Bacardi and Captain are better as mixers....try a real quality rum, and you won't want to dilute it.
That said - I do like to sip CM Private Stock over ice on occasion (well I use to anyway when I could).
Ron
Rums over $30
- Thread starter Chè
- Start date
That said - I do like to sip CM Private Stock over ice on occasion (well I use to anyway when I could).
Ron
leasingthisspace
4 chat go to extras
Here is the link to the rum Sancho talked about I think.
http://thecellaronline.com/za12yeoldrum.html
http://thecellaronline.com/za12yeoldrum.html
Bacardi and Captain are better as mixers....try a real quality rum, and you won't want to dilute it.
So what would you suggest? Everything in this thread I am guessing. How about one best that a bourbon/scotch guy would appreciate?
That one is tough for me to say, because I am not a bourbon or scotch drinker. My favorite, bar none, is the Ron Centenario XX Anjos that is posted above. Just straight up in a glass, sipping it with a cigar. I would think that would appeal to a scotch man, but I can't say from true experience.
The most whisky like rums, things such as Mount Gay XO (which is a universally admired rum) or Cockspur 12, aren't the ones I'd use to introduce a whisky drinker to rum because if you are looking for bourbon or Scotch, why bother with rum?
But if you want to see how refined and great rum can be, then try any one of the recommendations, remembering that of all the spirits, rum is probably the most diverse in terms of style.
When I do flights, I usually start with Zaya or Zacapa, which aren't necessarily my favorites (I do prefer the Zaya), but always get people's attention. Then I might switch to a completely different product, like the aforementioned Mount Gay XO, El Dorado 15 (which is also a good "first" rum) or Barbencourt 15. Or Ron Pampero, which is a classic. Another good rum to try if you all you have ever tried is Bacardi, is the fine Puerto Rican rums of Barrilito. The Three Star shows how good Puerto Rican rums can be.
But don't look for rum to duplicate scotch. It's another thing. Most whisky like to me is Mt Gay XO. Cruzan Single Barrel is interesting too. Bacardi? Nah, just for mixing, and I'm not a fan of the Captain's either.
XX is a good cigar rum, in my opinion as well.
But if you want to see how refined and great rum can be, then try any one of the recommendations, remembering that of all the spirits, rum is probably the most diverse in terms of style.
When I do flights, I usually start with Zaya or Zacapa, which aren't necessarily my favorites (I do prefer the Zaya), but always get people's attention. Then I might switch to a completely different product, like the aforementioned Mount Gay XO, El Dorado 15 (which is also a good "first" rum) or Barbencourt 15. Or Ron Pampero, which is a classic. Another good rum to try if you all you have ever tried is Bacardi, is the fine Puerto Rican rums of Barrilito. The Three Star shows how good Puerto Rican rums can be.
But don't look for rum to duplicate scotch. It's another thing. Most whisky like to me is Mt Gay XO. Cruzan Single Barrel is interesting too. Bacardi? Nah, just for mixing, and I'm not a fan of the Captain's either.
XX is a good cigar rum, in my opinion as well.
I think I know what you are talking about (other discussion).
Below was my guestimate on the "Best rums under $30" thread:
So what do you make of the rumors swirling about since then regarding a new source? I tend to believe it but aside from the named source, I had heard a secondary source was under consideration.
Regardless. I will volunteer to wear a dunce cap and one of those red noses (that sound like a bike horn when squeezed) in Macy's display window - if the newer tastes pretty much the same as the former.
:tu
As for the bourbon whiskey comparison... I would agree don't buy rum that you want to taste like bourbon. For slight similarities, try Flor de Caña 7 or 12. For the vanilla flavors found in bourbon, try FdC's 4 year old "Extra Dry" (white). Pampero, Santa Teresa and as mentioned Mount Gay's XO (like the first two mentioned FdCs) tend to show some of the "charred" nuances some bourbons exhibit. If you like the vanilla exposure in the FdC Extra Dry, I bet you'll like the robust burst in Oronoco as well.
From my bar, I'd give a bourbon drinker a glass of Angostura 1919 if they like the vanilla characteristic, Pampero Aniversario for similar flavors with a touch of sweetness, or Ron del Barrilito 3 Star if they prefer a strong 'oak' flavor. Cruzan Single Barrel or Mt Gay Extra Old are usually the first bottles I recommend a new rum drinker purchase. They go down easy, are relatively cheap, and very easy to find. (Here in MD I have a hard time finding anything other than Cruzan and Bacardi without spending $20 in gas)
Impending shortage - that's an interesting way of putting it. AFAIK, the Guatemalan version is done with. Impending extinction is more how I'd describe it.
Personally I grabbed a couple of spares. As far as a feeding frenzy goes, I've got enough food on my plate. I'll miss the former and savor the bottles I have but am not going pull any funds out of the savings account etc. to pile up stock.
parshooter
Maturing Primate
Got this for my birthday. Not sure how much over $30 it is, but I'm guessing 3-4 times as much. Very, very good. Looks like maple syrup, unbelievable flavors (can't tell you exactly, had it after "sampling" other beverages). If you love the 23, search this one out :tu
Yeah I'm curious if the XO will still become the stateside product we were expecting. There were XOs for sale on the Euro market going years back - different decanter back then.
Since Diageo stepped in... (stepped on... Zaya), I haven't heard much else about the X.O. nor the rumored elusive 30 year old commemorative bottle.
Since Diageo stepped in... (stepped on... Zaya)
, I haven't heard much else about the X.O. nor the rumored elusive 30 year old commemorative bottle.Can someone link me to the info regarding Zaya?? That's been my favorite rum for a while now. I noticed they were out of stock at TotalWines a couple weeks ago when I went to pick some up.... but I didn't realize there was impending doom!
It's been discussed in just about every rum thread posted here in the last 2 months. I even started a discussion labelled 'Zaya Update' or something along those lines. Do a quick search for 'zaya' and you'll find the whole story.
The bottom-line is that the Zaya you know and love now is dead and gone. What's on the shelf now is all that's left. A new incarnation is on the way (supposedly exact match), and is coming from a reputable distiller, but no indication of when it'll be on the market.
I haven't tasted the Zacapa XO, but thanks for the picture. Prices, if you can find it, run the range of $65 to about 100 for a bottle, and the advanced reviews have been glowing. I don't know if they've officially imported it to the US yet, but when I get finished absorbing the costs of my new camera, my latest cigar binging and the last vacation (just got back) I will start hunting. I think they've been making it available on a very limited basis. Until financial recovery from my latest profligate spending, I'm laying low!
This stuff is REALLY GOOD! I had a friend bring some back from Costa Rica and forgot the name of it. After searching around on the web I ended up here at CS! I should have looked here first.If I'm not mistaken, this is the XX Anjos I mentioned above:
If so, I certainly hope you're not ordering from that Costa Rican super store link you provided! Your source shows it on sale for $87.66 or are those Costa Rican dollars? It's regularly $40 but on sale as we speak for $28.99.
- Ron Centenario XX Anjos (can often be found just shy of $30)
http://www.hitimewine.net/istar.asp?a=6&id=166527!4045
This brand has been a bit of a puzzle for me. Quiet as it's kept, I'm told the rum is actually Panamanian but bottled somewhere inside Costa Rica.
St. Lou Stu
Keeper of the Loc-Nar
Zacapa 23 is one of my favorites... if not my all time favorite.
However, last evening I picked up a bottle of the new, Trini Zaya.
Deeeeee frickin licious.... more of a vanilla overtone from the start(The aroma is of amazing vanilla), same molasses/fruity finish.
It is slightly sweeter than Zacapa and a more refined and mellow finish.
However, last evening I picked up a bottle of the new, Trini Zaya.
Deeeeee frickin licious.... more of a vanilla overtone from the start(The aroma is of amazing vanilla), same molasses/fruity finish.
It is slightly sweeter than Zacapa and a more refined and mellow finish.
That sounds suspicious. There is at least 1 other (younger) offering of Centenario - maybe the price quote is for that?
You have to figure the leather pouch is worth a couple of bucks at least. add that to 20 years of evaporation. $8 retail sounds like a losing proposition. But wtf do I know.