Where's the rum Pt. 8 - Ron Barcelo Imperial

Ron  Barceló Imperial and Imperial Premium blend - product of the Dominican Republic can be found easily enough although the premium blend will run you around 200 bucks!

Although not a very distinct tasting rum, it has a light and sweet flavor. Best enjoyed if left to chill prior to consuming in my opinion.

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Where's the rum Pt. 7 - Ron Santiago De Cuba

Well it would be an understatement to say this rum is one of the jewels on the crown! While the Santiago 20 year and 25 year old in particular will warrant your full attention, the 12 year old is no slouch.

I was only able to try this rum in Cuba and have only seen it for sale in Cuba, but if you can find this in your local bodega, hold on with both hands !

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Where's the rum - Pt. 6 - Ron Abuelo

We are beginning to get where the air is rare - Ron Abuelo- Product of Panama has 4 main products in its line up and honestly they are all worthy of the list ! check out the Abuelo website to learn more about their; 7 Yr old, 12 Year old, Anejo and Centuria.

The centuria is definitely the exquisite rose of the bouquet but the entire line up is difficult to find in the Caribbean.  I've only been able to purchase it in Panama and found it in a few duty free stores in Latin America but it is worth it if you can find it.

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Where's the rum Pt. 5 - Smaks Chai Rum

Another proud product of Trinidad and Tobago, distributed by Smaks its not the easiest rum to find - but I have been able to pick up a bottle at the Duty Free shop - Twee in our Piarco airport. Their website  sais you can buy it Shop #129, Building #6,  Valpark Shopping Plaza.

So is this rum worthy of the list? I'd say a resounding yes! This is a delicious, warm, dark, spicy rum (exactly the color good sipping rum should be). Best enjoyed neat (of course) or a single block of ice..

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Where's the rum Pt. 4 - Pyrat

Aged up to 15 yrs the Pyrat  (pronounced Pi-rate) Xo Reserve is a Anguillan Rum with a strong orange and banana notes.  It is actually this rum that inspired my experimentation with other sipping rums and liqueurs

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Where's the rum Pt. 3 - Angostura

As a Trinidadian, the name Angostura is synonymous with the ever popular (and best selling product)
Forrest Park Puncheon- a highly distilled over proofed rum which boasts alcohol percentage in excess of 70% per volume. While this type of rum is not the topic of my blog, I thought it was worth mentioning out of sheer popularity.
In is regular line-up the only rum worthy of mention as a sipping rum is the 1824. It is a 12 yr old blended rum. Over the last few years, the presentation has gone through some changes that I consider a bit of a step backward when compared with the original wax sealed bottle.

Regardless, this rum is worth the try although it is a bit pricey (about US$45 for 750ml) I definitely recommend putting this on your list.

Now on to the real stars. The LIMITED EDITIONS.

First up is Legacy.
Touted as the world's most expensive rum by Angostura themselves, a 500ml bottle will run you a meager US$25,000.00 but don't be disheartened, it comes in a exquisite hand made wooden case lined with leather on the outside and silk in the inside and lead crystal decanter with jewelry designed topper.  A steal of a deal if ever there was.

Next up we have No.1 of which there are two versions; The No1 French and the No1. The difference? You can probably only find the No1 French now as there were 9,600 bottles made initially but the No.1 which was released in December 2015 had 15,030 bottles available.

I've had the pleasure of tasting both of these rums. While a bit lighter and sharper than the rums I would usually try, it is complex enough to hold your attention. If you can find it, I recommend this is best enjoyed over ice or neat only.

Last up is Siegert's 190 and I think I've saved the best for last in this regard. Also limited edition there were only about 25,000 bottles made but you can find the odd bottle at the local higher end liquor marts. Dark and spicy, this rum is one of my favorites and a bit of a collector's item. I highly recommend .

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Where's the Rum Pt.2 - El Dorado

Second on the list is El Dorado . Produced by Demarara Distillers in Guyana, El Dorado Rum has 4 luxury casked products. the 12, 15, 21 and 25 yr old, each unique in their own right. I've only tried the first three..and honestly prefer the 15yr old of those three. The 12yr and 21yr both have a bit of a sharp taste that takes some time to adjust to.

That said, neat or over ice (for the purists) is the way to best enjoy this rum. If you prefer a splash of club soda or sparkling water to add a little life to this already lively rum we'll allow it :)

Lastly, it is worth noting that Demarara Distillers recently debuted the 50 year old El Dorado and its glorious ! But with the current price tag of $500,000 a bottle, not for the faint of heart.

Shout out in the comment section if you have a favorite in the luxury cask El Dorado!

If you've tried the 50 yr old, you have my envy. Let me know how it fares 

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Where's the rum? Pt. 1 - Ron Zacapa

Here's a look at a few of the rum's I have a preference for found mostly in the Caribbean and South America. By no means extensive, but easily obtainable and makes for a simple introduction to the world of dark rums.

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Ron Zacapa -15 & 23yr Old, XO (25 Yr old) Zacapa Website
Cost - between USD$45 (1ltr 23) and USD$90 (750Ml XO)

Made in Guatemala, this is definitely one of my favorites. The signature 'petate' the braided band around the center of the bottle signals some of Zacapa's Mayan influences, one of which being the use of cane honey in the distillation process. It makes this rum quite sweet, yet bold. Of the many ways I've tried this rum, it is still best enjoyed either chilled, or with a couple blocks of ice.

Trust me when I say, I've tried this rum many ways.

shout out in the comment section if this is a favorite of yours of if you tried this spectacular rum recently.

Here's a video of a bartender pouring me a healthy serving at the popular Beach House Carnival Fete

 

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Why are you here?

Welcome. I would ask how you found this page, but it doesn't matter. All that matters is that you're here. So, obviously, this blog is about rum. Not just any rum. Good Rum. A topic I've fooled myself into believing I'm something of an expert in by virtue of the fact that I've spent the last 10 years or so collecting, and searching for the perfect sipping rum. *disclaimer* If you like to drink rum by the barrel, this blog is not for you. If you like white rum, you probably don't care whether you're actually drinking rum or gasoline (this blog is not for you). If you like rum cocktails, I really hope you're a woman, aaaand this blog is not for you either.

Now that we've thinned the herd (assuming there's anybody left) let's get down to brass tacks. Who is this blog for?

• This blog is for people who want to know what a good sipping rum looks and tastes like.
• This blog is for people who want to know what on earth is a sipping rum and why anyone would write about it.
• This blog is for people who would like to know which are the best rum's and where to find them.
• This blog is for people who want to know how to best enjoy a glass of rum and possible methods to enhance that experience.

This blog is for people who want to share their love of rum with their friends.

Stay tuned while I go do some 'research'

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