whats your go too rum at the moment ?

Well here in Ontario at $40 a bottle; you can't go wrong with Brugal 1888. But if I was concerned people wouldn't enjoy a dry rum; I would probably reach for my Mt Gay XO; smooth and cost efficient.

Hi Andrew, Brugal is what started this whole journey for me, not the 1888 but the extra vierjo which I still have a soft spot now for…. As for mt gay the only one at the moment I would consider is the black barrel ..

Kaniche XO is very sweet and finished in cognac casks, amazing. It will please beginners and connoisseurs! On a dryer note the Doorlys 12 years! Both are found under 30$! And are my current "to go Rums" :)

Thanks Oliver doorleys is always a nice rum that's better in the sunshine, shame the UK doesn't​ get much and kaniche xo is a rare rum in the UK. i will probably source this rum when i come to the USA ....

Probably a Kraken and an Opthimus 15 year old port aged if I have to stick to reasonableness criteria!!

Hi, At the moment I really find value for Money in Quorhum 30. It isn't really expensive but have everything I need in a good glass of rum. A smal explosion of tasting notes, a sweet but not that sweet taste and a lovely smell. All in All a decent choice! The little brother 23 is also great.

Sailor jerrys. Im surprised by the touch of sweetness , it's just robust enough to keep me coming back for more

Kirk & Sweeney. Any of them. The 12,18, or the 23 year.

Plantation 20. Simply delicious. But just acquired Foursquare Port Cask and am enjoying it - very sweet nose, but more austere on the palate.

Not a bad shout with optimus Michael, I find kraken a mixer that can get sickly after a while. Dennis I am yet to try a Quorhum, I know hard to believe when I’m sat at 209 but will add them to my wish list, Keith I am sure you re at the beginning of your rum journey as sailor jerry’s is a very young rum and in time I’m sure that opinion will change. Fred once again selected on that I have not touched so will explore these ones, Alan as I said at the start of the list the Plantation series is a weird one for me as only found one that I like which is relatively new…

For me, it wholly depends on the mood/occasion. locally about all I can source is a havana club 7, or Kraken, but I grab Goslings black seal or Skipper whenever I can.

ironfeet you lvie in the uk like me, you can source a lot from master of malt or whisky exchange.. skipper is a pure old school dark rum ,,,,

How about Angustura 1854. I'm a sweet tooth when it comes to rum. So good rum for a reasonable price is presidente 19 , ron centenario 20xx , pirate's grog golden etc. These are some of mine go to rums. Litlle less sweet but also reasonable price category? Santa theresa1798 , mount gay Xo yeah! I found the Angostura a very nice rum with strong flavours and a little more of a bite, like for example the havanna selection the maestros. All very nice rums under 50 euro's.

Angostura 1824 sorry. Just checked your cabinet Kieron. See that maybe we disagree on some rums but that's okay. Curious how you would like the centenario 20. One of mine favourites.

I am obviously way over my head. To me a go to rum is one that I can afford to drink every day. When you speak of 50 euros, give or take, to me that's not go to, that's a special occasion rum. I would love to be able to afford any one of the rums you guys mention. Kieron, you are right, I am relatively new to this game, but I didn't say Sailor Jerry was my fave. It IS one I can afford every day. Hence, go to. Currently working on a bottle of Kirk and Sweeny 12YO. Yes, very nice, but not every day, even if it's cheaper. Money no object? Plantation 20th Anniversary would definitely be it. But that's not what the OP asked. cheers

Hi Keith. I agree with you about the 50 euros. Maybe i went a little overboard. But most are around 35 euros. I also like El dorado 12 or abuelo 12. These are under 30 euros in Holland. By the way,,, i know most of these are sugared but hey,,, I like them.

I think people of different means are obviously going to have different criteria because money is always a factor. Heck, if I made another $50k a year or so maybe I wouldn't bother drinking the Kirk & Sweeney 12 and 18 and I'd only drink 23.

Agree with all points and will reply to wash individually later ... The only point i would make now is this is the point of the thread ; So the task is simple this weekend you have a small gathering, they ask you to provide a bottle of rum that suits most people….you have to choose a sensible bottle to take what is it ? It's all about debating different views on rum which is always unique to pallete

@ Keiron, yeah I tend to order online, but sometimes paying that extra £5 for a single bottle on delivery makes me not want to, so i tend to hold out and make bulk purchases once every so often to make it more worth while.

I find myself going to Dictadir XO Insolent more often than not these days. Of course that's just for me. If I have people over my go to is the El Dorado 15.

Toast i prefer ed12 to 15, I find 5 too sickly. Dictador xo is another to add to the list to try, I imagine it being a sweet character notes. Kirk and Sweeney definitely some that are on my radar to try and marco not a fan at all of angostura.

Agree wth Doorly's (xo or 12) as good all around rums. Don Q Añejo, Cruzan single barrel, and even Bacardi 8 would all be do-able for mixing, rocks, or sipping without breaking the bank IMO good for gatherings.

I used to keep like three or four different rums around at home, but its much healthier if I just have a daily daiquiri with Cana Brava 3 year

Bob Doorlys is always delight to drink on a warm summer’s day. Bacardi are yet to produce a rum that I sit and enjoy drinking, hard to believe I know with their extensive range but never impressed by them. Don Q anejo is on my list to try … Tyler your English is just fine and thank god for google translate so I can read your review, I imagine on my trip to Prague this year I will find it and enjoy….with the sugar and additives I’m sure now it’s a problem but a good rum none less is a good rum.. Some of my favourites are heavy with suger and the industry does little to combat that sadly.. Click on the link form Nathan of beginners list under discussion to educate yourself more on sugaring of rum …

Thanks for the heads up about bozkov, to be honest I wasn’t going to try it as it looks like a pop up type rum which usually raises suspicion. Capitan Bucanero 7-Year will be on my list to try as love Dominican rums..

My favorite at the moment when i just want a good glass at reasonable price my go to is the Dictador 20-years.

hansen that is another one yet to try... im sure on my journey to number 1 i will try it

I would probably go for a bottle of Rum Sixty Six or Mezan Jamaica XO. Both bottles are good examples of quality Bajan and Jamaican rums without needing to spend too much.

mezan is osmMezan is a rum producer I will be exploring at the Manchester rum festival in June and sixty six now added to list..

I'll be there too, so might see you around. 😉

Lost Spirits Navy Style. It's pretty special. Looking forward to trying the new Foursquare Criterion. Foursquare rums are a perennial go too, they kill!!

I need to add I'm a selfish drinker, I could care less what other people like. Way to personal and I'm never going to short change myself for the pleasure of others. So buying for a crowd.... wow I'd say one of the Pilar rums. Probably the 23. If I was forced to buy for a gathering of non rum drinkers, it's a safe bet and I'd still enjoy it.

wow did I just twist the OP question around or what?

Jack Orion spoke like a true pirate, “take what you can give nothing back “, while I agree to the point in certain aspects I also have to disagree. Surely this journey of exploration of rum is enjoyed more when you can explain and demonstrate to others what you have learned? Isn’t that the true definition of knowledge? Also if you don’t take a rum to this party you could end up drinking one of the worst you have ever rated ha-ha….foursquare is also one on my wish list. Slightly off topic what is starting to really annoy me Is rum bottles popping up all over the place now that clearly have no history, regard for customers with added sugar and feel now when shopping online the artisan style of rum is starting to saturate the market in the UK..

With the brief in the original post I would turn to one of my rums that I have decided to (for the time being) always have a bottle of ..... Doorly's 5yo and 12yo Sunset Captain Bligh Foursquare 9yo Port & 11yo Zin Appleton 12yo Bermudez 1852 Anniversario 12yo Now it depends on how much I like people - if a lot, then the Foursquare 11yo Zinfandel. If I think a rum is going be wasted on people, then I am happy to pour the Doorly's 5yo. If there were a lot of people not too used to drinking spirits neat, then it would be the Bermudez.

Hi Kieron, as others have said, it really depends how good friends they are, At the present time I would take along a bottle of MG 1703, or a Bacardi 8 yr old. Both perfectly acceptable and should, in my opinion, suit most tastes, as neither are too complex. Graham

I am a newbie to the world of aged rums but must agree with Andrew from Ontario, Canada, the Brugal 1888 Gran Reserva is pretty awesome...

Charles that is a great mixed list. Thank you although I’m still to try the foursquare. Bermundez 1852 what style of rum is that one? Although captain blingh was a disappointment for myself. Graham I actually prefer the black barrel to the MG 1703, I think the black barrel is a great versatile rum for on the rocks or the perfect rum and coke… Bacardi for me never had one that actually got me excited about it…

Probably right about not getting exited about Bacardi runs, but as an "ice breaker" it will do. Graham

Kieron, the Bermudez is a sweet tasting fruity little number. (There was discussion somewhere as to whether sugar was added and it was decided that it wasn't). I freely admit that some will find it a little confected, but the sweet fruit gives it a smoothness that some might find a little easier to drink. I am surprised these days, when people gasp from the alcoholic burn when drinking my rums, as I find them so smooth!! Maybe I am a dipsomaniac. I like the write up of another member...http://thefatrumpirate.com/bermudez-1852-aniversario as he is more articulate than me. Now having said that, if I really wanted to get a rum virgin a rum that they found smooth, then the own labelled Marks & Spencer rums might be even better. They are made by Plantation and have sugar added. There is a Bajan one and a Guatemalan one (or at least there used to be as it is saying no longer available http://www.marksandspencer.com/cana-negra-guatemalan-rum-nv-single-bottle/p/p60046481?&pdpredirect). At £24 the Bajan one is a bit of a whore TBH, but it is so damn easy to drink.

bermudez will be added to my list charles thank you as i have an extremely sweet rum toot.i will keep my eyes peeled for the amrks and spencer one but plantation double dark is certainly one that amazes me everytime i drink it.

Hi Kieron, For me the best rum are: -Gosling for a dark and stormy -Smith and cross for a jamaican mule -Santiago de cuba anejo for a cuba libre -Chairmans reserve for a rum cola -Saint James coeur de chauffe for the best ti punch And the best value for money for a great sipper: -Foursquare 2004.

Fiursquare a sipper at 59%...maybe but not everyday!

2cl in a glass and slowly of course. But only the straight from the cask or the full proof can offer the real taste of the rum. Nothing added (included water). First time it burn but as soon as your palate becomes accustomed, you taste all the subtlety of this great rum.

Clochardo, interesting list I imagine a lot of people would argue different rums but that’s the beauty of exploring knowledge and tastes of the fine spirit…foursquare being 59% does slightly puts me off it as not a massive fan of overproof stuff, I also have to whole heartily disagree with the smith and cross rum I think it’s disgusting …. A bit like my review of mocambo I was surprised at how bad the rum was…

That to me is the beauty of rum. So many other spirits taste broadly similar with varying individual nuances (eg cognac, Armagnac). Some spirits vary more than others (eg Scotch) but rum, while you can (usually!) tell it is a rum, varies enormously, and as such, will lead to a huge range of opinions. With regards to Clochardo's list, while I do love the 2004 Foursquare (but too strong for an everyday go to), I personally do not like mixed rum drinks, save for the very odd occasion or if I am in the Caribbean (which is rare!). There is a rum on his list though, that I think is a lovely little cheap sipper and that is the Chairman's Reserve, even if I have now replaced it with Doorly's 5yo.

i will give foursquare 2004 a go then, i tried the spiced version and enjoyed it so i imagine it will be a decent rum..

Zacapa 23 Solera is my favorite at a price point that, while not cheap, I can justify ... even if I do pull the price tag off before my wife sees it. For mixing, or the basic R&C, Brinley Gold spiced rum is wonderful and so much better than Captain or Meyers. Really affordable too.

This is really tough to answer. So many great rums available now. We are living in The Golden Age of sipping rums. I enjoy my rums neat or with a splash of water or with ice on really hot days. The Dictador 100 Month series are really nice but can be hard to find for me. Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva is a great sipper for me but can be a little sweet at times. The Real McCoy 12 yr or any of the Foursquare rums are great for unsweetened rums. I wish I could pick only one.

Ken zacapa 23 is yet to impress me, I have tried multiple ways and still not enjoyed it, I find it over rated and for that price point there is so much better available. Brinley is one not tried but for r & c my favourite now is most certainly mount gay black barrel… unless you want a spiced r & c. Tom real mcoy is certainly one for me to try as well as the dictador 100 series I have resisted temptation so far but I’m sure that will change… On another note it’s the week of the Manchester rum festival so I’m sure I will be adding 20 or so to my cabinet…

Look for the Real McCoy white label 12 year limited.

Just opened a bottle of Santiago de Cuba Extra Anejo 12 yr Rum and WOW, this rum is absolutely awesome. Will be sipping on it as it is not available on a regular basis in my area. The best rum I've had so far. Wished I had brought back 3 bottles from Cuba, instead of one.

Kirk and Sweeney12 yr old

santiago is a lovley rum jagsroy but sadly for me not ta personal favourite. kirk and sweeney 12 is already on my wishlist efs

My personal go to rum at this moment is Angostura 1919. Normally when I have friends over who doesn't drink rums that often is the go to rum I provide the Bacardi 8 años. This weekend I'm having a BBQ party at my house and I have bought a couple of bottles of Doorly's XO for my friends to try.

1. Zacapa 23 Solera 2. Zafra 21 3. Plantation XO 20

Pampero Anniversario Exclusiva! Not too sweet, not too dry. You can tell there was some nice aging to this rum and only some (not a ton) of sugar added. The only 10 in my cabinet at the moment. Great stuff.

jimbo nice bbq if you provide doorlys xo, Michael I agree with plantation xo it is divine stuff for the price, my mind was blown away trying that one. zafra yet to try and zacapa for me is entirely overrated and is a sugar mess as far as I’m concerned...I will try zafra 21and bob pampero was a disappointment for me

With my salary? Prolly the El Dorado 5 for mixing and the 12 for sipping.. or just the 8 and do both alright ish.

I agree with Marco on this - the Ron Centenario 20 is my favorite (somewhat) affordable 'go to' rum. It's the only rum I've rated a '10' that is under $50. It's a bit on the sweet side, but that's how I like it.

And if $50 is too much, I really enjoy the Diplomatico Reserva (the less expensive version of the Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva) which is only $19.99. I gave that a '9".'

.

Kieron if you like the MG Black barrel it's too bad you missed its predecessor MG Eclipse black - 100 proof, less expensive and a much better rum (based on what I have heard). Used to sell for $20-25 US, then they stopped making it and released the black barrel for ~$30. I have yet to buy the newer release because I stocked up on the MG black at $16 on clearance.

My new favorite, which changes with the tide, is Matusalem 18. Not too sweet & not to dry. A good bang for the doubloon at $30. Wish I could find the 23 but only found that in Mexico. Then again the 18 is well worthy seeing the 23 was over $50 in Mexico. Will be adding this to the bar for sure. Just found the 23 for $100. I'll stick to the 18 for $30. Way too much difference in price. That's  3 for 1. Obviously when I go back to Mexico I will stock up at 1/2 price.

As a newbie to rum, I've been keen to find rums in that sweet spot of affordable, accessible and enjoyable. It's been interesting to see how my palate has evolved along the way. Two that have grown on me to become sweet spot go to rums are Black Tot and R L Seale 10. They both more than hold their own against any whisky I could buy for similar money. Funnily enough, they were two of the first rums I tried, but it took trying a whole bunch of others to really appreciate them. I guess though that that's the journey!

my go to rum is not just one bottle, all open bottles i have at home i drink 2 of them daily (one after lunch and one after dinner) here the list: savanna le must, dictador 20 (old bottle), appleton 12 (old bottle), hampden 8, hampden overproof (must rate it), clement VSOP (my wife love it, i prefer their XO a lot), hse VSOP, la hechicera 21, longueteau XO, la favorite cuvee de la filibuste, santiago de cuba 12, other rums are for mixing so i not mention them here ...

i have more to say, with rum i smoke a cigar (half after lunch and half after dinner), here in my shop i can find many cubans, davidoff and some nicaraguans (oliva and nub) and when compared what i spend on rum, i spend a lot more on cigars, a bottle of rum give me cca 14/20 servings, cigars i buy 10/20 each time and i spend more on them ...

Wow how my journey has changed sincw starting this thread in 2017 ..

I now won't touch plantation at all until they change practices . 

 

My go to currently  is most things Jamaican  after visiting the island this year..

 

Favourite  is Hampden but also love Worthy Park...

When it comes to affordable (cheap) everyday rum, I have one from more or less every area in the Caribbean. Here are some of them.

Antigua: English Harbour 5yo

Jamaica: Smith & Cross

Barbados: Doorly's 12yo

St. Lucia: Chairman's Reserve Legacy

St. Vincent: Captain Bligh

Grenada: Clarke's Court Old Grog

Guadeloupe: Montebello 3yo

Martinique: Dillon Hors D'Age 9yo

Trois Rivieres VSOP, Santa Teresa 1796, Rumbullion,