The Vanilla Bomb Has Landed! Captain Morgan “Private Stock,” the Makers’ Treasured Blend
2026.10.05
In short: Bar Little Happiness in Hiroshima, known for natural cask character, is expanding its spiced rum range again — starting with Captain Morgan Private Stock, the “Vanilla Bomb”: Madagascan vanilla, caramel and cinnamon roll with a velvety texture. Our tip: try it with soda.
🍯 From someone who loves the character of casks: the “magic of addition” I now dare to offer
Until now, Little Happiness has valued the “natural character” of whisky and rum, quietly nurtured in the cask.
Straight maturation woven by wood and spirit, adding nothing extra.
That “aesthetic of subtraction” is still at my core.
But through meeting many guests, I have rediscovered the appeal of a genre that I really should be recommending.
That is spiced rum.
Not just “sweet and easy to drink” — a world of “the art of addition,” perfected by its makers.
At one point we had narrowed our range, but in response to your strong demand, we are now greatly expanding this genre again.
💣 The vanilla bomb: the impact of Captain Morgan “Private Stock”
“Captain Morgan? Isn’t that something you mix with cola?”
There is a bottle that delivers a powerful blow to anyone with that preconception.
A bottle that enthusiasts call, with respect, the “Vanilla Bomb.”
That is this “Private Stock.”
🕵️♂️ A treasured blend the makers kept “for themselves”
The concept of this rum is “what we ourselves believe tastes best.”
It is said to be a carefully selected special blend that the makers stocked for their own consumption, turned into a product.
Not to sell to someone, but a “private stock” kept for their own pride.
That is why it has an overwhelming quality that sets it apart from ordinary flavoured rums.
✨ A true “vanilla bomb” experience
The moment you pour it into a glass, an overwhelming vanilla aroma explodes.
- Nose: Madagascan vanilla, caramel and freshly baked cinnamon rolls.
- Texture: a thick, rich mouthfeel described in English as “velvety.”
- Palate: the kick of spice melts into the sweetness of vanilla — a true “sweet bomb” that wraps all five senses.
🥃 The Little Happiness way to enjoy it
It is so complete that mixing it seems a waste, but what I dare to recommend at Little Happiness is “with soda.”
Every time the bubbles burst, the toasty aroma of oak casks peeks out from behind the sweetness of vanilla, and layer after layer of aroma builds up.
Sweet, and endlessly gentle.
We will keep adding more spiced rums, so please look forward to it!
Every encounter is meant to be. Welcome to the world of Rum&Whisky.
Mika Tanimoto, Bar Little Happiness
[About the author]
Mika Tanimoto
CEO, Little.m Inc. / Owner-bartender
Since 2006, I have run Bar Little Happiness, a whisky and rum bar in Nagarekawa, Hiroshima. I visit distilleries in Japan and around the world and write about the people who make the spirits. Recipient of the Hiroshima City Excellent Skilled Worker Award.
“Whisky and rum taste even better when you know the hearts of the people who make them.”
[Visit the bar] 📍 Bar Little Happiness
Rolling Nagarekawa 1F, 5-14 Nagarekawa-cho, Naka-ku, Hiroshima
Mon–Sat 7:00 pm – 12:30 am / Sun 7:00 pm – 12:00 am (closed when I travel to visit distilleries)
No cover charge, no reservation needed
