Suggestions for a first time sipper

[kveld3]

As a recent college graduate, my rum experiences were pretty much centered around Captain and Cokes. But recently, I have been trying to introduce myself to the world of sipping rums. When I found this forum I began reading everything I could and especially liked the thread about the "Best $18 - $25 bottle of rum you've had?". So now I turn to the community in a similar fashion primate77 did. What are some suggestions for someone who is going to try sipping rum for the first time?

I am hoping to find a couple of rums to try under 40 dollars (so I can try as many as possible and still make rent) and more on the sweeter side (so my move from ultra sweet rum and cokes isn't that jarring) to start out. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance.

[Edward Hamilton]

Sailor Jerry is a good place to start since you like spiced rum and coke.

[Paul C]

Goslings Black Seal is a bargain at around $20 here - and if you don't like sipping it get some Ginger Beer and make a Dark n' Stormy…

There's some Sailor Jerry down at my local liquor store so on Edward's recommendation I think I will give that a shot. Then we can compare experiences.

pbc

[Berbician]

I'm not sure how much they cost in the US, but El Dorado 15 year old is the best rum that I've ever tasted, while El Dorado 12 year old would be ideal if you want something sweeter.

(That's the new version of the 12 year old - the older one isn't as sweet.)

[stockdoct]

For a sipper, my favorite bargain-brand is Matusalem Gold, for about $22 a bottle. Wonderful with an ice cube or straight up. Mild, sweet, mellow, without a "whisky flavor". Sugar cane wonderful.

[The Scribe]

My first sipping rum (aside from the occasional Gosling's on the rocks) was Pampero Aniversario. The ED15 is quite good, but on the pricier side. Frankly, you ought to be able to get away with lots of good rum for under the $30 mark. I'm a big fan of Pusser's which is super cheap ($18), and definitely yummy. The Sailor can't do you wrong, or perhaps the Captain's private stock. Maybe Bacardi 8, but I've tried neither of the latter two.

If I were you, (and I'm not, mind) I would go out and pick up a bottle of Gosling's Black Seal, a bottle of Pusser's, and then maybe a bottle of Sailor Jerry and a bottle Pampero Aniversario. The Pampero has the advantage that it's more of an in your face rum, and it's tasty without getting into nuances of the rum.

Hope that helps,
The Scribe

[Schock Therapy]

LOL! 5 replies, 5 different suggestions! Make that 6....

I first discovered quality sipping rum with the Appleton products, and I am still partial to them. Try Appleton Reserve or Extra. I also enjoy Mount Gay Extra Old and Matusalem Gran Reserva. (those two are a bit more $$ but still good value, at least in my part of the world)

[kveld3]

6 suggestions that are GREATLY appreciated. I can't tell you all enough how much of a help you are. My only regret is that I waited until now to check the thread because BevMo is closed!!! Arrrgggg...Thanks again everyone, it looks like I have a long, and delicious, road ahead of me.

[forrest]

i still stand by what i said to you here (http://ministryofrum.com/forums/showthread.php?p=17282#post17282) kveld, but to join everyone conversation...

For a sipper, my favorite bargain-brand is Matusalem Gold,

i like Ron Matusalem Clasico Rum, and around where we live (So Cal) it is $18ish (or less if you look), heck the 15 Solera Blender Gran Reserva is $21ish at Hi-Time...

And Ron Pampero Aniversario is $32 ish around here.

The Appleton's are a great deal...

All of the El Dorado' are excellent (i finished my bottle of Golden Rum Cream last night...)

And all the others are great recommendations also-- your best bet is try a few and see what you like. . . and don't like.

[gatomalo]

I would suggest Ron Pampero Aniversario as an excellent and affordable introduction to sipping rums. It was my first sipping rum and I still find myself going back to it time and time again. Highly recommended!

[black_strap]

Gosling's Black Seal
Pampero Anniversario (you have to search the bottle to find the word "Pampero" though)
Pyrat XO (what do people here think about Pyrat?)
I won't lie, Mount Gay Eclipse with a little ice goes a long way too.

[bcarney]

Pyrat XO (what do people here think about Pyrat?)


After a long and rather humorous attempt to get the cork out of the bottle last night, I had a few sips of Pyrat for the first time in a long time. It definitely had more raisin-like notes than some of the others I've been drinking lately. A welcome change!

[Ben]

Gosling's Black Seal
Pyrat XO (what do people here think about Pyrat?)


Pyrat XO is currently my all-time favorite rum (there are many rums I did not taste yet, to reckon).

I slightly preferred the Planter's Punch version, ancestor of the new XO version. I had the luxury to taste both recently and I found the Planter's a little less orangy and a little more peary. Found it more subtle.

[Edward Hamilton]

The Sailor can't do you wrong, or perhaps the Captain's private stock. Maybe Bacardi 8, but I've tried neither of the latter two.

I was all ready for a great rum with I tasted my first bottle of Captain Morgan Private Stock, and was very surprised that it didn't even begin to live up to my expectations.

Bacardi 8 on the other hand, is a good place to start. These two rums aren't even in the same class.

[Edward Hamilton]

i like Ron Matusalem Clasico Rum, and around where we live (So Cal) it is $18ish (or less if you look), heck the 15 year Gran Reserva is $21ish at Hi-Time...


While I agree that Matusalem Gran Reserva is a good value at $21, I have yet to see anything on that bottle that tells me that it is anywhere near a 15 year old rum. Unless I equate 15 Solera Blender to mean 15 years old, which would be a bit of a push.

[forrest]

While I agree that Matusalem Gran Reserva is a good value at $21, I have yet to see anything on that bottle that tells me that it is anywhere near a 15 year old rum. Unless I equate 15 Solera Blender to mean 15 years old, which would be a bit of a push.

You of course are correct.
The box as you know say "The main blender rum is approximately 15 years old, and is complemented by other specially selected oak cask aged rums."

So i will edit my comment to include the "PREFFERED" terminology so no-one is is upset with me.

[Carbon]

I was all ready for a great rum with I tasted my first bottle of Captain Morgan Private Stock, and was very surprised that it didn't even begin to live up to my expectations.
I definitely agree there. The Private Stock just seems like it's trying too hard, and the flavors aren't right at all. The one that stands out most is the very manufactured, synthetic/artificial vanilla that seems to take over. Again, it's Captain Morgan trying to be something that it's not. I'm happy I didn't have to buy a bottle of my own to find this out.

[Rum Runner]

Bacardi 8 on the other hand, is a good place to start. These two rums aren't even in the same class.

I enjoy Bacardi 8 for the very forward butterscotch toffee quality. I have a bottle on hand most times. As has been posted earlier, The 8 is produced in the Bahamas..And is due to close. So, who knows whether it will continue in the line-up.

[BarNowON]

IS 1919 available in the US?
How much is it?
usually, there is not so many novice rum drinkers that do not like it.
After, I don't know if it's in the price range, but very good value for $

[Torpnubber]

Actually, I think Pyrat XO is a good starting point.

First of all, it can be had in California for $25.00 (see forrest's profile), and after cutting your teeth on Capt'n & Coke, you may be used to a sweet rum drink.

Pyrat has that residual sugar on the palate that you may enjoy, or make you curious enough to try rums similar to it.

[kveld3]

Thanks everyone for all your help! Hopefully I can get to the store in time tonight (USC alum hoping for an early USC blowout) and pick up a couple of the suggestions to try out. Looks like this is going to be an even better weekend. If any one has any other suggestions, the more the merrier, I really do appreciate everyone's help!

[Carbon]

PS: Ed you're recommending Sailor Jerry for sipping? I haven't tried it neat (although it goes great with Cola). How is that? I can imagine it being a little more harsh being 92 proof. I agree though that if he's looking for a better rum with cola then Sailor Jerry is like Captain Morgan on steroids (with better quality to boot).

[Dood]

I think everyone here has pretty much covered all possible bases.

My preferred inexpensive sippers are Matusalem Gran Reserva, Pampero Aniversario, and ED12.

[kveld3]

Thank you all again. I found a place in LA that has pretty much every rum mentioned and I begin this weekend on my path to tasting them all. Thanks again!

[primate77]

kveld... I just noticed you didn't get your USC blowout.

I'll 2nd that Sailor Jerry can be sipped (after you are already well-lubed, yes).

[Carbon]

Thank you all again. I found a place in LA that has pretty much every rum mentioned and I begin this weekend on my path to tasting them all. Thanks again!
Where would that be? I'm originally from LA and was trying to pick up a few bottles down there to take back up to Oregon with me but had trouble finding a lot of things.

[rumdog007]

Wine and Liquor Depot on Saticoy in Van Nuys.
Beverage Warehouse off Culver Blvd. on McConnell
Wally's Wine and Liquor in LA
HiTime in Costa Mesa, the Holy Grail
Mission Liquors in Pasadena

All of the above have huge rum selections.

Don't forget the 10, or so, BevMo's scattered about. They do, however, have a lesser selection, by comparison.

[Bill]

Hello again... been on extended hiatus. But I'm always drawn to threads like this as I believe that good, even great rum does not have to be expensive. Actually most of the recommendations here are in the mid priced categories.

Some very, very good sipping rums can be had for less than $20. In my collection these include:

Either Ron Abuelo (Abuelo and 7 Year)
Cohiba 8 Year
Barbancourt (Three and Five Star)
Doorly's Five Year
Ron del Barrilito Two Star
Ron Centernario Conmemorativo

These are just not good, they are superb and all are less than $20, sometimes MUCH less.