Myers's Single Barrel Select

This rum has a stronger burn similar to whiskey. Reminds me a bit more of a bourbon or rye based on the aging in rye sazerac barrels. The burn is balanced with a slight sweetness. I’d like to enjoy this neat but is best on the rocks or in a cocktail.

I thought this was pretty good. First off, it has a higher alcohol content (86 proof) than regular Myer's rum (80 proof.) Beyond that, it tastes fairly similar but it has more funk than most rums. Taste-wise, it reminds me of Wray and Nephew Overproofed Rum with far less burn/bite. It's not quite as sweet as the regular Myers but it is more complex, delicious and fairly smooth (there is a subtle burn but not much.) I highly recommend trying it, especially since it is only $20ish.

I have Myer's Original Dark rated as a 5, which is my cue to never keep around the house again. It is strictly a mixer rum commonly found in bars for Myer's And Coke drink orders.

Then I saw this Select Barrel version gracing the shelves of Total Wine. It even came with a medallion around the neck to show that it was selected by Total Wine. It is aged in Sazerac Rye Whiskey casks. That spirit is good for adding to coffee and nothing else. I had my doubts, but I needed another Jamaican rum in my collection, so I bought it for $32.

To my surprise, the alcohol vapors of this 86 proof rum were minimal. It is dark mahogany colored, just like it's parent. But tasting it was like wow, it is possible to turn a popular mixer rum into a neat sipper. I proudly give it my rating of 8. This rum is also an excellent buy.

Update December 31, 2022: I went looking for more bottles and only found one. Then at a second store, I saw another one for $5 cheaper. It simply said "Reserve Dark" instead "Single Barrel Select". When I got home and did a closer inspection, both are bottled at 43% and use the same shape bottle. However, the two colors are TOTALLY different. I will update this review when I open the Reserve Dark bottle and compare it side by side with the Single Barrel Select.

As promised, this one is a fantastic rum, especially for the price. However, the Reserve Dark is nothing more than an expensive mixer. Spend the money and get this Single Barrel Select for only another $5 US.

I've always enjoyed Myer's Dark as a go-to at the bar for mixed drinks with ginger ale or tonic water so I was intrigued when this appeared at the liquor store, and even more intrigued that it wasn't much more expensive. So I grabbed one on my regular monthly pilgrimage to get my Plantation XO 20th Anniversary in an adjoining state.

$22 exceedingly well spent. Maybe it's because I'm a big fan of dark overproofs, but I find this to be quite tolerable as a sipper neat, even better over ice, and absolutely exceptional with ice, tonic water, and a drop of lime. Further testing is required, but my first impression is that at this price point this will be something I'll always have in my cabinet.

Update 6/16/23: Upping my rating to a 9, based mostly on the incredible value that this rum offers in my area. In my humble opinion this may be the best bang for the buck out there. For $22/750ml I get a rum that needs nothing more than a bit of ice to sip. Incredible!

Another rye finish, did back to back to bacardi rye and ron colon rumrye and this one is the most artificial of the bunch. Nose is more spiced rum than rye quick burn on taste and long finish of rye which leans away from rum’s normal sweetness

I found a store pick, so it might vary slightly. (They all vary anyway as they're single barrels). I think it's great. The rye spice is delicious and is fantastic in many cocktails. Not great as a sipper.

N.B - my bottle is simply labeled “Reserve Dark” but appears the same otherwise.

A clear upgrade over the standard Myer’s Dark with much more apparent character. Smoother, with Jamaican rum flavors of ripe banana much more present, and a bit drier on the palate, but overall flavor fades quickly and offers little extra dimension than tropical fruit notes. All said though, this bottle was only a few USD more than the standard Dark, and is much more enjoyable, even on it’s own. I can see this being great addition in a Planter’s Punch or similar, and would be my choice over the standard bottling any day for a low cost upgrade to any drink

This was a special surprise from Myers, nothing like their Tiki drink mixer rum. I taste nice Jamaican funk mild Hogo like a much more expensive Appletons aged rum. I find it easy to sip neat at a great price.

Ok Jamaican rum, not terrible but not great. I'm pretty familiar with Jamaican rums, but this one doesn't have the great funk that other Jamaican rums do, but I may be biased because I don't like the whiskey finish.

Tastes courtesy of Soto
Sunday, June 4, 2023
Aroma: molasses, grape 🍇 jolly rancher
Appearance: nice dark amber color that glows ruby
Flavor: a hot start, mellows into sweetness and yes you can taste the oak barrel aging