Sometimes my favorite rum tastes bad?

Immiketoo: Yes this has happened to me as well. What one has had to eat or drink before the sampling has a lot to do with it, as well as one's mood. As long as it returns to the taste that you first loved, that is all that counts. Sugar bombs never return to their original taste after sitting in the half empty bottle. However, Diplomatico Ambassador is considered to be a sweet rum with 24-26 gpl of added sugar. This is only one teaspoon shy of being a sugar bomb.

Good to know. Wonder what I ate that changed the flavor as the bottle is only a week old or so? Rum is a fascinating adventure :)

Immiketoo: A couple of days ago you posted about your taste moving from Don Papa to Mount Gay XO (Gateway Rum) and maybe it is time you move away from sweetened rums period. But also when you drink just dry rums the fact remains, as Paul B mentioned, that mood and food are a major factor. Especially outspoken flavours will only work when you are in the mood for them. Example; I have a soft spot for St. Lucia rums but they have a character of their own and I only pour a glass when St. Lucia is what I want. When I just want a comforting glass I pick something easier. Some less complex rums will do all the time for me like Mount Gay Black Barrel or the very modest Mulata 7yo but the 'better' rums usually fit 'better' occasions. It helped me to respect that.

Well my Nooobieness is showing through. I was eating a pizza at the same time (I know, weird), and I’m sure that had something to do with it. Harrie, you may be right about sweeter rums, as I tried a glass of a much simpler rum right after and found it more appealing. I just didn’t think it would change from one day to the next and I was surprised by it. I hope I’ll like the rest of the bottle though. I’d hate to waste it! Thanks to you both for your input!

Harrie and Immiketoo: Both of you guys are great writers and welcome to Rum Ratings! I have already picked both of you as the next superstars on here. Keep up the great work! Desk top or lap top writing beats the hell out of any smart phone (which I don't even own).

Paul, I have been studying your many reviews, and I’ve learned a lot. Like any hobby I pick up, I’m all or nothing :) I just finished a glass of Ambassador after building a few IKEA bookshelves. I needed a drink! Tastes good again, so I’m pleased about that and I learned rum and pepperoni isn’t the best combo!!! Only 200 more rums to try and I’ll be satisfied!

Immiketoo: Rum tasting is a pretty expensive and fun hobby, but when paying for it out of one's own pocket, the reviews can be unbiased. Many of my fans have always liked my fist-in-the-gut reviews for the lowest ratings. Luckily, I have not gotten stuck with anything that I rated below a 5 for a very long time. Most of the new ones start out as a 7 or a 6, because these reviews have led me away from the dreck.

They are helpful, plus my local rum pusher is very knowledgeable and has tried a lot of rums, plus, he can get nearly anything I want to try if at a premium. Once I find what I like I don’t mind bargain hunting online though. I’m torn between supporting local businesses and saving a buck. Im already over 1000 euros into this endeavor and I’ve barely scratched the surface!