Alleyne Arthur's Special Barbados

This is a rum that was quite tatsty when used as a mixer. Nothing overpowering or harsh or offensive, just a fine rum to get the night going. I will keep some of this handy.

I call this a journeyman rum since it offers versatility and reliability without being too fancy.

The color is a light amber with a nice viscosity. It clings to the sides of the glass for a long time developing very, very good legs. The aroma is nice and solid. No astringency making the nose tingle.

The flavor is very basic...an initial sweetness from the molasses then some noticeable oak tannins. According the Richard Seale himself...the man behind this rum...it is a blend of rums aged two to three years with absolutely no additives whatsoever.

In other words, what you taste is what you get.

I would love to shake that man's hand and thank him for honest rums.

Being that this is a rum from Barbados means a bit more for me since I have found most of my favorite rums originate from there. Secondly since this is an R.L. Seale product it is guaranteed to be quality.

That alone is worth a few ratings points.

This is a seriously authentic molasses-based rum that any mixologist worth his salt should have on his shelf. A bit more potent than typical rums (it comes in at 43% ABV which is 86 proof) it doesn't have any major burn. A nice strong warmth in the back of the throat.

Although not as smooth as rums aged longer this isn't overly harsh either and would be a good sipping rum for the adventurous but probably not acceptable for those preferring sweeter rums.

However...

...as a mixing rum this is a spectacular rum that I highly recommend. And the price is more than reasonable. Around $15 USD which I think would make it an attractive rums for professionals. Hopefully more will pick up on its quality.

Once again I tip my hat to Mr. R.L. Seale.

An inexpensive gold rum with good flavor for a rum and coke.

Found this at Total Wine in Charleston, Sc. It caught my eye at only $10.99 for a 750ml bottle and the label didn't seem cheesy or cheap, like Malibu or Burnett's. I tried it neat, but there was a bit too much burn for me. When I added a cube of ice though, it mellowed out considerably. At $10.99 it's definitely worth the price.

A decent rum. Not quite a good sipper but good in drinks.