Project #173 Dubai Chocolate Rum Review: Is It Worth The Hype?
You might have seen the viral trend taking over social media lately. Everyone seems to be talking about Dubai chocolate. It usually involves big bars of chocolate stuffed with pistachio cream and crunchy pastry. It looks amazing and sounds even better.
Now imagine taking all those flavours and bottling them up with some rum. That is exactly what the team at Project #173 has done. They have created a Dubai Chocolate Rum. But is it actually any good? Or is it just jumping on a bandwagon?
In this review, I will take a close look at this new drink. I will tell you what it tastes like, how much it costs, and the best way to drink it. Whether you are a rum fan or just love trying new trends, this guide will help you decide if you need a bottle in your collection.
What is Project #173 Dubai Chocolate Rum?
Project #173 is a brand known for making flavoured rums. They take a good quality rum base and add natural flavours to create something different. You might have seen their other bottles, like Black Cherry or Pineapple.
Their latest creation is the Dubai Chocolate Rum. It is inspired by the massive food trend of 2025, where chocolate bars are filled with pistachio cream and crispy filo pastry. This rum tries to capture that same experience in a glass.
It is bottled at 42% ABV, which stands for alcohol by volume. This is a decent strength for a flavoured rum as many others sit around the 37.5% or 40% mark. The bottle size is 50cl, which is slightly smaller than a standard spirit bottle but pretty common for these kinds of speciality drinks.
You can buy it from retailers like House of Malt for £20.90. This makes it an affordable treat if you want to try something unique without breaking the bank.
The Flavour Profile
The most important part of any drink is, of course, how it tastes. Project #173 promises a lot with this bottle.
The Smell
When you first open the Dubai Chocolate Rum bottle, you get a strong hit of marzipan. If you like the smell of almonds, you will love this. It then develops into something richer. You might pick up scents of tiramisu or chocolate.
There are also hints of pistachio cookies. Underneath the sweet smells, you can find soft notes of vanilla and golden butterscotch. It smells very sweet and inviting, almost like a dessert in a bottle.
The Taste
Taking a sip is quite an experience. The texture feels thick and syrupy in your mouth. The first thing you will notice is the chocolate. It tastes like ribbons of silky chocolate mixed with candied almonds.
Then the pistachio flavour comes through. It tastes like pistachio ice cream or sweet frangipane. You might also get notes of buttery pastry and sticky baklava. It is very rich and indulgent.
Some people have noted a slight salty kick in the aftertaste. This helps balance out all the sweetness, so it isn’t too sickly. There is also a bit of warmth from the alcohol, but it is generally quite smooth.
The Finish
After you swallow the drink, the flavours stick around for a while. I would say, very much like crème caramel or custard. There are lingering notes of chocolate, and of course, it is very strong in alcohol content.
It is a very sweet and complex drink. If you have a sweet tooth, it will likely be right up your street.
Who Makes It?
This rum is made by a company called Atom Brands. They are a British company known for creating some really interesting spirits. You might know them for other brands like Ableforth’s Bathtub Gin or That Boutique-y Whisky Company.
They have a good reputation for quality and innovation. Project #173 is their range dedicated specifically to flavoured rums. The name apparently comes from the boiling point of alcohol.
The rum base comes from the Caribbean, often the Dominican Republic. This gives it a solid foundation before they add all the fun flavours.
How to Drink It
Because this rum is so full of flavour, you have a few options for how to enjoy it.
Neat or Over Ice
The simplest way is often the best. Pour a measure into a glass and sip it slowly. This lets you really taste all the different notes of chocolate and pistachio.
Adding a few ice cubes can help too. As the ice melts, it waters down the drink slightly, which can open up more flavours. It also chills the liquid making it feel even more refreshing.
Some reviews suggest this is the best way to drink it. Mixing it with cola might not work as well as you think. The fizz and the sweetness of the cola can clash with the salty notes in the rum, making it taste a bit bitter.
I found it quite strong like this and added a dash of lemonade, which made it perfect for me.
In a Cocktail
If you like mixing drinks, this rum offers some fun possibilities.
The Chocolate Old Fashioned
You could use this Dubai Chocolate Rum instead of whisky in a classic Old Fashioned cocktail. The chocolate and nut flavours would work really well with a dash of orange bitters.
Espresso Martini Twist
Try swapping out the vodka or coffee liqueur in an Espresso Martini for this Dubai Chocolate Rum. It would add a lovely nutty chocolate layer to the coffee flavour.
White Russian
A White Russian is usually made with vodka, coffee liqueur, and cream. Using Dubai Chocolate Rum instead could make it taste like a boozy milkshake.
Dessert Topping
Okay this isn’t technically drinking it but hear me out. Pouring a little bit of this over vanilla ice cream would be incredible. It is basically a boozy sauce.
Where Can You Buy It?
You can find Project #173 Dubai Chocolate Rum at several online retailers in the UK.
- House of Malt: They sell the 50cl bottle for £20.90. They often have good delivery options too. You can check out the listing here.
- Master of Malt: This is another big site that stocks the Project #173 range. They usually have lots of customer reviews you can read to see what other people think.
- Tesco: Some supermarkets like Tesco have started stocking Project #173 rums, so it is worth checking the spirits aisle next time you are doing the big shop.
It is always a good idea to shop around to see who has the best price or the cheapest delivery.
Is It Good Value for Money?
At around £21 for a 50cl bottle of Dubai Chocolate Rum, it sits in the middle of the price range. It is cheaper than many premium sipping rums but more expensive than a basic supermarket own-brand bottle.
You have to remember you are paying for the novelty and the specific flavour profile. You probably can’t get this exact taste anywhere else right now.
If you love the Dubai chocolate trend or you are a big fan of flavoured rums, then it is likely good value for you. It is a fun bottle to have on the shelf to bring out when friends come over. I would definitely recommend the Dubai Chocolate Rum!
Comparison to Other Flavoured Rums
There are lots of flavoured rums on the market these days. You can get everything from pineapple to salted caramel. So how does this fit?
Project #173 Chocolate Rum
The brand actually already makes a standard Chocolate Rum. This one is also 42% ABV and has notes of mocha and chocolate-coated peanuts. The Dubai Chocolate Rum adds the pistachio and pastry layers, making it more complex. If you just want pure chocolate, the original might be safer. If you want something more adventurous, go for the Dubai version.
Dead Man’s Fingers
This is another very popular brand. They have flavours like Raspberry Cream and Hazelnut. They are often a bit cheaper and lower in alcohol at around 37.5% ABV. Project #173 feels a bit more premium thanks to its higher alcohol content and more specific flavour inspiration.
Liqueurs
You might compare this to a chocolate liqueur like Baileys Chocolat Luxe. The main difference is the texture. Liqueurs are usually creamy and milky. This is a rum spirit so it is clear and not creamy in texture even if it tastes creamy. Dubai Chocolate Rum is also considerably stronger alcohol wise.
The Verdict
So, should you buy Project #173 Dubai Chocolate Rum?
Buy it if:
- You love chocolate and pistachio flavours.
- You enjoy trying new and trendy foods and drinks.
- You like sipping rum neat or over ice.
- You want a fun ingredient for making dessert cocktails.
Avoid it if:
- You prefer dry, unsweetened spirits.
- You don’t like marzipan or almond flavours.
- You only drink rum mixed with cola.
- You are looking for a traditional aged rum experience.
Overall, the Dubai Chocolate Rum is a well-made spirit that captures the essence of the viral chocolate bar trend in a clever way. It is sweet, rich, and indulgent. It won’t be for everyone, but for those, like me, with a sweet tooth, it could be a new favourite.
Dubai Chocolate Rum – Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions people have about this Dubai Chocolate Rum.
Is this rum suitable for vegans?
Most distilled spirits are vegan, but flavoured ones can be tricky. While the ingredients list doesn’t explicitly mention dairy, the tasting notes talk about butterscotch and cream. It is best to contact the retailer directly if you have strict dietary requirements.
Does it contain nuts?
Given the strong pistachio and almond flavours and the mention of marzipan it is highly likely this product contains nuts or nut flavourings. If you have a nut allergy you should definitely avoid this product or check with the manufacturer first.
How long does it last once opened?
Because of the high alcohol content of 42% ABV this Dubai Chocolate Rum will last a long time after opening. It won’t go off like wine or cream liqueurs. However, the flavours might fade slightly over a year or two, so it is best to drink it within a reasonable time. Store it in a cool, dark place with the cap on tight.
Can I use this in baking?
Absolutely. This Dubai Chocolate Rum would be amazing in baking. You could add a splash to a chocolate cake batter or use it to soak the sponges for a tiramisu. It would add a great depth of flavour to any chocolate or nut-based dessert.
