Bayou 2011 Reserve Select Barrel

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.

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.

This Louisiana rum from Bayou is a molasses rum. The sugarcane has grown in the soils around the Mississippi River Delta. After fermentation it’s distilled in a copper pot still whereafter it’s aged in ex-bourbon barrels for up to 4 years using the Solera method.
The nose is fruity and spicy with recognizable hints of vanilla, cinnamon and apple.
At the palate it’s oaky and dry with tastes of bourbon and hints of cinnamon and maple.
The finish is dry and rather short with notes of fruits and oak.
Overall a quite bland rum with lots of bourbon taste.
Picture: The bottle and my poured glass at the Stockholm Beer & Spirits Fair 2023.

Начальные линейки рома данной марки хороши. Осталось попробовать их вершину - марди гра!

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.

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

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.

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.

Second Bayou I try... Just to sharp when it comes to it's taste. When it comes to USA they should stick to bourbons ;)