Kraken

Kraken Black Spiced Rum is one of the most recognizable spiced rum brands in the world — a Trinidad-based Caribbean molasses rum blended with 13 spices and bottled at 47% ABV in the iconic squid-embossed dark bottle, named after the legendary sea monster of Norse mythology that sailors feared lurked beneath the ocean's surface.

The Kraken's distinctively high 47% ABV sets it apart from most spiced rums in the category, which typically come in at 35–40%. The higher proof preserves the full intensity of the spice blend — cinnamon, ginger, clove, and a mix of warm baking spices that produce the deep, bold, and slightly sweet character the brand is known for. The molasses-based Caribbean rum base provides the dark sugar, dried fruit, and caramel foundation that the spice blend builds on. Browse all rum at Wooden Cork.

The Kraken Lineup

Kraken Black Spiced Rum — The flagship expression. 47% ABV, 13 spices, deep dark mahogany color. The benchmark for what bold spiced rum tastes like — vanilla, cinnamon, ginger, clove, and dark molasses on the palate. Works neat over ice, in a rum and cola, or as the base for dark cocktails. Kraken Gold Spiced Rum — The lighter, smoother sibling. Lighter in color and character than the Black, with the same spiced approach but a gentler, more approachable profile suited to daytime drinking and lighter cocktails. Kraken Flavored Expressions — A range of flavored rums including Black Cherry, Roast Coffee, and Banana, all on the same spiced rum base.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Kraken bottled at 47% ABV when most spiced rums are lower?

The higher proof preserves the intensity of the 13-spice blend — at lower proof, the spice character becomes muted and the rum loses its defining boldness. The 47% ABV is a deliberate production decision that makes Kraken significantly more intense than most category competitors, and it's the primary reason the Black is so distinctively different from most spiced rums on the shelf.

Where is Kraken rum made?

The base rum is sourced from Trinidad — one of the Caribbean's most respected rum-producing nations, home to Angostura and a long tradition of quality column-distilled molasses rum. The spicing and blending program is applied to the Trinidad base rum to produce the finished Kraken character.

What cocktails work best with Kraken Black?

The bold spiced character works well in rum and cola (the spices complement cola's own sweetness and vanilla), Dark and Stormy (ginger beer amplifies the ginger in the spice blend), and spiced rum Old Fashioneds. At 47% ABV it also holds up well neat over a large ice cube for those who want a straightforward sipping experience.