Rum Deals - Refilling the Liquor Cabinet

by Bruce Watson, Posted Dec 13th 2008 @ 11:00AM

When it comes to rum, I have to admit a definite prejudice: after years of drinking Polynesian cocktails with names like Zombie, Suffering Bastard, and Planter's Punch, I have developed a definite tendency toward dark rums. This makes sense; while white rums are great for degreasing engines or cleaning wounds, there's a lot to be said for flavor!

The classic dark rum is Myers's, a rich and flavorful potion with notes of vanilla, molasses, and a very slightly burned taste. Unfortunately, at $23 for a fifth, it is also fairly expensive. On the other hand, Cruzan Black Strap Navy Rum is a lot cheaper ($14), and even more delicious. Made with a heavy wallop of molasses, it has a very rich, sweet flavor, a lower alcohol content, and a dark, almost impenetrably black color. Best of all, like Myers, it holds up very nicely against fruit juices, egg nog, and all the other rich flavors that make most lesser rums quail.

For more refined tastes, there is nothing like a golden rum. Unfortunately, this is one of those places where low quality translates pretty directly into low taste. Luckily, Appleton Gold ($14) and Mount Gay Eclipse ($16) are both outstanding and relatively cheap. Steer clear of Bacardi.

If you absolutely must go with spiced rum, you're probably better off making it yourself. That having been said, I have to admit a deep appreciation of Rogue Hazelnut Spiced Rum. It has a subtle, adult flavor that tastes fantastic in a simple grog. Unfortunately, at roughly $30 per bottle, it's a little pricey!

Rum Deals(click thumbnails to view gallery)

Filed Under: Liquor Cabinet, Raising the Bar, Drink Recipes, Drinks
Tags: america, Appleton Gold, AppletonGold, cruzan black strap, CruzanBlackStrap, liquor cabinet, Mount Gay, Mount Gay Eclipse, MountGay, MountGayEclipse, Myers rum, MyersRum, raising the bar, Rogue Hazelnut Spiced Rum, RogueHazelnutSpicedRum, Rum

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Reader comments (Page 1 of 1)

12-13-2008 @12:01PM Sean M. said... For spiced rum you should give Sailor Jerry a try. It's usually under $20 and is pretty darn good on the rocks. It's got just the right balance of sweet & spicy such that neither is overpowering like so many other spiced rums. The review that got me to give it a try is here: http://www.drinkhacker.com/2008/09/02/review-sailor-jerry-spiced-rum/
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12-13-2008 @2:58PM Carey said... I'll second the Sailor Jerry nod, and definitely agree with Bruce on the uses for white rum.
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12-13-2008 @5:08PM eadipus said... thirded for the sailor jerrys, lovely over ice or with coke
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12-14-2008 @1:50AM Bear said... Because rum isn't as pricey as other spirits, an occasional splurge on a truly amazing rum won't break the bank. Check out Ron Zacapa 23-year -- at $40 a bottle, hardly an everyday mixer, but an absolutely amazing experience!
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12-14-2008 @6:33PM Ink said... Gosling's Black Seal is a great dark rum. Toasty but not overly sweet or caramely, and its easily found for under $20.
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