{"product_id":"mainland-9-year-old-california-rum-2016","title":"Mainland 9 Year Old California Rum 2016","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMainland 9 Year Old California Rum 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e is a single barrel American rum distilled in 2016 at Stark Spirits in Pasadena, California — a craft distillery that has since closed, which makes every surviving barrel finite. Bottled by Mainland, the Los Angeles label devoted to grenade-aged American rum, it comes from one 53-gallon barrel that previously held a Kentucky rye-mashbill bourbon, and it is poured at full strength: 60.9% ABV, 121.8 proof.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eABV:\u003c\/strong\u003e 60.9% (121.8 proof)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e 750mL\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAge:\u003c\/strong\u003e 9 years\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Stark Spirits, Pasadena, California\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBase:\u003c\/strong\u003e Molasses\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStill:\u003c\/strong\u003e Copper pot still\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCask:\u003c\/strong\u003e Single ex-bourbon barrel, #4 char\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eThe Story\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMainland's The Finest Selections line preserves barrels from American distilleries — including closed ones like Stark Spirits — that would otherwise disappear into blends. This rum fermented in closed-top stainless steel, came off the copper pot still at about 160 proof, and went into the barrel at 125 proof in 2016, sleeping through Southern California's hot, dry seasons until it was dumped in early 2025. Drinkhacker named the release one of its Top 10 Rums of 2025. It follows the younger \u003ca href=\"\/products\/mainland-8-year-old-california-rum\"\u003eMainland 8 Year Old California Rum\u003c\/a\u003e in our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/rum\"\u003eAmerican rum\u003c\/a\u003e lineup.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBrown sugar, pineapple, marshmallow, toasted hazelnut and cherries up front; the palate folds in molasses, tobacco leaf and baked brown sugar before a long, lean finish. It drinks remarkably softly for 121.8 proof.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow to Enjoy\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNeat in a tulip glass, or with a splash of water to pull the fruit forward. Fans of barrel-proof American spirits should also meet its sibling from the Gulf, the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/mainland-10-year-old-louisiana-rum\"\u003eMainland 10 Year Old Louisiana Rum\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Stark Spirits still operating?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo — the Pasadena distillery has closed, which is why Mainland bottles its remaining barrels as single cask selections.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat proof is this rum?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e121.8 proof (60.9% ABV), bottled at cask strength.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat barrel was it aged in?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA single 53-gallon ex-bourbon barrel with a #4 char that previously held a Kentucky rye-mashbill bourbon.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMainland 9 Year Old California Rum 2016 is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor — a closed distillery's barrel, bottled before it disappears for good.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mainland","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":68139832344619,"sku":"DM17787L","price":84.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1277\/3667\/files\/mainland-ca9.jpg?v=1793923533","url":"https:\/\/www.delmesaliquor.com\/products\/mainland-9-year-old-california-rum-2016","provider":"Del Mesa Liquor","version":"1.0","type":"link"}