Rum for dummies

[jeff]

Rum is one spirit with which I have never really experimented. I enjoy the occasional rum-based mixed drink while at the beach, but I have no real frame of reference for what a connoisseur would consider quality rum. I'm looking for suggestions on a bottle of "good rum"; not uber-expensive, limited edition or otherwise hard-to-find stuff, but simply a "classic" example of the style if you will.

Thanks!

[Vange]

A sipping rum?

Appleton Estate makes some good ones (VX) as does El Dorado (mab ethe 15 year) and a sweeter version of a good sipper is Ron Zacapa 15 or 23. Santa Teresa 1796 is a nice mix between sweet and bold. Those are pretty easy to find.

[jeff]

A sipping rum?

Appleton Estate makes some good ones (VX) as does El Dorado (mab ethe 15 year) and a sweeter version of a good sipper is Ron Zacapa 15 or 23. Santa Teresa 1796 is a nice mix between sweet and bold. Those are pretty easy to find.

Thanks. Yes, a sipping rum is what I'm looking for. And, not really knowing any better, I am assuming I would like one that is on the dryer side, based on my general preferences of other spirits.

[Vange]

If you want try a rum and a rhum agricole. They are 2 very different styles.

Rum
Rom Zacapa 15 or 23 - sweeter rum, good body
El Dorado 15 - not as sweet, good depth (price no option El Dorado 21 is great)
Santa Teresa 1796 - Definite a good rum in the middle between sweet and dry
Appleton Estate Extra - Another one in the middle of the spectrum. The AE VX makes a great rum and coke as well. (price no option the AE 21 is one of my absolute favorites)


Rhum Agricole
Clement Rhum VSOP - like a cognac, very dry (price no option Clement Rhum XO, WOW!)

[jeff]

So is the difference between the two styles simply the use of molasses vs free-run sugarcane juice? How prominent is the Rhum Agricole vs traditional rums?

[cowdery]

One of the better Appletons is a good place to start. They're readily available and reasonably priced.

It so happens that just yesterday I posted a short primer on rum on Chicago Examiner. That post is here.

[jeff]

Thanks Chuck, that was an interesting read

[Gillman]

I'm bringing Thomas Tew, a craft-distilled rum from Rhode Island, made from molasses, to the Gazebo. It has spicy, aromatic notes which surely recall the Revolution-era rums which predate even whiskey at least in a commercial sense.

Gary

[jeff]

I'm bringing Thomas Tew, a craft-distilled rum from Rhode Island, made from molasses, to the Gazebo. It has spicy, aromatic notes which surely recall the Revolution-era rums which predate even whiskey at least in a commercial sense.

Gary

Great! I look forward to trying it.

[sku]

Lately, I've been loving Diplomatico from Venezuela.

http://recenteats.blogspot.com/2008/...matic-rum.html