Tommy Bahama Tommy no2 8-Year

I used to enjoy Tommy Bahama Golden. I was surprised to find a new bottle of Tommy #2 on a recent out of state trip. It’s labeled as aged for at least eight years, so I thought I’d go for it at about $35 for the bottle. There’s no hint where it’s produced. The website says “Central America,” whatever that means.

Tommy #2 is VERY different from Golden. The color is a little more like a bourbon and a little less gold. The nose also gives away the aging was done in oak barrels. If you like a rum that has a hint of bourbon, you may like Tommy #2. If you don’t, you probably won’t. When I want bourbon, and I often do, I buy a nice bourbon. When I want rum, I don’t want to smell or taste bourbon. So, there’s strike one.

If you liked Tommy Golden, and I guess I was one of the few who enjoyed it, Tommy #2 will probably disappoint you. Golden was sweet. Tommy #2 is decidedly not. While the aroma of bourbon is there, it doesn’t overwhelm the taste. The strength and weakness of Tommy #2 is that it is fairly bland. If you’re looking for a mixer, here’s a good one - although a bit expensive for a mixer.

Tommy Golden was MUCH sweeter than #2. I believe it was added sugar and for many that was the end of the conversation. It’s been a while, but I recall Golden as being quite tasty. Tommy #2 isn’t bad, I had no negative reaction. I just found it quite bland. I was going to give it a six - because it is aged and therefore smooth enough to sip - but on this scorecard a six literally says “tasty” and this is decidedly not tasty.

Having just given Tommy #2 a five rating, I will add that I would gladly accept this over many other rums (or adult beverages) that have a strong isopropyl alcohol smell. Tommy #2 is VERY non-offensive, it’s just not anywhere near the best bottle of rum you can buy for $35.