One of the things I found most interesting about the Preacher's rums was what appeared to be a very unique use - not of the standard spirits E150a used by all the high proof spirits I know of - but his use of E150d soft drink coloring. However unusual, it's my impression that this may have been done to promote a sales bullet: that the E150d was made from cane sugar.
There were several issues with this. First, that as best as I was able to determine, the E150d used did not seem to be made from cane sugar. Second, that E150d may well have a shorter shelf life, as it is not designed for especially high proof spirits. Even back then the media was beginning to suspect another problem - the possible carcinogenic properties of E150d.
But no matter - sales bullets are important, nicht vahr?
And today?
Check this out:
"The chemical compound that gives some sodas a caramel-brown color could be a carcinogen—and according to a new study by Consumer Reports, it's in many popular soft drinks at levels that exceed what many experts consider safe. Between April and December of 2013, researchers tested 110 bottles of various brands of soda for the 4-methylimidazole, or 4-MeI for short. They found the highest levels of the substance in Goya Malta, a malt-flavored soda popular in Latin American communities, and in various Pepsi products..."
(Citation: http://www.motherjones.com/blue-marble/ ... ogen-4-mei)
The offending component of E150d is nicknamed "4-mel". California especially was concerned enough to have already passed a law that requires users to affix a warning on the label if the product as bottled contains more than 29 micrograms of 4-mel. The article noted that this requirement is often not met in California, and that the 4-mel levels were much higher in New York where no warning at all is required.
So are the Preacher's rums carcinogenic?
You'll be pleased to know that there are not yet any reported cases of cancer attributed to this fine rum, so the answer - so far - must necessarily be a resounding no. No! NO! But if I were he - heaven forbid - I'd forget any sales points and use the E150a that nearly every other high proof spirit uses. Or better yet?
Yet another reason to forget any coloring or additives completely and sell purity. The world is ready...
