Bacardi Gran Reserva 8-Year

This rum surprised me, when after my first bottle ,I noticed that I have not rated it. At $32can this is a smooth sipper, sweet and uncomplicated. I am glad to have sipped my second bottle to realize this is no ordinary Bacardi.

Sure, bacardi might be very commercial but they do have some good/very good additions! This is one of them, very drinkable, straight or with coke. Pretty decent rum imo

There are better rums at this price point, such as Plantation 5 Year and Flor De Cana 7 Year. That said, this rum is pretty good too. It's somewhat sweet, and not too much of an alcoholic bite. Perfectly sippable, and a pretty good flavor.

Has increased in price, but it is a good entry into something better. Bit of a burn that is tolerable. You get wood, fruit and some vanilla aroma with similar taste. Worth trying, but not a go to option.

Dried fruit, spice, cinnamon, oak and smoke aroma. Taste, smooth and pretty much the same from the nose plus hints of vainilla and caramel with more lingering smoke. A few drops of water makes it sweeter and a bit more spicy. Since, the aroma and the aftertaste are so similar having it neat becomes...kind off.. boring. But makes a great rum for an Old Fashioned cocktail.

In the last 5 years in Canada I have noticed the "Bacardi 8" has had its label changed 3 times. The label shown above was on the bottle in Ontario circa 2013. It was a nice oaky rum, the first from Bacardi that I could enjoy straight.

I have found the latest label/version circa 2019 not quite as smooth, but still drinkable. A good inexpensive standard to have on hand for mixing or sipping.

My review is for the new bottling "Carta Ocho", which is the 8-year rum of the new line.
I bought it because i read a very good review on a blog and i am very satisfied by this underestimated rum.
It is a balanced rum that goes well on the rocks, in simple spirit-driven cocktails and is even drinkable neat.
I think that at 20€ (i paid my bottle 16) you will hardly find something better.

I remember the Ocho being taste and round in mouth. But I also remember being a bit advanced in my spirit taste by then..if you know what I mean

Con mucho caracter, pega fuerte, y se diluye en ciruela, albaricoques y nuez moscada. Termina con reminiscencia a avellana, pistacho...

what else to say. When in supermarket looking for some quick gift and there is no other fine rum, bacardi 8 will do the job.