Where to start?

[LX Sport]

Hey guys, Im wondering, after looking around, reading the articles here, looking through old threads, Im just curious as where you guys would recommend a young palate to start?

I love my rum, infact is basically the only thing I drink. But ive had pretty limited experiences with different types, and honestly have mostly only enjoyed rum in my cola. My limited experiences include the obvious Capt Morgan and Bacardi, but my current favorite (by far) is Sailor Jerry. Ive also has some Mount Gay which I didnt find fit with the cola to well.

I want to get away from mixing with cola and enjoy sipping more. But I dont know where to really start. I live in Minnesota too, so i dont find to many people that know much about rum around here either :)

Any recommandations would be great!

[gatomalo]

Hello LX Sport!

I don't know what kind of rums you have available in Minnesota, but I would recommend simply heading down to your local liquour store and buying something which you haven't yet tried. What's the worst that can go wrong?

Which rums have you seen in the stores near where you live?

[forrest]

i am going to agree with gatomalo (bad kitty), and say just go and see what you see-- remember some lime and sugar will hide a multitude of flaws-- and you may find some gems.
Let us in on your finds.

[LX Sport]

I did just that last Friday actually, bought a bottle of Cruzan Estate Dark. So far ive just hid it in my coke, the reviews ive looking into after i purchased it kinda scared me from sipping :) But it does seem to be a great mixer in that case.

Ive been told of a "high-end" liqour store near me that I plan on checking out soon. A friend of mine who enjoys Scotch told me to check it out, said they carry alot of spirts that you wouldnt find at your avergae liquore store around here.

[black_strap]

Definitely check out that store, LX.

Yes, Cruzan Estate Dark is not something you want to sip. I only pick it up when I can get a handle of it real cheap.

You might want to try the Mount Gay on some ice, which I've done with good results.

Gosling's Black Seal is another that you can both mix and sip, and still be happy. Btmup.gif

[LX Sport]

Well I checked out that store, didnt have as large of a selection as i hoped. I spoted some Pyrat XO, and Zaya. Also Mount Gay extra old. A few others of note, but those are what stood out at me at first.

Also was suprised to see a bottle of Gosling's Black Seal! Friend and I went into just look at what they had, but after seeing the Golsling's, and it being all alone, I decided to pick it up (only $14.99 too!). Havent opened it yet, and probably wont for alittle while (have other bottles already open i need to finish) but Im looking forward to tasting it!

[gatomalo]

Well I checked out that store, didnt have as large of a selection as i hoped. I spoted some Pyrat XO, and Zaya. Also Mount Gay extra old. A few others of note, but those are what stood out at me at first.

Enjoy the Gosling's! If I were you I'd definitely be tempted to get hold of a bottle of Zaya and Pyrat XO too!

[LX Sport]

Ya, I plan to go back some time and pick up one of each, but that would be for awhile. College student on a low income budget and all :)

[RobertBurr]

Ya, I plan to go back some time and pick up one of each, but that would be for awhile. College student on a low income budget and all :)

When I began enjoying good rum, I felt lucky to have one or two or three bottles of rum at one time. Actually, I have always kept a bottle of Barbancourt from Haiti in my freezer as long as I can remember, perhaps since 1976. I believed it was the world's finest rum, since every other rum I tried did not exceed it in my estimation. Eventually, traveling to many islands, I was told by true believers that their island made the best rum in the world. Within the context of the food, the music and the culture of that island, I often tended to agree. As my collection grew, I stopped trying to declare my favorite rum and started enjoying the incredible variety.

As your ability to try different rums increases, keep some of your favorites close by and balance that proclivity by sampling new rums and trying to understand them within the context of the culture and location of their origin.

[gatomalo]

Ya, I plan to go back some time and pick up one of each, but that would be for awhile. College student on a low income budget and all :)

In my experience it's often better value and infinitely more satisfying to spend a little more on a top-quality rum. A bog-standard cheap mixing rum will disappear quite quickly, but a good quality sipping rum will last you quite a while (if you sip it, that is) and provide so much more pleasure in the long run.

I have always kept a bottle of Barbancourt from Haiti in my freezer as long as I can remember, perhaps since 1976.

That's one of my favourites too! I love the 5 star, but I haven't tried the 15 ans RdD yet. Might get a bottle of that to drink over Christmas, but it's not cheap here in the UK!

[theFormula]

Hello LX Sport. I am also in Minnesota and I can tell you that there are plenty of good sipping rums to be had. Particularly if you live in the Twin Cities (Minneapolis/St. Paul). If you want to drink it neat or on ice I recommend the following:

Mt Gay Extra Old
Zaya
10 Cane (for a less "aged" taste)
Flor de Cana 7 yr
Appleton 12yr
Brugal Anejo

They are all expceptional for my tastes. If you are on a budget, I would start with the Brugal or Flor de Cana. I used to really enjoy the Cruzan Estate Diamond for affordable sipping; but sadly that is no longer available. Enjoy.

[LX Sport]

Thanks for the advice guys!

theFormula, I actually ive in the South Metro and go to school downtown Minneapolis. You have any good liquor store recommandations? The "high-end" Place i checked out was "The Cellars" in Eagan. I plan to go back sometime and pick up either the Zaya or Pyrat, or both :)

[KINGSTON]

What I would recomend is to print out a map of the Caribbean as well as Central America. Then start picking up a few bottles of rum from different areas. Keep track of where the Rum is coming. Start with $15-25 Rums. Then $25-50 Rums. Pick up a few books on Rum (RUM by Dave Broom, is good but read it with an open mind).

Cruzan - Appelton - Flor De Cana - Zaya - 10 Cane - Zacapa - Depaz

Their are many good Rum's out on the shelves- Remeber...... Keep an eye on this web site. You will not find a better bunch of Rum "Wackos" anywhere!

Drink up!

[Rum Runner]

Kingston. That may be one of the best...and most succinct...ways to introduce one to rum I have seen proposed

I like the idea of one picking up a map. Making the association of geography and style ( in general of course) is well done...and then couple it with a price range which leads to (at least theoretically) higher quality products.

It's elegantly simple...And allows each individual to explore at their own pace..and pocketbook.

I agree that books by those noted are great to read and do help to point us in the right direction...In the end, we benefit from our own experiences. And then benefit others by sharing those experiences here and elsewhere.

[The Squire]

You keep your rum in the freezer?.. !!


When I began enjoying good rum, I felt lucky to have one or two or three bottles of rum at one time. Actually, I have always kept a bottle of Barbancourt from Haiti in my freezer as long as I can remember, perhaps since 1976. I believed it was the world's finest rum, since every other rum I tried did not exceed it in my estimation. Eventually, traveling to many islands, I was told by true believers that their island made the best rum in the world. Within the context of the food, the music and the culture of that island, I often tended to agree. As my collection grew, I stopped trying to declare my favorite rum and started enjoying the incredible variety.

As your ability to try different rums increases, keep some of your favorites close by and balance that proclivity by sampling new rums and trying to understand them within the context of the culture and location of their origin.

[Bluehammer]

On a budget? No problem. I recommend Cruzan Blackstrap and Coke. (Almost) never gives a hangover. Something to do with the fusel alcohol content I am told. Also one of the few rums that makes coke a bit darker and sweeter.

College? Want to impress some buddies with rum? No problem. I recommend Captain Morgan Private Stock. This is a step up from the regular Captain but will not break the budget. Nice looking bottle, easy to find and gives a bit of a classy feel to pouring your friends a drink. Even if they do not drink rum much it is a nice "experience" having it from a corked, nifty bottle.

Your private stash? No problem. Mt. Gay Extra Old or Zaya (hopefully from Gutemala) or Pyrat (if you like sweet orange). I find the Zaya from Trinidad to be too close to Capt. Private Stock. Due to cost and college, I recommend you save this stuff for special occasions and no mixers added.

Many people will want the "good stuff" from your stash, but may not be deserving (give them the Capt. Private Stock). When you find someone who appreciates your $$$ spent, then break out the stash. Just my 2 cents.

[gatomalo]

Many people will want the "good stuff" from your stash, but may not be deserving (give them the Capt. Private Stock). When you find someone who appreciates your $$$ spent, then break out the stash.

Having different "qualities" of rum is definitely a good idea. I usually keep several cheap bog-standard rums for everyday mixing, plus several bottles of better-quality mid-range rum for drinking with lime juice or over ice (or for slightly more upmarket cocktails and mixed drinks), and finally a selection of top-quality high-end rums for drinking neat.

These first two categories I am more than happy to share with friends, however the high-end stash I usually keep for myself, that is unless I happen to be drinking with someone who I know will appreciate it - which is rare!

[joergen]

What I would recomend is to print out a map of the Caribbean as well as Central America. Then start picking up a few bottles of rum from different areas.

That's brilliant! Anyone knows of a good map? I found this one: caribbean-on-line (http://www.caribbean-on-line.com/maps/caribbean-map.html) but I guess I need something more detailed?

[Paulipbartender]

We blew this map up to A0 and it still looked great. It's downloadable from our website.

http://www.ipbartenders.com/images/552.pdf?id=1226321438

[KINGSTON]

I have a few maps that I bought while I was on a cruise. They are made to have a "Old World" look to them. I use them to track where in the Caribbean and Central America that I have visited.

Being able to put a "Face" on the Rum you are drinking can enhance the experience. It is also important to remember. A Rum's country of origin can't tell you every thing, but it is a nice window into the culture, political history and most importantly the people- THAT ALSO GOES INTO EVERY BOTTLE.

Why just enjoy a Good Rum or a Fine Cigar, When you can Experience it.

[joergen]

Thanks Paul for the map. It's now overlooking my desk at work. Where I sit and dream of sunny Caribbean islands...and what to drink next.

[Paulipbartender]

No worries Joergen. Now all you need to do is get a job where you can drink rum all day whilst staring at the map ....

[joergen]

I guess you're right. Drinking on this job would be frowned upon... :D

[Paulipbartender]

Some employers are soooo narrow minded :)

[RobertBurr]

No worries Joergen. Now all you need to do is get a job where you can drink rum all day whilst staring at the map ....

Drinking rum all day is fine, but staring at a map all day could be dangerous.

[LX Sport]

Man, i gotta get to tasting. So many choices :)

[Rumpelteazer]

What I would recomend is to print out a map of the Caribbean as well as Central America. Then start picking up a few bottles of rum from different areas. Keep track of where the Rum is coming. Start with $15-25 Rums. Then $25-50 Rums.

About three years into my rum addiction, with my collection approaching 50 bottles, I did something similar.

I created a table in Excel with four columns. In the first, I listed all of the major rum-producing islands/countries (about 20 or 25 depending on how many hairs you split). In the second I list the everyday/mixing rums I have from that country. In the third, I list the premium/sipping rums. And the fourth column is my wish list. This table travels with me whenever I enter a liquor store.

After a while, you will begin to appreciate each country's unique style of rum.

[theFormula]

LX Sport,

Sorry for the late reply to your question...I don't visit terribly often...

For liquor stores in Minneapolis - I recommend Surdyk's. It's not far from downtown or campus (on University). They are the best in the land and have a great number of different varieties available. Their selection of all spirits, wine, and beer is fantastic. Be sure to get on their mailing list as they send out sale catalogs a few times a year. That's when it's best to stock up! Happy rum hunting.

[LX Sport]

LX Sport,

Sorry for the late reply to your question...I don't visit terribly often...

For liquor stores in Minneapolis - I recommend Surdyk's. It's not far from downtown or campus (on University). They are the best in the land and have a great number of different varieties available. Their selection of all spirits, wine, and beer is fantastic. Be sure to get on their mailing list as they send out sale catalogs a few times a year. That's when it's best to stock up! Happy rum hunting.

Is that the place next to West Photo, on Hennipen and Uni?

I was at West Photo the other day and thought about going in, but I was under the impression it was a Wine only place. Ill have to check it out next week sometime after school. thanks for the tip.