Mo McGurk

Rum is my adult beverage of choice.  I graduated from Bacardi & Coke a number of years ago when a friend mocked me for not upping my rum game.  I told him he did not know what he was talking about since "rum was rum" and continued drinking.  Fast forward a few months later when I was out and about, saw a rum other than Bacardi, and thought I would teach my friend a lesson- since all rum was the same.  With that drink, I discovered just how wrong I was...

My reviews are on a 10 pt scale, with half points.  As RR doesn't allow half bottles, I round down when rating.  My narratives are nothing fancy, and somewhat boring.  While I am generally unable to distinguish the nuanced flavors that others use to describe their rums, I know what I like and don't like, and rate accordingly.  One day, perhaps, I'll get those nuances figured out.  Until then, I keep trying new bottles whenever I am able (and thanking my friend for showing me the error of my ways).  Cheers!

Cabinet List

Brand

Review

Rating

Date

Likes

Cruzan Single Barrel

A Nice Oaky Flavor A nice oaky flavor that works well for sipping. One of my top three so far.

8

12/05/2016

3

El Dorado 12-year

Clean aftertaste A clean and rich aftertaste mixed with a good amount of oaky flavor.

8

12/05/2016

0

Abuelo Gran Reserva 12-year

One of my favorites One of my favorite rums thus far. Wonderful oaky finish with a bit of molasses.

8

12/05/2016

0

English Harbour 1981 25-year

Bottle 2831/5712 Recommended by the owner/bartender at the Occidental Lounge. Easily became one of my two favorite rums. A delightful mixture of strong oak and caram

8

06/11/2017

0

El Dorado Special Reserve 15-year

One of my 2 Favorites (Thus Far) This is one of my 2 favorites thus far (English Harbour 1981 is the other). It is an 8.5 on my scale of 10 and is amazingly smooth with a solid oak f

8

02/19/2018

0

Monymusk Special Reserve 10-year

Worth the Burn Nice and oaky. Straight or mixed.  A bit of a burn, but still worth it. 6.5-7.0 on my scale.

7

02/18/2023

0

Plantation 2009 Single Cask Jamaica Tokaj Finish 10-year

Definite Hit Plantation rums have been hit or miss with me. This one was a definite hit. Sweet. Oaky. Some after burn. Straight. Mixed. Both good. An interesting c

7

09/05/2020

0

Opthimus 15-year

Smooth Drink Smooth drink. Deep okay flavor. A bit of an after burn. Wasted with the mix

7

06/13/2020

0

Papas Pilar Marquesas Blend

Another Nice One from Papas Pilar I have always enjoyed the Papas Pillar selection and this was no exception. One can taste the different casks of sherry and port. There was a bit of

7

02/17/2020

1

Brugal 1888

A Solid 7 Wonderfully oaky flavor. A bit of a bite straight, but still pleasant. Very fine mixed, but no need to waste it in that fashion.

7

02/17/2020

0

Papas Pilar Dark 24-year

Enjoyable with a little ice Not as smooth as the Sherry Cask on the finish, but a nice vanilla flavor. More enjoyable over ice than mixed.

7

05/28/2019

0

El Dorado 5-year

Nice aftertaste Ranked 7.5 on my scale, but the bottles here are never half full. A nice aftertaste. Oak flavor but not as rich as the 12.

7

12/05/2016

0

Ron Zacapa 23 Solera

Enjoyable rum Ranked 7.5 on my scale, but the bottles here are never half full. A welcome change from what is normally found at the big box stores.

7

12/05/2016

0

Zaya Gran Reserva 12-year

Nice molasses flavor Ranked 7.5 on my scale, but the bottles here are never half full. Another big box special. Quite enjoyed the molasses the more I sipped this rum.

7

12/05/2016

0

Foursquare 2005 Port Cask Finish 9-year

RumFest 2015 Fav Nice molasses flavor with some oak as well. Enjoyed it at Rum Fest and had to buy a bottle.

7

12/07/2016

0

Panama-Pacific 23-year

Deep Oak Flavor Deep oak flavor. Less smooth, stronger, than English Harbour which was enjoyed the same evening.

7

06/11/2017

0

Flor de Caña 12-year

Improved over time Was a 6.5 of 10 on my scale, but the more I sampled over time, the more the oak came out and the more I enjoyed.

7

06/11/2017

1

Real McCoy Single Blended 12-year

The Real Thing I first tried the Real McCoy 12 at the local Rumfest several years ago. I liked it then and I like it now -especially since I have a whole (okay, now

7

02/19/2018

0

Panama-Pacific 9-year

Almost as good as the 23 I tried the 23 at a cigar lounge and enjoyed it quite a bit. When I purchased a bottle of the 9 and tried it at home, I found that it has a similar d

7

02/19/2018

0

Gustoso Aguardiente Anejado

An Occidental Find First tried it as the Occidental Lounge and was pleasantly surprised. I subsequently purchased a bottle and am still enjoying it. I've tried it on t

7

02/19/2018

0

Relicario Dominicano Supremo

Spur of the Moment Purchase I wasn't sure what I felt like when visiting Total Wine, and the Relcario bottle caught my eye. I wasn't disappointed and have enjoyed the oaky flavo

7

02/19/2018

0

Don Q 2007 Signature Release Single Barrel

A nice rum Caramel scents. Enjoyable straight with oaky flavors. Mixes well also.

7

06/11/2017

0

Papas Pilar Spanish Sherry Cask Finished 24-year

Wonderful After Dinnner Rum A 7.5 on my ratings. Tastes like a fine port wine and a wonderful ending to a nice dinner.

7

05/28/2019

0

Joel Richard Esencia 25-year

Tarpy's Roadhouse Had a glass at Tarpy's in Monterey, CA. Sweeter than i would have thought, but a very pleasant flavor with no afterburn. A 7.5 on my scale.

7

02/17/2020

1

Cihuatan Reserva Especial 12-year

Needs More Sampling...... For me to decide between a 7 and a 7.5 on my scale. .Straight up sweet with minimal after-burn. A waste to mix it.

7

02/17/2020

1

Panama-Pacific 15-year

Long Time Waiting Waiting to try this one for some time. Wonderful flavor, but more of a surprising after burn than I would have thought. Still a very nice product. De

7

06/13/2020

0

Origenes Don Pancho Reserva 8-year

Smooth Smooth going down. Very nice oaky aftertaste. Would like to try some of their others.

7

12/07/2016

0

Abuelo XV Tawny Port Cask Finish

Nice Hint of Port Certainly, a hint of port in the bouquet. The flavor when sipping is pleasant, but the taste is a little more barrel, than either port or rum. 6.5 - 7

7

09/05/2020

0

Pampero Aniversario Reserva Exclusiva

More of that oak Ranked 7.5 on my scale, but the bottles here are never half full. Maybe an 8. Nice oaky flavor, but missing just a bit of that molasses flavor that I

7

12/05/2016

0

Don Q Gran Reserva Anejo XO

A Little Chocolate Just a nice flavor. Sweet, oaky, and some chocolate. A bit more burn than I had hoped, but pleasant straight or mixed.

6

07/05/2023

0

Cane Island Thailand 5-year

Price Point Certainly Helped Nice flavor straight. Sweet with some oak.  Afterburn lowered rating a little, but price point of $25 USD raised it. Mixed well too. 

6

07/04/2023

0

Seven Caves Barrel Aged

Scent of Oak Scent of oak. A little burn straight, very nice mixed. Plus a cool name.  I would have liked the distillery story to have been included on the bottle

6

02/18/2023

0

Cartavio 12-year

Pleasant Sipper I wasn’t expecting much from this one, but was pleasantly surprised. Strong oaky flavors straight, mixed not quite as much. Should make a good sipper

6

11/25/2022

0

Balcones Texas Pot Distilled Cask Strength

Deep in the Oak of Texas It had a very strong afterburn straight, but it also had some nice oak going on. When mixed, the burn was cut and the oak really came out.

6

11/25/2022

0

Cana Fuerte Gran Anejo 16-year

A Pleasant Surprise- Bottle a Bonus A pleasant surprise. Strong oaky flavor. With a little burn, but not too much. Straight over mixed. The rectangular bottle’s nice too.

6

11/25/2022

0

Dictador Claro 100

Cream Soda or Caramel? Like the Amber, it sure tastes like something was added, but the flavor is pleasant. The wife says cream soda. I get more caramel. Mixed better than t

6

04/02/2022

0

Three Sheets Barrel Aged

Second Chance Rum Originally ordered it at a restaurant and was not blown away. Nothing special. Nothing bad. First review said it might merit a bottle purchase to t

6

02/20/2018

0

Alegro Reserva 5-year

Deep Solid Flavor Deep solid flavor. Sweet oaky. Far less burn than the XO. Not quite ready to make it one a 6.5. A very nice mix.

6

06/13/2020

0

Appleton Estate Rare Blend 12-year

Third Time's a Charm Third time might be a charm as this was the third Appleton that I have tried and it is so far the best. Hints of oak. Very little afterburn. I wish th

6

03/20/2021

0

El Dorado 8-year

About Where I Expected an 8 to Land It has the oakiness of other El Dorados, but a bit more of a burn. Still not a big fan of the screw top. Splurge and use corks or some other stopper

6

03/20/2021

0

Sazerac Jung & Wulff No 3 Barbados

Buttery I can taste the buttery flavor in the bottle's description when I drink it straight. Where it shines is when it's mixed, as it really brings the oak o

6

03/20/2021

0

Skipper Dark

Exceeded Expectations I didn’t think I was going to like it. Nice molasses smell. Wonderful dark color. Enjoyed the flavor, less molasses than odor would have suggested. A

6

03/20/2021

1

Appleton Estate Reserve 8-year

Flavorful Oak Flavorful oak. A little strong afterburn. Mixed not quite there.

6

09/05/2020

0

Alegro Anejo 3-year

Sweet Start Sweet start, but an afterburn at the end. A little oak, but more the sugars that come out. Mixed isn’t anything special. Somewhere between a 5.5 and 6

6

09/05/2020

0

Plantation 2004 Peru

Rich Flavor A rich flavor straight. Not as nice mixed. The after burn was more than I would have expected.

6

06/13/2020

0

Chairman's The Forgotten Cask 6-11 Years

A Little Coffee Flavor Solid rum. A little coffee flavor with oak highlights. A bit of an after burn, but not too strong. 6.5 for me.

6

06/13/2020

0

Kuleana Aged Agricole

Started out nice A nice flavor to start. Touch of oak. After burn a bit more than I prefer. Mixed better than sips. Somewhere between a 5.5 and a 6.

6

06/13/2020

0

Santa Teresa 1796

Keeps getting better. Initially I was not impressed, but it’s grown on me over time and I am enjoying the different flavors. Still a bit more of a burn than I would like. B

6

03/06/2017

0

Motu Gold

Exceeded Expectations 5.5-6 on my scale. For the price ($16.99), a nice surprise. Oaky and the after-burn was far less than I would have expected. No complaints when mixe

6

02/17/2020

0

Solomon Tournour Premium

A New Addition to the Database Distilled and Bottled in Mendocino County Califoria. Surprisingly good for a California craft distillery- my prior experiences have been hit or miss

6

02/17/2020

0

D'Aristi Special Reserve 10-year

Nice Rum in a Cool Bottle A Mexican Caribbean rum produced and bottled in Yucatán. Sweet to start with, no specific flavor as some rums have. More of an after-burn than I pref

6

02/17/2020

0

Porteno 21-year

A Little Oak, A Little Vanilla Sipping it there was a mix of a little oak and a little vanilla, but there was a strong after-burn. Mixed, it was initially not as flavorful, but impr

6

02/17/2020

0

XM Special 12-year

What a Bargain! Found it on sale for $9.99. Oaky sweet flavor straight and mixed well. Very little after-burn when straight. A pleasant surprise. Went into it with l

6

02/17/2020

1

Bacardi Gran Reserva Diez 10-year

A Nice Upgrade From the 8 A bit of a bite sraight, but solid oak flavoring. Mixes well and I thought an improvement to the 8.

6

06/18/2018

0

Plantation XO 20th Anniversary

Christmas Gift Received the Plantation 20 XO for Christmas (thanks wife o' mine!). A smooth rum with a nice amount of sweetness. I enjoyed it but not as much as ot

6

02/19/2018

0

Richland Single Estate Old Georgia

Difficult Decision I don’t quite get the agricole flavor, which I am not usually fond of; but note that others appreciated it in their reviews. Straight I get a little s

6

05/28/2019

0

Parce 8-year

A Win-Win I liked it better straight than mixed. Somewhat oaky. Cool bottle and I like the bottle top with the 8 on it. Plus, for each bottle purchased they pla

6

05/28/2019

0

English Harbour 5-year

Not the 23 Certainly stronger than the 23, but a nice oaky aftertaste just the same.

6

05/28/2019

0

896 8-year

Oak Flavor Takes Off Nice oak flavor when sipped, but afterburn a little strong. Oakieness took off when mixed

6

05/28/2019

0

Dos Maderas PX 5+5

Both Caribbean and Spain. A 6.5 on my scale. A nice flavor. A little oak. A little molasses. Interesting aging process. Both Caribbean and Spain. Straight a little better than

6

05/28/2019

0

Atlantico Reserva

Beginnings of Molasses 6.5 on my scale, but bottles aren't half full or empty here. Oaky finish with beginnings of molasses.

6

12/07/2016

0

Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva

Pleasant Flavor 6.5 on my scale, but bottles aren't half full or empty here. At first I wasn't impressed. The more I sipped, however, the more pronounced the oaky tas

6

12/07/2016

0

Don Q Gran Anejo

Nice flavor 6.5 on my scale, but bottles aren't half full or empty here. Lighter than I usually get, but a nice flavor and aftertaste. Not as fancy as some; but a

6

12/07/2016

0

Botran Solera 1893 18-year

Almost a 6.5 Nice oak flavor when straight. Just a bit strong of an afterburn to lower it to a 6 from a 6.5

6

05/28/2019

0

Matusalem Gran Reserva 15-year

One of my early ones 6.5 on my scale, but bottles aren't half full or empty here. One of my early non Bacardi White rums. A nice introduction to what I had been missing.

6

12/07/2016

0

Vizcaya VXOP 21

More tasting needed. 6.5 on my scale, but bottles aren't half full or empty here. Maybe a 7. A slight hint of molasses, maybe a bit of oak. Interesting and seems to be be

6

12/07/2016

0

Angostura 1919 8-year

Tasty, but not quite great It had a good flavor but nothing outstanding about it to move it higher in the ratings for me; especially for the price.

6

01/30/2017

0

Doorly's ABV43 12-year

A pleasant taste and a great price point A pleasant aftertaste, particularly for the price point. A definite oaky flavor.

6

01/30/2017

0

Doorly's 8-year

Continues to improve over time Initially I had given this a lower rating, but the more that i sampe it, the more that I have been enjoying the oaky flavor. Note they have a new bot

6

01/30/2017

1

Flor de Caña Extra Lite 4

An early favorite One of my early rums as I ventured away from Bacardi. It mixed well for me at the time, but I don't know if my tastes have changed enough to change t

6

01/30/2017

0

Kaniche XO

A pleasant taste The taste is pleasant; but I have had a difficult time with what specific flavors I detect.

6

01/30/2017

0

Papas Pilar Blonde 3-year

A good mixer Tried at a Cuban restaurant, mixed with Coke. It paired well with dinner, but then there are few rums that don't. Enjoyed the vanilla flavor.

6

01/30/2017

0

Plantation Barbados 5-year

Good price point and flavor Another early rum as I expanded from Bacardi. The price point and flavor made a nice combination.

6

01/30/2017

0

Cartavio XO

Started off slow Started off slow, but am enjoying the oaky flavor more and more. 

6

01/30/2017

0

Centenario 20-year

Imroves over time Not as flavorful as some others that I have enjoyed, but still a pleasant aftertaste. Improved as I sampled more over time. A touch more flavor for m

6

01/30/2017

0

Abuelo Reserva Superior 7-year

A Solid Go-To Rum One of my go to day-to-day rums, and one that I bring to friends instead of wine. Mixes well and also nice over ice.

6

01/30/2017

1

Mezan 2004 Panama

Might go higher A pleasant taste. Quite oaky, even burn oak perhaps. Might go higher as I sample more.

6

06/11/2017

0

Koloa Dark

Reminds me of Papas Pilar Strong with the vanilla flavor, similar to Papas Pilar. A nice mixer.

6

06/11/2017

0

Dictador Solera Ultra Premium Reserve 12-year

A touch of caramel A touch of caramel flavor when on the rocks. Not as noticeable when mixed.

6

06/11/2017

0

Canasteros 21 Solera

Thanksgiving Rum Looking for a rum for Thanksgiving and had not previously seen this one at Total Wine. Not disappointed in this Columbian rum, and both my father-in

6

02/19/2018

0

Centenario 25-year

A Pleasant Drink While I have enjoyed this Ron Centenario, it did not blow me away as it has most other raters; but I suppose that happens on occasion. Perhaps just a

6

02/19/2018

1

Kirk and Sweeney 18-year

Good value A good value rum with enjoyable oak flavors. A 6.5 on my scale.

6

02/19/2018

0

Santa Teresa Selecto

Old School Not sure where I picked this one up, but the bottle reminds me of something out of the 1970s (and I know I did not have it that long). Enjoyed the ru

6

02/20/2018

0

Havana Club 7-year

The Cuban is so Much Better Tried this one and its Puerto Rican cousin. While both are better mixed, this one wins hands down.

6

03/06/2017

0

Kaniche Perfeccion

For me, it Wasn't Perfect.... A 6.5 on my scale. A solid rum with a decent oak flavor. Hard time describing it as "Perfect" though.

6

02/20/2018

0

Vizcaya Cristal

One of the Better White Rums I usually shy away from the white rums, but saw this at a small liquor store and it was the only one I had not tried before. While a little strong ov

6

02/20/2018

0

Don Q 2005 Limited Edition

Just a Nice Rum Initially, a nice flavor. Not a strong oak or molasses flavor. Went from a 5.5 to 6.5 on my scale when I finally caught the molasses.

6

06/18/2018

0

Bacoo 12-year

A Find at "Pig Liquor" Ended up at a liquor store near the beach that's nicknamed "Pig Liquor" for the pig statue in front. Not expecting much, but discovered the Bacoo (al

6

06/18/2018

0

Atlantico Gran Reserva

Old Town San Diego Find It's cluttered and there is no order to the displays, but Old Town Liquor and Deli had a nice rum selection; including the Atlantico Gran Reserva. Th

6

06/18/2018

0

Relicario Dominicano Superior

Close to the Supremo Not as good as Supremo, but a close call. Same flavors. A little harsher.

6

06/18/2018

0

Starr Ultra Superior Light

With a Cherry on Top Nicely done. Had not tried an African rum before and I enjoyed it. I could really taste the cherry flavors, which was a nice surprise.

6

06/18/2018

0

English Harbour 2010 Port Cask Finish 5-year

Missing Some of the Port A 6.5 on my scale. Did not get as much of the Port flavor as I have from similarly aged rums. A bit of an afterburn when straight, but a nice oaky t

6

05/28/2019

0

Cihuatan Reserva Especial 8-year

Vanilla Boutquet Definite vanilla bouquet. Can still taste the vanilla when drinking, though not as much. When mixed, a little aftertaste that I can’t place and it is

6

05/28/2019

0

Rumslinger 4-year

A decent craft rum Flavor fine, but a bit too much of a burn going down. Would have liked a bigger bottle for the price. Rum is a new product for the distillery and I

6

06/18/2018

0

Matusalem Gran Reserva 18-year

Not Quite What I Had Hoped Less impressive than I would have hoped. It was decent straight with only a little after-burn initially. Slightly sweet flavor. Mixed it was non-descr

6

02/17/2020

0

Zaya Grande Reserva 16-year

A Good Value A 6.5 on my scale. Partly for $21.99 price. A nice flavor straight and sweeter than I would have thought.

6

02/17/2020

0

Cayman Reef 5-year

Priced Well There are better rums out there, but for the price ($21.99), this was good value. Maybe not great straight, but less of an after-burn than I would ha

6

02/17/2020

2

Don Q Vermouth Cask

Vermouth Comes Through There is a definite vermouth flavor, but with a bit of sweetness during the after-burn. Not as nice when mixed.

6

02/17/2020

0

Saint Benevolence 5-year

Nicely Done St. B. Oaky straight, but a touch too much after-burn. Mixed even better. I do like the charity aspect of it as well.

6

02/17/2020

0

Bumbu XO

Oak Surprise The oak flavor surprised me a little as I was suspecting more molasses for some reason. If it had a little less after burn it would have been even hig

6

06/13/2020

0

El Pasador de Oro Gran Reserva

Sweet aftertaste A sweet aftertaste. Not molasses, caramel, or oak. Just sweet. A 6.5 out of 10 on my scale

6

06/11/2017

0

Sugar Daddy Dark

Coconut? I can smell caramel, but the flavor is coconut through and through. I cannot, however, I find anything that says it’s flavored, either on the bottle

6

03/20/2021

0

Ron Del Barrilito 3 Star

Smooth Smooth with little afterburn. Can’t put my finger on a single flavor. Could be fine mixed or straight. Not a big fan of the twist top; prefer a cork.

6

03/20/2021

0

Sazerac Jung & Wulff No 1 Trinidad

First Time with the Brand First experience with this brand and I was pleased. A pleasant taste with a nice mixture of oak and sweet. A bit more burn than I thought it might hav

6

03/20/2021

0

Hamilton West Indies 1670 Blend

Times Change The Hamilton’s that I have tried have had the strong Jamaican molasses flavor that, several years ago, I did not enjoy. Times change and so have I. T

6

03/20/2021

0

Zamoya Blend 25

Well Worth the Price I know the 25 means nothing by way of years, but I did enjoy this one, especially given the price ($30). There is a sweetness to it that was unexpecte

6

03/20/2021

0

Appleton Estate Rare Casks 12-year

Rich Second Appleton in a row that I have enjoyed. Initially the afterburn was a bit strong, but the more I drank it, the smoother and deep richness I expe

6

03/20/2021

1

Three Sheets Cask Strength

Stony Oak Stony oak. The cask strength is a little strong for me straight. But when mixed with coke it tones down the afterburn, and hits the spot. 6.5

6

05/13/2022

0

Vanua 5-year

Fijian Rum It gave me a nice warm feeling on a cold day when I had it on the rocks. It turned out to be a good mixer to boot.

6

06/18/2018

0

Dictador Amber 100

Caramel added? They have to add caramel, it’s just too strong in the nose and flavor. But I couldn’t see any hints or suggestions in a quick search, so I will give t

6

05/13/2022

0

Cihuatan Indigo 8-year

Good Taste, Good Value Nice flavor. Straight or mixed. Almost coconut, but doesn’t appear to have anything added. Price point of under $20 bumps this one up.

6

05/13/2022

0

Cihuatan Cinabrio 12-year

Nicely Neat Some oak. Much better straight than mixed. Might have been higher if it was a little less expensive and worked also as a mix.

6

05/13/2022

0

Saison Reserve

Flavorful with an after burn I do enjoy the flavor. Maybe a little caramel, but it doesn’t look as though it’s been added. Could have been even higher, but a strong afterburn. 6

6

05/13/2022

0

Rose City Distilling Indio Barrel Room 8-year

Nice Oregon Surprise This was a surprise to me. Local Oregon rum, that I figured would be a lot of okay. It has a nice sweet flavor with a hint of oak. Just a bit strong s

6

07/04/2023

0

Diplomatico Mantuano

Good Value A light oaky flavor and little afterburn. Preferred it straight over mixed. Price point of under $25 USD gave it a rating boost. 

6

07/05/2023

1

Grander Single Barrel 8-year

New Arrival Went to a liquor store that I had not been to in several months, and saw the bottle (which, as others have commented, is very cool). When I talked wit

6

07/05/2023

0

Copalli White

Better Than Expected I didn’t think was going to like it all that much as I prefer darker rums, but it was better than I thought it would be. Molasses nose and flavor. To

5

04/02/2022

0

Cane Island Panama

A 5 of 10 It has a pleasant flavor. Some sweetness, but nothing outstanding. A little strong in the afterburn, but not too bad. Mixed was okay.

5

04/02/2022

0

Barnacles Signature Blend 8-year

Oaky but strong I liked the oak flavor on first taste, but the afterburn was too much. Mixed with Coke it did not taste particularly good 4.5-5

5

03/28/2022

0

Plantation Isle Fiji

Floral flavors Nothing special when sipped. Maybe floral flavors, but very strong with the afterburn. Mixed doesn’t help much. 4.5-5.0

5

03/28/2022

0

Bacardi Major Lazer Limited Edition

Surprising A 5.5 on my scale. Generally approach Bacardi with some skepticism. Not as bad straight as I thought it would be. Better mixed. Bacardi keeps adding

5

05/28/2019

0

Don Q Seleccion Especial

Enjoyable + a Medallion I enjoyed this one. The nose was nice, with maybe some vanilla. Pleasant straight and had similar flavors, with a bit of an afterburn. No issues mixe

5

03/20/2021

0

San Zanj Without Angels White Clairin

Growing on Me Not usually a big fan of white rums, but this one has grown on me. Started out pretty harsh, but over time it became less so. Not quite the Agricole t

5

03/20/2021

0

Marianne de Paraguay Liberty Select

Appreciate no Additives Some nice flavors straight, but the afterburn is a bit much for me. Mixed was better for me as more of the oak came through. Appreciate no additives.

5

03/20/2021

0

Kuleana Nanea 2-year

A Good Bridge Costco so rarely has specialized rums that I had to try it, even though the light ones are usually not my thing. The mixture of three rums made it far

5

03/20/2021

0

Vida Cana USVI American Craft

Right Down the Middle It wasn’t bad. It wasn’t great. No real flavor jumped out. But the box did come with a cool sticker with a turtle and the Spirit of Slow logo. Bonus!

5

03/20/2021

0

Three Roll Dark

For My Wife A little strong. A hint of molasses. Mixed better than straight. More typical of many of the American distilleries that I have tried. My wife liked it

5

03/20/2021

0

Stark Spirits California Gold

Raw Oaky Flavor Raw oaky flavor straight. But the burn is awful strong. Mixed, much better. 5-5.5

5

09/05/2020

0

3 Howls Gold Label

Sweeter than I would have thought for the price Sweeter than I would have thought. A bit of an afterburn, but for under $20, not too bad (and the rating reflects part price on this one); but still b

5

06/13/2020

0

Clairin Le Rocher

Smoky, Almost Chipolte Flavor A smoky almost chipotle flavor. For a white, the after burn is not what I would have expected. Much less. The mix is not quite as good straight. For

5

06/13/2020

0

Cutwater Bali Hai Day Dead

Surprised Didn’t pay attention when I purchased it and discovered later that it was spiced. Not having tried a lot of spiced rum, I didn’t know what to expect.

5

06/13/2020

0

Jefferson's Dark 1785

I Wanted to Like it More Came across the Immortal Spirits Distillery while going to watch the eclipse in Oregon. A cool pub, great t-shirts, and just an okay rum. Initially

5

02/20/2018

0

Don Papa Small Batch

Juicy Fruit Gum? A 4.5-5 on my scale. A really nice bouquet, but the first sip overwhelms one with a fruity/citrus flavor, described by my wife as tasting like Juicy

5

02/17/2020

0

Kaniche Reserve

Well Priced For the price ($16.99), it was okay. No particular flavors of note. Stronger straight than the other Kaniches I have tried. Mixed was decent.

5

02/17/2020

0

Vida Cana Dominican Republic 9-year

Still Thinking About This One A 5.5 on my scale. I like the turtle and the description on the box held high hopes. Straight I am still trying to figure out the flavor. Maybe smoke

5

02/17/2020

0

Providencia Fine Golden

For the Price It Does the Job A 5.5 on my scale. Strong straight, but a little oak back there. Mixed has a pleasant flavor, but nothing overly special. For the price ($19.99) thou

5

02/17/2020

0

Marauda Steelpan

Hoping for Something a Bit More Interesting A 5.5 on my scale. Pleasant enough both straight and mixed. Was hoping for a bit more interesting flavors when I saw the bottle.

5

02/17/2020

0

John Drew Brands Dove Tail

A Pleasant Surprise A 5.5 on my scale. A pleasant surprise for the price. Enough oak to make it worthwhile even with the after-burn. A bit better straight than mixed.

5

02/17/2020

0

Golden Devil Dark Overproof

Wasn't Sure What to Expect I am generally leery about overproofs, but this one was decent. For me it was much better mixed than straight, and I am looking forward to trying som

5

02/20/2018

0

Siddiqui Classic

Smoky Very smoky. Straight or mixed. Almost like it was stored in barrels that survived a fire. It's a relatively new company, however, and I'm willing to

5

05/28/2019

1

La Hechicera Extra Anejo

Neutral + Tried it two different times over a period of a couple of years. Not bad. Not great. Nothing really stands out about it either straight or mixed, exc

5

05/28/2019

0

Bacardi Anejo Cuatro 4-year

Pleasant Surprise A pleasant surprise. Not expecting much from my Sam’s Club purchase. It was a bit strong straight with a little sweet flavor. Mixed well with coke. No

5

05/28/2019

0

Koloa Kauai Reserve 3-year

Liked the Dark Better Nice flavor straight, but a bit of an afterburn. Mixing just okay. Nothing special. Liked the dark a bit better.

5

05/28/2019

0

Hamilton Jamaican Pot Still Black

Molasses A 5.5 on my scale. Very strong molasses smell and flavor. A little less strong on the afterburn than the Hamilton Demerara

5

05/28/2019

0

Doorly's XO 6-year

Bought it For a Friend 5.5 on my scale. Bought for a friend. Tried it over ice. Decent with a bit of an afterburn. Better mixed

5

05/28/2019

0

Flor de Caña Gran Reserva 7-year

An early favorite One of my early favorites, but as I expanded my samplings of other rums, my early ratings dropped. I give this a 5.5, but the system doesn't let me p

5

01/30/2017

0

Mount Gay Black Barrel

Continued to improve Another one that improved with later tastings. A bit too strong for me on the rocks, but worked out better mixed. A pronounced molasses flavor for m

5

01/30/2017

0

RL Seale ABV 43 10-year

A nice recommendation Recommended by one of the discount liquor store experts. A little lighter than I had expected, and while I was not impressed by the bouquet, the flav

5

01/30/2017

0

Zafra Master Reserve 21

Wished the value was a bit better For the price, I expected a bit better. A little oaky aftertaste, light on the molasses. Have it listed as a 5.5 on my scale, but can't get a half b

5

01/30/2017

0

Centenario 7-year

A solid rum Nice solid flavor. Touch of molasses, but not overpowering

5

02/06/2017

0

Mount Gay XO Extra Old

Just okay I may need to sample more, but right now the verdict is that it is okay, but nothing spectacular.

5

02/06/2017

0

Humboldt Small Batch 80 proof

Northern California Coastal Find When it comes to rum, the small distillaries can be hit or miss. This one was better than expected given the location and had somewhat of a cachaca f

5

02/20/2018

0

Mezan XO Jamaica

Stonger than Expected I had higher hopes for this one given prior tastings of Mezan rums. I better understand the Jamaican flavor. This was a bit strong, but it mixed fine

5

02/20/2018

0

Pusser's British Navy Blue Label ABV40 3-year

Finally Tried It! I have seen this at the store for years and I finally tried it. It was better than expected and rated a 5.5 on my scale. Certainly better mixed than

5

02/20/2018

0

Kraken Black Spiced

Not Big on the Spice I generally avoid spiced rums, but received a mini-bottle of the Kraken Black Spiced as a gag gift . Never to look a gift rum in the mouth, I tried i

5

02/20/2018

0

Bacardi 8

A Nice Surprise 5.5 on my scale, but bottles aren't half full or empty here. First tried in Puerto Rico at the factory. A nice surprise given my past experiences wit

5

12/07/2016

0

Jav's 12-year

Smokey Flavors Smokey flavor when straight up. Nice mixed as well. Plus a cool glass stopper with a J on it that makes the wife very happy. 5.5 on my scale.

5

06/18/2018

0

The Scarlet Ibis Gold

Might need more time A bit strong straight up, but it mixed okay. I will give it some more time (and tastes) and adjust the rating as appropriate. A 5.5 on my scale..

5

06/18/2018

0

Gold Miner Dark

Wasn't sure what to expect A strong rum as many of the craft U.S. brands are, but not as bad as other artisanal ones that I have tried. Certainly better than Montanya, not as go

5

06/18/2018

0

Appleton Estate Extra 12-year

Scotch Like A 5.5 on my scale. Straight up reminiscent of a scotch. Mixed is okay, but the flavors not those to which I generally gravitate.

5

05/28/2019

0

Havana Club Anejo Especial

A Good, But Not Great Rum A 5.5 on my scale. Shared from a friend. Good, but not great (the rum, not the friend). No interesting flavors (same qualifier).

5

05/28/2019

0

Plantation 2002 Barbados

Had Higher Hopes 5.5 on my scale. Was okay. Had a bit higher hopes for it given the age (12 in Barbados and 3 in Spain). Straight had a little vanilla flavor. Mixed n

5

05/28/2019

0

Duran 12-year

Not a Knock-Out for Me A 5.5 on my scale. Sweet flavor when first sips. More afterburn than I would prefer. Mixed with a splash of coke is okay, nothing special.

5

05/28/2019

0

Hamilton 86 Demerara

Hoped for More Flavor The Demerara barrels not as flavorful as I would have hoped. A bit too much afterburn for me. I'll try it in Tiki and reevaluate my rating.

5

05/28/2019

1

Ron Viejo de Caldas 8-year

Hints of Vanilla Hints of vanilla when smelling it. Not as strong when sipping it and it has an afterburn. Mixed, it’s a neutral. Hence the 5

5

05/28/2019

0

Banks 7 Golden Age

Higher Expectations I had a higher expectation for this one. Too strong of an afterburn. No particular flavor either straight or mixed.

5

05/28/2019

1

Fair Gold 5-year

Belizian Rum A 5.5 on my scale. A little bit of oak. A lot more burn than I would have liked at the end. Mixed okay. Co-op grown in Belize. Wonderful motto: Thin

5

02/17/2020

0

Panama-Pacific 3-year

A Light One From Panama-Pacific A 5.5 on my scale. Sweeter than I would have thought for a light rum and not much of an after burn. Panama-Pacific does not disappoint. Not the best

5

02/17/2020

0

Saison Barrel Aged

A French Surprise A 5.5 on my scale. Pleasant flavor straight. A bit of an after-burn. Mixed is pleasant too. Found in San Diego and it was a nice surprise that it wa

5

02/17/2020

0

Dos Maderas 5+3

Stronger than the 5 + 5 Sight oak flavoring when sipped. Mixed nondescript. Stronger than the 5 + 5. Latter was more pleasant.

5

02/17/2020

0

Owney's Original

Brooklyn Raised 5-5.5 on my scale. Sweeter and less strong of an after burn than I would have thought for an American light rum. Still better mixed though. Despite

5

02/17/2020

0

Copalli Barrel Rested

Sips like a whisky Sips less like a rum than it does a whisky which is not a negative. Mixed far less interesting.

5

06/13/2020

0

896 5-year

Nice Price. Nice Rum Rating for this one reflects the taste and a $15.00 price. Flavor was okay straight, with a strongish afterburn, but when combined with coke and the

5

06/13/2020

0

Barrel 21 Navy Strength Single Barrel

Another 5.5 Another 5.5. It has an oaky flavor that is strong. Wish it had a little less burn. The reference to caramel and honey on the bottle description sugg

5

09/05/2020

0

Real McCoy Single Blended 5-year

Nothing Stands Out My wife liked it more than me. I found the after burn to be pretty strong; mixed was far less so (as it should be). No standout flavor, but what was

5

03/20/2021

0

Ak Zanj With Angels 8-year

Not as good as the San Zanj Funny, not a big fan of whites, but the San Zanj was more enjoyable to me than the Ak Zanj. Nothing distinct straight. Was fine mixed.

5

03/20/2021

0

South Bay Small Batch

Sweet "Sweet" was the first thing that came to mind when I tried this one, and I don’t know if I can go beyond that for a flavor description. Almost as if t

5

03/20/2021

0

Sazerac Jung And Wulff No 2 Guyana

Port Flavors Not quite as enjoable as the No. 1. A nice nose, somewhat like a port, but the flavor itself was a bit strong. Nothing to do with the flavor, but a wo

5

03/20/2021

0

Cane Island Jamaica Single Island Blend

Strong and Sweet Sweet flavor, but strong afterburn. Mixed, nothing special.

5

03/28/2022

0

Ron Caribe Anejo Superior 8-year

Chocolate Pipe Tobacco Straight was sweet enough that it almost felt like something was added. When mixed, it reminded me of chocolate pipe tobacco that I had freshman year

5

04/02/2022

0

Monymusk Special Gold 2-year

Surprised me I was a little concerned about this one after I saw the other ratings, but it surprised me. Not amazing, but a solid 5.5. A little of the Jamaican fl

5

04/02/2022

0

Probitas White

Hoped for More Not a big fan of the light rums. Not an unpleasant flavor, but nothing special. Strong afterburn. Mixed better, but hoped for more. A 4.5, but can't

4

06/13/2020

0

Westerhall Plantation

Hit or Miss It’s always hit or miss when one buys a bottle of rum at a hole in the wall liquor store that doesn’t look to sell a lot of rum. This one was a miss.

4

03/28/2022

0

Kula Dark

A Cool Bottle Wasn't Enough Includes caramel color. Says it’s made for Mai Tai’s. Even with the inexpensive price, I had moderate hopes given the hexagonal bottle. I didn’t, ho

4

03/20/2021

0

Teeda Gold

A little smoke, a little Zen Very strong alcohol flavor. Somewhat smoky taste when straight and strong burn. I do like the Zen bottle. But, the more I drink, the less thrilled I a

4

06/13/2020

0

Sun Rum Silver

Stick with a Mix Tried at a restaurant. Was too strong straight, with a powerful after-burn. Mixed it with Coke. Nothing special.

4

02/17/2020

0

El Cubano Gold

Thought I had a Find..... 4-4.5 on my scale. Was curious about the price. Sales clerk could not determine it from his store records or internet. Sold it to me for $10. Given

4

02/17/2020

0

Appleton Estate Signature Blend

A Gift From A Friend It was a gift from a friend who went to Jamaica, so I do not want to be too critical. It was very strong straight and much better mixed.

4

03/06/2017

1

PM Spirits The Street Pumas

Too Young and Strong A 4.5 on my scale. Too young and strong, which goes with the comic book bottle label. Mixed it has a slight buttery flavor, but that’s not interestin

4

05/28/2019

1

Banks 5-Island

Similar to the Golden Age A 4.5 on my scale. The Golden Age was a 4.5 to 5. Too much of an afterburn straight. Better mixed, but not getting much flavor one way or another.

4

05/28/2019

0

Brugal Añejo

Between a 4 and 5 A blend of oak and molasses, with the former overpowering the latter a bit too much. Went back and forth between a 4 and 5, finally ending at a 4.5 o

4

02/06/2017

0

Gosling's Black Seal

Started with low expectations Went in with low expectations and was better than I thought. Not an unpleasant taste like some, but still would have liked a little molasses flavor.

4

02/06/2017

0

Barbancourt 3 Star 4-year

An okay mixer Even as a mixer, was not as smooth as I would have hoped. Have it as a 4.5 on my chart.

4

02/06/2017

0

Mocambo 20 Art Edition

Nice bottle, just an okay rum Seems more a cachaca than a rum. Nice bottle, but disappointing flavor for the price.  Have it as a 4.5 on my chart.

4

02/06/2017

0

Tortuga Light

An early mixer A fond reminder of Caribbean crusies, but nothing terribly special and no real aftertaste. A 4.5 on my chart.

4

02/06/2017

0

Cross Keys Island Tradition

Improved Slightly Over Time Started out with a 3 rating, as the flavor was nothing impressive. As I sampled over several days, it improved, but not by much.

4

03/06/2017

0

Ypioca Ouro

Jury's Still Out The jury's still out for me and Cachacas. Initially I liked the flavor, but more I drank, the less I liked. Willing to try others though to see whe

4

03/06/2017

0

Kirk and Sweeney 12-year

Wanted to like it more I wanted to like it more, but did not. On par with the Botran Reserva. No enjoyable aftertaste. Not a bad one. Just not a good one. Meh.

4

03/06/2017

1

Mount Gilboa Triple Distilled

Not for me This one wasn't for me. It had an odd aftertaste; almost medicinal.

4

03/06/2017

0

10 Cane Light

Just okay Wasn't particularly smooth even when mixed with cola. Had hoped for more.

4

03/06/2017

0

Denizen Merchants Reserve 8-year

Not Impressed Tried it on the rocks and with coke. Neither grabbed me. Had the barest of molasses flavor. Ranked it as a 4.5 on my scale of 10

4

06/11/2017

1

Chairman's Reserve 4-6 Years

Hoping it Gets Better Received as a gift. I keep trying it straight and with different mixes, hoping it gets better. So far, it has not. A 4.5 on my scale of 10.

4

06/11/2017

0

Calivore Blonde

Hoped for Better Had hoped that this California based rum would be better. Just too strong for my tastes, even when mixed. The price was not good value in my opinion.

4

06/11/2017

0

Havana Club Anejo Classico (PR)

Not as Smooth as the Cuban Just not as smooth as the one from Cuba. This one definitely needed a mixer, and probably a better one that I had available. Would be willing to try

4

02/20/2018

0

Berry's St Lucia 14-year

A Tough Rating The cork broke when I tried to open the bottle and I am not sure if the bad cork had caused the rum to turn; as the taste just wasn't very good. I ga

4

02/20/2018

0

Cana Brava 7-year

Neutral Ordered at a restaurant and was not wowed. It mixed okay with Coke, but nothing special. Is a 4.5 on my scale.

4

02/20/2018

0

Plantation Overproof O.F.T.D.

A little better as I continue to sample Initially not impressed with this rum's burnt flavors. The more I sampled, the more the molasses flavoring came out. Over timeI will see if it merit

4

02/20/2018

0

Stolen Overproof

I Loved the Background Story; The Rum, Not so Much Described as previously undisovered 6 year aged pot still rum from a historic Jamaican distillery, and add to that a cool mini- bottle, and I was all

4

02/20/2018

0

Sun Rum Barrel Aged

Need to try straight up Ordered with Coke at a restaurant. It had a medicinal taste, but not as strong as I would have thought. Will give it another chance when I can locate

4

06/18/2018

0

Doctor Bird Pot Still

You Have to Like Molasses A 4.5 on my scale. A very strong smell of molasses when opened. Flavor strong when straight. Mixed is like coke and molasses. Not great, but not as b

4

05/28/2019

0

Abuelo Anejo

Least Favorite of the Abuelos A 4.5 on my scale. Most disappointing of the Abuelos thus far. I thought that might be the case when it turned out to be a screw top and not a cork.

4

02/17/2020

0

Sergeant Classick Classick Gold

Hopefully it gets better 4-4.5 on my scale. Strong straight and I had just a little hope. Mixed it was not very good. Will give it some more time to see if it improves with

4

02/17/2020

0

Tanduay Gold

A nice bottle design, an okay rum Some hints of oak, but the burn overpowers it. Wasn’t great mixed. Nice bottle design, but not a big fan of screw tops.

4

06/13/2020

0

Pacifica Gold

Glimmer of hope sums it up Far too strong straight. Initially I thought it was not a good mix, but the more I tasted it, the better it became. Not great, but certainly not as ba

4

09/05/2020

0

Pyrat XO Reserve

One of my early ones; addendum One of my early, post basic bacardi light rums. I had it as a 5 back then, and decided to give it another try as it was on sale at Costco. I should h

4

02/06/2017

0

Lost Spirits Jamaica

Hoped for More Not terribly impressed. The molasses flavor didn't hit the right note for me, whether straight or mixed. A strong afternburn. Others who are more in

4

03/20/2021

0

Bumbu Original

Cream Soda? Initial flavor was cream soda. The bottle doesn’t suggest added flavors, but it sure seems that way- and not good additions. Mixed wasn’t much better,

4

03/20/2021

0

Bati Dark

Met Expectations Nothing special about this one. Didn’t go into it with high hopes and was not disappointed. Straight and mixed about the same. A 4.5 for me

4

03/28/2022

0

Botran Solera Reserva 15-year

Moves Up the List Tried it years ago and only scored it a 4. Time and more rums under my belt raises the rating. A touch of vanilla helps too.

4

02/06/2017

0

Mahina Royal Selection

Premium? It says premium on the bottle, but not for me. It has a fruity taste, and not in a good way. Not sure what they added to it, but I wish they didn’t. M

4

11/25/2022

0

Kiss Black Diamond Premium 15-year

Kiss Loses to Mediocrity The Kiss gimmick isn’t enough to overcome a mediocre rum. Straight or mixed, nothing of interest with this one.

4

11/25/2022

0

Lemon Hart Blackpool Spiced

Not a Big Fan Out of the gate, I am not a big fan of spiced rum and know little about it, but have had some that I have liked. This, however, tasted like cough syru

4

11/25/2022

0

Bacardi Gold

Free from the Parents While helping my elderly parents move, there was a bottle in their liquor cabinet. It was better than I thought it would be (no, not a resounding end

4

02/18/2023

0

Puerto Angel Blanco

Nice Bottle, Busted Rubber Cork The rum itself was okay, better mixed than straight. While the frosted bottle was a nice change from what I usually see, a busted rubber cork did not

4

02/18/2023

0

Trader Joe's Rum of the Gods

Hoped for just a little something I thought maybe there would be something redeeming when I saw it at Trader Joe's, like Two Buck Chuck. Alas, no such luck. No sweetness. Little flavor

3

02/17/2020

0

Deadhead Aged

A cool bottle wasn't enough Yes, the bottle was cool, but it was also difficult to open the first time- reuslting in spilled rum. Lighter than I thought. Aftertaste not particula

3

03/06/2017

0

Batiste Rhum Silver

Disappointing I wish I had liked it more, but for me it had an unpleasant aftertaste, somewhat dirt flavored.

3

03/06/2017

0

Tortuga Dark

Improved, slightly One of my first dark rums. Initially I did not like it; but as I sampled more dark rums I began to appreciate it more, though not enough to raise its

3

03/06/2017

0

Crusoe Silver

At Least a Tree was Planted 3.5 on my scale. Not good straight. Not good mixed. Described as a combination of an Agricole and traditional rum. Seems to have gotten the worst of

3

02/17/2020

0

Montanya Oro Dark

I did not enjoy I tried to keep an open mind for a rum from the Rockies, but like another reviewer, this one tasted like dirt to me.

2

03/06/2017

0

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