation
Barti’s branding and story make it feel special. It is the kind of bottle that sparks conversation.
Features & Performance
Nose
On the nose, Barti Spiced offers warm vanilla, clove and hints of orange peel, with a faint coastal freshness.
Palate
The palate is smooth and rounded, with vanilla sweetness, warming clove and bright citrus. The seaweed adds a subtle savoury depth that balances the sweetness.
Finish
The finish is gentle and warming, with lingering spice and a slight savoury note.
Neat and over ice
Over ice, Barti Spiced is easy to sip and enjoyable. The flavours open up as the ice melts.
Mixers and cocktails
With ginger beer, it makes a fantastic spiced rum and ginger. With cola, it is smooth and easy drinking. It also works brilliantly in a Dark and Stormy or an Old Fashioned twist.
Real-World Experience
We tasted Barti Spiced over two weeks with a small group of friends who enjoy spiced rum.
The first reaction was curiosity about the seaweed. Once tasted, most agreed it added something different without being overpowering.
Barti and ginger beer became the group favourite, with the spice and citrus working beautifully together.
One tester expected a stronger seaweed taste and felt it was more subtle than anticipated. Another found it slightly sweet neat, but loved it over ice.
The surprise was how quickly the bottle disappeared. Barti became the go to for weekend drinks and cosy evenings.
Pros & Cons Table
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Distinctive seaweed twist | Pricier than mass market rums |
| Smooth and approachable | Seaweed is subtle |
| Warming spice and citrus | Slightly sweet for some neat |
| Great with ginger beer | 35% ABV lighter than some |
| Independent Welsh producer | Not as widely stocked |
| Fantastic gift presentation | Limited age statement information |
Who Should Buy This?
Barti Spiced is ideal for spiced rum fans, foodies and anyone who enjoys discovering independent spirits. It is perfect for cocktail lovers and people who appreciate a good story behind their drinks.
It is less suited to those who prefer very dry or high strength spirits.
As a gift, it is excellent for Christmas, birthdays and celebrations. Please drink responsibly.
Alternatives & Comparisons
Kraken Black Spiced Rum
A bold, dark spiced rum with heavy molasses notes. Barti is lighter and more nuanced.
Sailor Jerry
A classic spiced rum with vanilla and cinnamon. Barti has more character thanks to the seaweed.
Pirate’s Grog
Another British independent rum brand with a strong story.
Supermarket own brand spiced rums
Cheaper but less distinctive.
Is It Worth The Money?
At around £30 to £35, Barti Spiced sits above mass market rums but in line with many independent spirits. The quality, distinctive flavour and story justify the price.
Final Verdict
Barti Spiced Rum is smooth, flavourful and refreshingly different. Its Welsh seaweed twist adds character, while vanilla, clove and orange keep it warm and approachable.
It is pricier than mainstream options, but for foodies and spirit lovers, it is a brilliant buy.
Overall rating: 4.4 out of 5
Where to buy: Buy direct from Barti | Check the latest price on Amazon
FAQs
What does Barti Spiced Rum taste like?
It has notes of vanilla, clove and orange, with a subtle savoury depth from laver seaweed.
What is the ABV of Barti Spiced?
Barti Spiced is 35% ABV.
Does Barti rum really contain seaweed?
Yes. It is infused with hand picked laver seaweed from the Pembrokeshire coast.
What is the best mixer for Barti Spiced?
Ginger beer is a favourite, but it also works well with cola or in cocktails.
Who makes Barti Rum?
Barti is made in Wales by the team behind Café Môr.
Is Barti Spiced a good gift?
Yes. Its unique flavour, story and striking bottle make it a fantastic foodie gift.
