Rum

[rayfound]

In the begginning, there was rum. Any rum, mix with coke, drink, feel good.

Then came the bachelor party... too much rum.

Spent some time with Vodka and Gin. Then just vodka.

And then something special happened. I was in a bar in Mexico. A quaint, friendly bar, not the load obnoxious Tijuiana bars. No, A nice little bar. It was here that I happened upon Bacardi Anejo. A rum, distilled in mexico, and aged for 6 years.

So here I am now, and have found that it is locally available. and cheap $13/750ml.

Its still rum, but its much more mature, more finished tasting than any regular store shelf rum (Bacardi Light, Gold, Captain, etc...) but it is not as 'rough' as something like a Myers Dark. Its smooth, mellow, and very flavorful. They say its good straight up, but I still love it the way I first had it in Mexico: With coke and Lime. Never pepsi. Never bottled lime juice (for that is only for heathens). About 60% rum, 40% Coke, and a lime wedge squeezed and dropped in.

I've never had a strong feeling about rum. Rum was always just rum.

Anyone else have rums that they find to be particularly enjoyable?


-Ray

[joea527]

Doorley's Barbados Rum XO. It's really more like a fine sipping whiskey. Smoooooooth. People who try it can't don't believe it's rum. They can't quite put their finger on it but they don't think it's rum. I am not a rum drinker except for this stuff. :a54:

[elosamurai]

As im from the Dominican Republic I could not just read this post.. So here are my 2 cents or pesos.. The smoothest of all our fine rums must be Barcelo extra viejo gran reserve,, i swear it goes down so smooth it will decieve you into drinking more of it.. Till it hits you all at once...ahhh sweet mindnumbing bliss.. I cant tell you where to find it but my local bodega sells them undercounter for 12 bux, but in DR that much would almost by you a case.. not really but they go for 90 pesos .. its 36 to 1 american so its 2.75us... sure beats a 40 ounces anyday!!

[Scorpio]

Since I was born and raised in PR, I know a little about rums. Bacardi are among the best. Bacardi has a larger marketing scheme so it is better known but Don Q is by far much better specially Don Q Crystal, very smooth. Bacardi has a gran reserve and a 151 proof for the extreme. there are also a few other brands that are just local but just as good. Coquito made with Don Q is the best. Mojito with Don Q Crystal has no equal.

Raf

[Mottern Man]

2 words, Sailor Jerry!

[ratcheer]

I have always liked rum. Over the years, I have come across a few that were very special, to me:

Myers's Plantation Punch - so flavorful
Mt. Gay Sugar Cane Brandy - a rum that is a lot like fine cognac
Pusser's Naval Rum - for when you want to feel like a British sailor

One of my favorite rum drinks is the Hemingway Daquiri. Juice of half a fresh lime. Lots of crushed ice. Two shots of good rum. No sugar. This really was one of Ernest Hemingway's favorites. A man's daquiri. :cool:

Tim

[htownmmm]

I think it's time to restock the bar!

:a54: :clap:

Marty

[ouch]

I've had some nice ones from Appelton, Barbancourt, and Gosling. :drool:

[JohnP]

Sea Wynde, Gosling's Black Seal, Bacardi 1873 Solera
Good stuff.
I have a bottle of Pyrat but have not tried it yet.
John P.

[TimmyBoston]

I'm not a rum guy, but I normally buy Cruzan if I do buy rum. I find it a nice blend of quality and price.

[catatonic]

Arehucas. My aunt, who works in Gran Canaria sent me this telling me it was the best rum from the islands.

I never liked rum, but this stuff is great! I'm just afraid to know how much this stuff must have cost.

[Ben]

Havana Club 7
Rhum Barbancourt 15
Ron Pampero Anniversario
Ron Zacapa Centenario
Ron Matusalem Clasico or Gran Reserva

[rpatteson]

Ben,

You have a nice list there! I like them all. Just happened to come across this thread and thought I'd plug our humble rum review website. It was created to help normal everyday people find an honest rum review. Hopefully it's a little entertaining. We also have many links to distillers, info, and even other review sites. We do some original articles too so check it out. Send me feedback if you like it or if you see room for improvement.

http://www.rndrumreviews.com/

We aren't affiliated with anyone in the rum industry.

Happy New Year!

Roger

[Phog Allen]

Ben,

You have a nice list there! I like them all. Just happened to come across this thread and thought I'd plug our humble rum review website. It was created to help normal everyday people find an honest rum review. Hopefully it's a little entertaining. We also have many links to distillers, info, and even other review sites. We do some original articles too so check it out. Send me feedback if you like it or if you see room for improvement.

http://www.rndrumreviews.com/

We aren't affiliated with anyone in the rum industry.

Happy New Year!

Roger

Nice site Rog. Now, educate me about rum. I know the basics. Fermented from molasses, aged for 6 years minimum(most times I think?), and comes in light, dark, spiced, and maybe other versions. I ask because the wife and I are fond of Tom & Jerry at holiday time and winter nights. Basically it's a eggnogg type "batter" that you mix with rum and brandy. Then top off with hot milk or water. We prefer milk. Since I only tend to drink whisky and bourbon neat, I don't need super premium rum or brandy for mixers. What's a good mixing rum? Thanks.

Regards, Todd

[AACJ]

I'm not a rum guy, but I normally buy Cruzan if I do buy rum. I find it a nice blend of quality and price.

I'm not a rum guy either but when I lived in the Virgin Islands for a few months many years ago, we were able to pick up Cruzan run for less than 1.00 a bottle at the grocery store, even less if it was on sale. Of course I brought back what I was legally able to, and then some....

[Straight Arrow]

I have never tasted rum in all my life and I received a bottle of Bacardi Superior for Christmas. I haven't opened the bottle yet. I'm more of a scotch drinker and enjoy it straight or on the rocks. Can rum be enjoyed as a straight sipping drink?

[moses]

Havana Club 7
Rhum Barbancourt 15
Ron Pampero Anniversario
Ron Zacapa Centenario
Ron Matusalem Clasico or Gran Reserva

I'm no expert, but I do know enough to know that Ben knows what he is talking about.

Rhum Barbancourt 15 is REALLY good stuff. And of all the rums I've had, nothing quite touches Havana Club 7. Makes an unbelieveable Cuba Libre, but it is almost a shame to mix it with anything.

-Mo

[Ben]

All of the rums I listed are really best sipped, and I've not mixed any of the rums I listed.

[Woknblues]

In SEA, where I have made my home for 4 of the last 8 years, they have interesting interpretations of spirits. In Thailand, (where I lived for about two years) they have their "premium" Mekong, a potent "whiskey" that I quote, because I really don't think that it would qualify as such if we are strictly talking whiskey as we all know it to be. Mekong is actually pretty harsh, but the alternative in Thailand, "Sang Som" is pretty damn smooth and smokey but a rum if I ever had one, and at about 4 bucks a fifth, lets just say I had a lot of fun with that. (though the trend at the time was in a small bucket with a bottle of red bull, a coke and four straws..)

Now that I am in the Philippines, they have their "Mekong" called "Tanduay", again, a potent, harsh interpretation of what I do not know really, and then there is a whole slew of psuedo spanish brandies, and even spanish imports that are damn near good enough to drink, and at 2 bucks a fifth (the Filipino ones), I can't say "no". I have a pic of a spanish brandy and the local "limes" here called calamansi, or what I know to be a key lime.

"My drink" consists of about 4 of these little green love machines, squeezed through a fork to catch the seeds over ice in a short tumbler glass with 50/50 one of these brandies and coke. Honestly though, I like the spanish ones by themselves, no rocks, they are that good.

I put a pic in of my favorite Spanish brandy available here, along with a few calamansi and my new watch (just for size reference)..(ok, I love that watch):tongue_sm

[djpharoah]

Having come back from India, I have grown to like Old Monk XXX Rum.

[Dinder1]

Here are a couple of my favorite sipping rums.
DJ.

[Ben]

It's really nice to see that HC7 photo. Makes me want to have a snifter of the stuff! :tongue_sm

[ogopogo]

A few years ago, a girl I used to go out with brought me back from a trip to Honduras two wonderful rums; Ron Caribbean Club Anejo(aged) 8 years from Honduras, and a 7 year old Flor de Cana from Nicaragua.
The Caribbean Club was delicious:thumbup1: , but I haven't been able to find another bottle. I can't even find info online for it.
But last winter I found at a local market a 12 year old Flor de Cana. Wonderful stuff, like a fine cognac. This thread reminded me that it's the perfect time of the year to go get another bottle.

[doctorsimon]

I holidayed in Cuba several years ago. A very interesting place, will change for sure when Fidel moves on. The main rum there is the Havana Club (when they nationalised everything Bacardi moved out) and it is a lovely drink. Lots of varieties some good for mixing, some great to sip neat.

The three year old is a good all rounder (IMHO) as it mixes well in a mojito yet is also very easy for lots of people to sip neat or with a little ice.

The seven year makes a great alternative to whisky (gasps of horror) as it is quite complex in flavours yet still so clearly sugar based (hints of caramel in the taste I remember.)

Most importantly the stuff was *SO* cheap in the supermarkets over there.

I look at rum in a different light now, those cheap white rums are banned from this house.

[DUQ]

One of the most suprising rum's I've tried was Woods Old navy. Nice and rich, can be sipped or mixed.

http://www.woodsrum.co.uk/product/

[BullGoose]

I've had some nice ones from Appelton, Barbancourt, and Gosling. :drool:

+1 on the Goslings Black Seal Rum. I tried it based on a forum member's recommendation. The Goslings goes great mixed with a ginger beer over ice (Dark N Stormy). :thumbup1:

[GoldenMonkey]

BevMo's got 10 Canes on sale right now for $25.99 with your card, notmally $35. I grabbed two, and have been mojitoing like a madman while watching reruns of Burn Notice...:thumbup:. 10 Canes is gooood....

[Luc]

Nice to revive an old thread :biggrin:

Gran Matusalem reserva for me! That stuff is awesome!

[Torcams]

El Dorado 15 year (Guyana) - lots of burnt sugary, complex flavors
Ron Zacapa 23 year (Guatemala) - dessert in a glass.

[knlgskr]

Agricole rums made from sugar cane juice rather than molasses Clement, Trois Riveres ( 3 rivers) Bally, from Martinique are all excellent. Hemingway was said to have favored Martinique rums. Mt. Gay Agricole from Barbados. We will be visiting Guatamala and we are looking forward to trying the "Z" rums Zacapa & Zarayas if our memory serves us correctly. Will definitely vouch for Barbancourt from Haiti, Cavalier from Antigua, Appleton from Jamaica, Hudson Bay, Lemon Hart, so many excellent rums. Cannot say we have a favorite, so we try the locals wherever we may be in our travels; each seems to have an affinity for where it is produced and that makes each a unique pleasure based upon time, place, and circumstance.

Excellent thread, thanks everyone.

I LOVE THIS WEBSITE! It has has provided some of the best reading in terms of learning, enjoyment, humor; best I have seen.

[rm71]

I've tried Mount Gay, Appleton and Capt Morgan. For me Mount Gay on the rocks is a winner.

[sparkchaser]

2 words, Sailor Jerry!

I loves me some Sailor Jerry. Best spiced rum at that price point.

[Not A Nice Person]

Ron Zacapa 23 Solera
Ron Pampero Anniversario
Ron Matusalem Reserva
Flor de Cana 12 Y.O.
Zaya

That's pretty much my order of preference based on personal taste; the Zaya, for example, is absolutely amazing but a bit too sweet for me. The Pampero was my favorite for a long time but the Zacapa trumps it with more depth and spice.

Best bargain on the rum shelf is Flor de Cana---the Flor de Cana Gold is only $22 for a big 1.75L bottle and good enough for sipping on the rocks. Black Label and 12 Y.O. get progressively better, and progressively more expensive, but are still bargains.

Matusalem instead of white rum makes a mojito you won't believe. :biggrin:

NANP™

[Confuzius]

I find that Havana Club 7 has the distinct smell of plastic band-aids.
Open a new box of band-aids and take a whiff, now do the same to a bottle of Havana Club 7. For that reason I can't drink it.

Ron Zacapa Centenario 23 is probably the best I've had, the old one completely wrapped in palm leaves. My dad worked with a Guatemalan woman who would bring some back every time she visited.

My goto rum is standard Appleton, or plain Bacardi white for mixed drinks.

[physiognomy]

My favorites include -

Ron Z 23
Zaya (Guatemalan)
Diplomatico
Pampero Anny
Flor de Cana 18yr

Order of preference depends on my mood... I usually reach for a different bottle every time.

[walto]

I liked the Cacique form Venezuela. Especially the Cacique 500 in the black/brown, matted bottle is not only very decorative but it tastes really nice and smooth.

[cthip]

In SEA, where I have made my home for 4 of the last 8 years, they have interesting interpretations of spirits. In Thailand, (where I lived for about two years) they have their "premium" Mekong, a potent "whiskey" that I quote, because I really don't think that it would qualify as such if we are strictly talking whiskey as we all know it to be. Mekong is actually pretty harsh, but the alternative in Thailand, "Sang Som" is pretty damn smooth and smokey but a rum if I ever had one, and at about 4 bucks a fifth, lets just say I had a lot of fun with that. (though the trend at the time was in a small bucket with a bottle of red bull, a coke and four straws..)

Now that I am in the Philippines, they have their "Mekong" called "Tanduay", again, a potent, harsh interpretation of what I do not know really, and then there is a whole slew of psuedo spanish brandies, and even spanish imports that are damn near good enough to drink, and at 2 bucks a fifth (the Filipino ones), I can't say "no". I have a pic of a spanish brandy and the local "limes" here called calamansi, or what I know to be a key lime.

"My drink" consists of about 4 of these little green love machines, squeezed through a fork to catch the seeds over ice in a short tumbler glass with 50/50 one of these brandies and coke. Honestly though, I like the spanish ones by themselves, no rocks, they are that good.

I put a pic in of my favorite Spanish brandy available here, along with a few calamansi and my new watch (just for size reference)..(ok, I love that watch):tongue_sm

agreed on the sangsom--definitely a rum, and a pretty decent one too! they still serve it in buckets on koh pha ngan and probably some other places.

and calamansi is a little different from a key lime. better in my opinion, and my family is from key west! hard to find in the us, but the "sun tropics" brand makes a calamansi "limeade" that is AMAZING. i found it at my local whole foods, but some asian supermarkets will probably carry it too. guess i'll have to try it with brandy!

[Sweeney Todd]

Rum is pretty much what I drink 99% of the time, for me it has to be
Havana Club (age depending on drink) or Royal Oak from Trinidad.

[knlgskr]

Since I was born and raised in PR, I know a little about rums. Bacardi are among the best. Bacardi has a larger marketing scheme so it is better known but Don Q is by far much better specially Don Q Crystal, very smooth. Bacardi has a gran reserve and a 151 proof for the extreme. there are also a few other brands that are just local but just as good. Coquito made with Don Q is the best. Mojito with Don Q Crystal has no equal.

Raf

What is your opinion of Barrilito?

[The Knize]

Have not seen anyone mention Rhum St James. I do not know how highly it is rated these days, but it appeals to me. Really any of the agricoles seem really good. People making agricole seem to take rum (or rhum) pretty seriously.

[Torcams]

Have not seen anyone mention Rhum St James. I do not know how highly it is rated these days, but it appeals to me. Really any of the agricoles seem really good. People making agricole seem to take rum (or rhum) pretty seriously.

I haven't tried St. James. Which bottling(s) do you recommend? I have and enjoy Clement VSOP and have heard good things about La Favorite and Neisson.

[The Knize]

I haven't tried St. James. Which bottling(s) do you recommend? I have and enjoy Clement VSOP and have heard good things about La Favorite and Neisson.

I have only had the one "expression" of it, as I recall.

http://www.beveragewarehouse.com/images/products/2412.gif

Probably the least expensive version. I would love to try the others. I think it has come and gone from the US market a couple of times since I have been drinking it.

I have had Rhum Clement, not the VSOP as I recall, and it is intense and good. Have not heard of La Favorite and have not had but have read all good things about Neisson. As I said, I think all of these makers really know what they are about and really care about what they are doing. These rums may not be so immediately accessible to the American palate, but I think like many other spirits, one learns to appreciate them and then "craves" them! We were in Guadaloupe a long time ago, and their they drank room temp rum punches which were bascially shots of rum mascerated in various fruits and probably spices, with little or no sweetening. Again, pretty out of the ordinary for what we in the States are used to, but after a bit you grow to appreciate what they are doing, although I do not think I really got to the "craving" stage with them.

[Torcams]

I have only had the one "expression" of it, as I recall.

I'll give it a try, thanks. I've heard the Hors d'Age is good as well.

[Vvalters]

I have to say my favorite rum is by far Appleton's. I have found it here in the states but for some reason it just tastes a little better in Jamaica. In Jamaica you can also find the "overproof" white rum, which is not available in the states. That is some white lightning!

Can't go wrong with the Appleton's of any variety.

[Vvalters]

I'm not a rum guy either but when I lived in the Virgin Islands for a few months many years ago, we were able to pick up Cruzan run for less than 1.00 a bottle at the grocery store, even less if it was on sale. Of course I brought back what I was legally able to, and then some....

Hunter Thompson wrote in "The Rum Diaries" that back in the good old days of the Carribean, rum cost a dollar a bottle and ice cost two dollars a glass.

Sounds like you might have been there around the same time.

[The Knize]

I'll give it a try, thanks. I've heard the Hors d'Age is good as well.

From what I have read, I would say it is. Would love to have some. I have not tasted the St James head to head against things like Clement, etc. For all I know, I am recommending the Budwieser of the French Carribean. But I do think all of these rums are pretty special!

[danster.shay]

+1 on the Pyrat. -1 on the black seal.
A friend and I are "practicing" our rum drinking for the Pirates in Paradise festival this December in Key West, and are "sampling" as many rums as we can before then (one a weekend usually). So far my favorite is the Pyrat XO, but I feel that Gosling's Black Seal tastes like it's been filtered through an old inner-tube that sat in the sun for 3 years.
Note that I only drink it on ice, so not sure how black seal mixes.
I think our next bottle will be Mt. Gay XO.

www.bilgemunky.com has rum reviews too (and all things piratey...)

I wish Bulleit Bourbon was rum... :(

[ginantonix]

Ron Zacapa 23 has to be the best rum ever, and that's not just my opinion :rolleyes:. I am also very fond of Ron Zaya, but I noticed on the last bottle I bought that it is no longer from Guatemala but Trinidad!! I haven't cracked that bottle yet, but I plan to do a taste comparison soon.

Otherwise, Pyrat, Matusalem round out my favorites as far as typical rums (with flavorings and caramel added) go.

For mixing, Flor de Cana is amazing stuff, dirt cheap and very tasty.

For what I consider 'pure' rum, the Renegade Rum company bottles rums from pot stills, straight from the cask - no colouring or flavours added, and not chill-filtered either. I have bought three bottles - the Jamaican Hampden was very regrettable, which confirms my view that Jamaican rum is only good for making aftershave (gentlemen, start your flame engines now....:spockflam) but the Guyana Uitvlught was amazing. Now if they would just stop their damn 'enhancing' in wine casks... ruined the Enmore, IMO.

[ratcheer]

Rum = Yum

Tim

[Tacheless]

http://i32.tinypic.com/mwqibr.jpg

Made in Dundee Scotland our local Rum mmmmmmmmm !!!!

[g8rforester]

El Dorado 15 year (Guyana) - lots of burnt sugary, complex flavors
...

+1

No need for any others, it's that good.

[urr-lord]

castillo spiced -nice,smooth,with a bit of vanilla.

[Bayamontate]

As im from the Dominican Republic I could not just read this post.. So here are my 2 cents or pesos.. The smoothest of all our fine rums must be Barcelo extra viejo gran reserve,, i swear it goes down so smooth it will decieve you into drinking more of it.. Till it hits you all at once...ahhh sweet mindnumbing bliss.. I cant tell you where to find it but my local bodega sells them undercounter for 12 bux, but in DR that much would almost by you a case.. not really but they go for 90 pesos .. its 36 to 1 american so its 2.75us... sure beats a 40 ounces anyday!!

Barcelo Imperial is an amazing rum. Pampero and Barrilito Tres Estrallas are good as well.

[GoldenMonkey]

I picked up a bottle of Cruzan Single Barrel the other day, and had a nice glass full last night:

http://www.bevmo.com/Media/Images/ProductImagesFull/56916.jpg

It was very bourbon-like, but not as much fire/rye bite as you'd find in bourbon. This was nice and fruity/sweet, with a maple syrupy, caramel note, and awesome warmth without burn...pretty decent stuff, and light years ahead of their regular ol' offerings.

[Craig the barber]

Appleton Estate Reserve...my favorite!

[moshulu]

It's too bad that so many people think of rum as just something to mix with coke and get a quick buzz. But the finest rums rival the best whiskeys, cognacs and armagnacs. You can pay as much as you want for fine old rum. Here in France, I have seen old vintages of Bally (from the French island of Martinique) auctioned for 500 euros a bottle. My current favorite is Santa Teresa, made in Venezuela using the solera method, just like sherry! It costs 50 euros, but I believe it's cheaper in the US. No one would even dream of mixing it.

[Wendy]

As im from the Dominican Republic I could not just read this post.. So here are my 2 cents or pesos.. The smoothest of all our fine rums must be Barcelo extra viejo gran reserve,, i swear it goes down so smooth it will decieve you into drinking more of it.. Till it hits you all at once...ahhh sweet mindnumbing bliss.. I cant tell you where to find it but my local bodega sells them undercounter for 12 bux, but in DR that much would almost by you a case.. not really but they go for 90 pesos .. its 36 to 1 american so its 2.75us... sure beats a 40 ounces anyday!!

When I was vacationing in the Dominican we indulged in a ton of Rum. I must say that was about the safest alcohol. Many of the others were quite different in taste and I did not enjoy them much.

[Starcar]

Have to go with Havana Club 7 .... an excellent sipping Rum

[Bayamontate]

As far as Cuban rums, Ron Caney, Santiago de Cuba and Metusalem 15.

[SpyvSpy]

Not only were his tattoos great but the rum is too

http://s2.thisnext.com/media/230x230/Sailor-Jerry-Rum_9243B349.jpg

[Thelonius1]

I have to say my favorite rum is by far Appleton's. I have found it here in the states but for some reason it just tastes a little better in Jamaica. In Jamaica you can also find the "overproof" white rum, which is not available in the states. That is some white lightning!

Can't go wrong with the Appleton's of any variety.

Huge fan of Jamaican Rum!! Appleton's is great. Incidentally Wray and Nephew Overproof is available in the states, although you have to look around to find it. I get it regularly at a specialty foods and wine store near my location. My top three for sipping straight or with one ice cube:

1. Edwin Charley Virtue Select Single Barrell - Wow!
2. Gosling Black Seal - Bermuda, sugar cane, British trade, etc. and its $15 bucks for a fifth!
3. Appleton Estate 21 Year - Yum...just yum.

[Crazy Dave]

When I was in the Turks and Caicos, the local expatriots all drank the Haitian rum, Barbancourt. I tried it and like it quite a bit. They have a 4 year old 3 star and a Reserve 8 year old 5 star. Actually the 3 star is quite good and not very expensive. You do get more with the 8 year. I have not tried the 15 year old.

Dave

[Mr. Scruffy]

Received a bottle of Santa Teresa 1796 Ron Antiguo de Solera on my last birthday. This is a fine Venezuelan anejo aged for over 15 years. Reddish brown in color, sweet taste. Yum!

[luvmysuper]

Tanduay Red Rhum from the Philippines. Gotta be the best rum value cost / quality I've ever had.

[OneRand]

I have only had the one "expression" of it, as I recall.

http://www.beveragewarehouse.com/images/products/2412.gif

Probably the least expensive version. I would love to try the others. I think it has come and gone from the US market a couple of times since I have been drinking it.

I have had Rhum Clement, not the VSOP as I recall, and it is intense and good. Have not heard of La Favorite and have not had but have read all good things about Neisson. As I said, I think all of these makers really know what they are about and really care about what they are doing. These rums may not be so immediately accessible to the American palate, but I think like many other spirits, one learns to appreciate them and then "craves" them! We were in Guadaloupe a long time ago, and their they drank room temp rum punches which were bascially shots of rum mascerated in various fruits and probably spices, with little or no sweetening. Again, pretty out of the ordinary for what we in the States are used to, but after a bit you grow to appreciate what they are doing, although I do not think I really got to the "craving" stage with them.

There are some great rums listed here. I found the St. James to be overpriced, bland and disappointing. Not a complex flavor for me, and cutting it with an ice cube or a bit of water makes it dull without the alcohol bite. I've been using it for daquiri mixers.

The cruzan single barrel is a nice sipper. Diplomatico from venezuela is another sweet but tasty rum.