Bayou 2011 Reserve Select Barrel

Rich gold. Standard signature of this brands aroma but WOW this flavor is fantastic. The oakiness wood flavors and caramel toasted taste- outstanding. Leathery finish. Yum.

Wasn't expecting much but I was surprised went down easy good value

I wasnt expecting much from this inexpensive Louisiana rum, however it punches above its weight. Sweet and very smooth, almost goes down too quick. Not overly sweet but mellow. I rarely buy a second bottle the next week of the same rum but made an exception this time. Definitely one on my list of recommendations, especially for those new to rum and looking to try something inexpensive.

Rank 7 is labelled as "recommendable to most". I could not agree more (yet I gave 8 :) ). This is quite cheap one - here you can get Kraken Black or Havana 7yo for similar price. And this one is (for me, obviously) much "jack of all trades". Easily sippable, good with Coke too. Comparing to its more expensive brother (Bayou Single Barrell) it is less dry, less complex, but out of 5 people drinking together literally everybody agreed, that it is a good, decent, safe choice. So, if you want to upgrade from the usual cheap market rum, still with a decent price range, and you are not into spiced drinks - this one is for you!

Tasted at Flotsam Paradise March 24, 2023
Golden rum
Sweet aroma, with vanilla notes
This is a super delectable rum. A sipper, this has a lot of flavor. The finish remains sweet to the end.

Note: I'm a sipper. My opinion is based on sipping characteristics.

I can't even begin to describe just how unprepared this got me! Exceptional stuff! Exceptional! Didn't expect that for sure. So complex, it's amazing. I don't know how it's even possible for a rum aged "up to 3 years" to look and feel as a 15- year old and frankly I don't care. Absolutely astounding. And at that price range, there is nothing, I repeat nothing that comes even close. It totally decimated my other surprise and ever since go-to all-rounder Flor de Caña Gran Reserva 7-Year.

Harsh neat. With a mixer it is nice and basic. A well considered and aged blend. My kind of rum. Nothing over the top just a good quality rum. That has been spiced simply.

The nose might repel you as too phenolic at first - but the taste is just great. Very balanced, sweet, rounded, easy to drink. A good drink for everyone.

US made rum?! I have to admit I had some prejudices, but they all vanished once I opened the bottle. A smooth one, good as a sipper, but could be used as a mixer. A bit sweet for my taste, but it has complexity.
One of the top tier rums in its price range, that's why I give ot 8/10 instead of 7.

Bayou Reserve Select is not a 2011 batch; "est.2011" is simply noted in very small text on the label (presumably the date the company was established). Regardless, I was pleasantly suprised to find this very inexpensive rum to be an excellent sipper. Not too sweet and no forward alcohol taste that I expect with many rums in this price bracket. At a mere $37 Canadian I hope the LCBO starts to carry this as regular stock.