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Sipping Rum?

11K views 100 replies 75 participants last post by  theyeti  
#1 ·
I like the taste of Rum very much. However, much of it is not smooth at all and at times, seems like I'm drinking lighter fluid. It's harsh nature keeps me from drinking it straight.

So, I purchased some Ron Zacapa 23, and Ron Barcelo (Dominican Rum) . Both are caramel colored and considerably more palatable than Bacardi when straight. However, both still have that classic "lighter fluid" non smooth taste that I find objectionable.

I've come to like Gentleman Jack, for it's very smooth flavor, and that's my go to drink.

Can you guys suggest a Rum that is similar in nature to Gentleman Jack (smooth) ???

I never drink more than one drink, so I don't go through alcohol quickly and it may take a year or more for me to finish a bottle. So, I need to rely on the opinions and suggestions of others. Rather than simply purchasing many different types. I'd probably put an upper limit of about $50.
 
#90 ·
Just discovered this a few months ago. I like rum, but I usually don't stock up on it since I typically don't drink very much...probably once, maybe twice a month when I go out.

I've started stocking up on Captain Morgan Black...a lot of it.

If I'm in the mood for Scotch Whiskey, I drink Aberlour 16 year...very smooth.
 
#6 ·
Admittedly I have had some rum drinks . The 1st being.... 75% of a liter when I was 18 yrs. old.
Never got over that dry heave & bad hangover. To this day, I cannot finish a drink made from Rum.
3 sips is max..... just not my preference at all.
 
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#7 ·
I agree with Nomad2nd and Dragon Tamer, Capt Morgan is trying to smooth out the flavor of their rum and both are good choices. For someone who likes to drink neat or on the rocks like I do you have to be picky about what you pour in the glass. The spiced rum's do a better job of toning it down, but you are right about the lighter fluid taste. I stick to Scotch and Gin for my sipping but like a mixed drink using rum or vodka from time to time.
 
#29 ·
I've been drinking rum for a long time and have never found a rum that I like to drink neat, that being said Bacardi Anejo bottled in Mexico on the rocks is very good for about $20 a fifth is very good. But my favorite rum drink ever is a "dark and stormy" made with goslings black seal and ginger beer, not ginger ale!
 
#14 ·
If you really want a sipper I don't think you want spiced, imo spiced is more for mixing.
Ron Del Barrilito is a decent one, don't know if you can find it outside of PR tho.
Unfortunately all you can do is try brands till you find what you like. If you try and don't
like one as a sipper, have some friends over for a party and serve it mixed.
Or have a party and ask everyone to bring a different Rum. You and guests can taste all of them and
have a decent chance of finding one you like. All it will cost you is a few Burgers, Ribs, and Sausages.
 
#18 ·
I should have mentioned that I do like spiced rums, but not for sipping.

Thanks all for the suggestions and the links. I'll have to try and figure out which one is most smooth. I think that's my criteria.

I guess the first thing is to read reviews on each suggestion and see if the description matches what I'm looking for. Then try it.

I found this: http://www.rumratings.com/brands?order_by=average_rating
 
#52 ·
When I was searching for an overseas retreat I lived for about 6 months in Honduras. One of the American companies there gave a party for their local employees and bought the US favorite Bacardi as a treat for them. The locals took one taste and poured it out. Then they all lined up to get the local favorite, Flor de Cana. I agree with them. Bacardi is swill in comparison.

Flor de Cana comes in many different reserves from 3yr to 50 yr aging. If available, the 5 year is usually the best for the money, but here in the southeast I usually buy the 4 yr aged (amber color) as they don't have the 5 yr. The 4 yr Flor de Cana is bargain priced (especially in 1.75 liter) and delicious as well. Note, the 4yr is an excellent choice for cocktails. For sipping, you get what you pay for and I'd recommend 12 yr or older.
 
#25 ·
OK....so this is somewhat of a obsession with me.

Zaya Gran Reserva (not as good as it was in Guat, but still one of if not the best sipping rums)...its like Liquid Glass and has an amazingly complex flavor.

Ron Zacapa close 2nd, their select XO is amazing....but $150.00 a bottle

Atlantico GREAT inexpensive sipper.

Diplomatica....varies, but usually great.

Sorry to say, but Captain Morgans anything is like bud light to a micro or craft brew...its not a great sipping rum, its ok at best....yeah, yeah, yeah, say what you want, I have been sipping rum for 15+ years and have done my research...LOTS of it.

Score a bottle of Zaya or Zacapa and you will NEVER look back. Yeah, I am a rum snob.

Check out Ministry of Rum.
 
#27 ·
I am a huge CAPT'N MORGAN FAN. That is *generally* all I drink.

However, if you like straight rum, on the rocks, I would strongly recommend

Black Velvet Toasted Carmel, straight up. It is a whiskey, but tastes like a spiced rum.

This stuff is so smoothed I drank half a bottle one night. It is excellent as an after dinner drink, with a fine cigar like a Dunhill Cabreras or El Rey del Mundo or a Arturo Feuenta.

I especially like drinking Toasted Carmel w/a cigar while sitting on the deck of my BOL watching the sun set.

Nothing brings me more peace and tanquility than a warm summer night, toasted carmel and a cigar :thumb:
 
#31 ·
If you like to sip liquor my friend give scotch a try. I think it's a gift from the angels. But you have to get good scotch, which you probably won't be able to get for less than $60 a bottle. But if you don't drink a lot that cost isn't a big deal. Make sure it's called single malt instead of blended. Two good brands are Ardbeg and Lafroig (hope I spelled those right). Mix in just a tad bit of water. Excellent taste. Or if you want to spend less, try Canadian whiskey.

Scotch isn't usually mixed with anything, besides water of course. In fact if it was up to me it'd be illegal to mix good scotch with anything besides a tiny bit of water. Rum is usually mixed. If it's mixed with water it's called Grog.

Ever try absinth?