Compiling a Wish-List

[Dood]

So, my 30th birthday is rapidly approaching, and as I walked through Hi Times today to pick out a few bottles for the upcoming Independence Day, I happened to stroll by a bottle of Appleton Estate 21 Year-Old and it occurred to me that rather than tell people to get me a new tie or something like that, I should put together a rum wish-list for people looking for gift ideas.

As I started on the list, it dawned on me that I have a fantastic resource here for figuring out which rums are the ones that should be on the list.

So, I've done an inventory of my current collection (leaving out my wife's extensive collection of flavored rums) to see if anyone here wanted to chime in with something that should ABSOLUTELY be added.

Currently in-stock:

Appleton Estate V/X
10 Cane
Admiral Rodney
Ron Pompero Anniversario
Flor de Cana 21 (almost gone)
Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum
Sea Wynde
Appleton Silver and Spiced (for creating infusions)

There was even a bottle of Capt. Morgan way in the back that's probably been there for 3 years now.

So, any suggestions? My favorites are the Appleton, the Adm. Rodney, and the FDC. I'm not really a fan of the Sea Wynde, it was a gift and I find it to be too sour for my tastes.

I've been meaning to try out Foursquare Spiced, and the Appleton Estate 21 is something I think I have to have on my list, but any other suggestions, please make them.

Thanks.

[Hank Koestner]

Happy Birthday to you!
Allow me to make a few suggestions:
Eldorado 15
Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva
Ron Del Barrilito 3 Star
Santa Teresa 1796
Rhum Babancourt 8
Mount Gay Extra Old
If you think you might like to try a rhum agriocole;
Neisson Rhum Veiux
All of these are available in the US.

[Edward Hamilton]

Nice list. When you're shopping at Hi Times, or any other store that stocks a number of rums, you owe it to yourself to get to know the staff. Trayce and the guys at Hi Times make it a point to know almost every spirit on the shelf and are a wealth of information. These guys are busy but love helping customers make good decisions.

[angelsword]

I would include:
Saint James Hors D'Age
Matusalem 15
Gosling's Family Reserve
Plantation Grande Reserve
Green Island

[Dood]

Thanks everyone for the tips.

If you think of any more, don't hold back! ;)

[cigar-aficionado]

No sign:confused: of the Ron Zacapa family in there, 23 year old, XO and the Black?

[The Rum Ambassador]

You could also try Cockspurs 12 year old (VSOR)
Zaya 12 year old
and Appleton Extra (12 year old)

[robercw]

I will second the recommendations of the Ron Zacapa 23 Yr. Old and the Mount Gay XO. I also like the Cruzan Single Barrel as well.

[Edward Hamilton]

Cruzan Estate Diamond is on my list, like Barbancourt 8, it is one of those rums which is commonly overlooked as it isn't the most expensive spirit in the company's lineup.

[robercw]

Cruzan Estate Diamond is on my list.

I still haven't picked up a bottle of that yet. I went with the Zacapa 23, the Pampero Rum Aniversario, and a bottle of Cockspur 12 while in Florida last week. I can get the Cruzan Estate Diamond locally though, so it's still on my to do list.

[bluewave6]

I would also suggest trying:

Botran Solera
Barcelo Imperial
Diplomatico Reserve

[notaire]

Happy birthday,

If you are a dark rum lover; try the Gosling's Black Seal.

[Dood]

Hmm...I'm gonna need a bigger boat - err - liquor cabinet...

;)

[justbob]

The Ron Matusalem Gran Reserva (I think someone else mentioned it earlier) would be a nice addition. Very smooth and creamy.

Have you tried Pyrat? I liked it a lot, though it is a bit different. (Very fruity)

I'd check those out.

[Dood]

Well, after the birthday dust settled, gift cards got used, checks cashed, and boxes opened, my shelf's new additions include:

Foursquare Spiced
Flor de Cana Centenario
Matusalem Gran Reserva
Mount Gay XO
Zaya 12 Year Old
Appleton 21

I've had samples of each now and they're all so fantastic and so different from one another. Thanks to everyone for their suggestions...I'll continue to use them as I fill out the shelf over time (already have a trip planned to the Pyrat distillery in November, when I'll be picking up some Cask 23).

[Scottes]

Congratulations on the excellent swag! I'm not a fan of the Mount Gay XO, but all the others are top-notch in my opinion.

[Dood]

Congratulations on the excellent swag! I'm not a fan of the Mount Gay XO, but all the others are top-notch in my opinion.

Thanks. The Mount Gay XO is an interesting one to be sure. From the nose I really expected a much sweeter, much fuller flavor.

Of the entire haul, the Zaya, Matusalem, and the Appleton 21 are my favorites.

BTW, you're note in your review of the Appleton 21 that ice would make it too easy to consume was spot-on. I gave in to temptation and tried it with a cube of ice and ended up with an empty glass much sooner than I should have. ;)

[Hank Koestner]

A very Happy Birthday to you Dood, and congrats on the great Birthday Bounty!! Give the Mount Gay a chance, try it with a few drops of water and let it open up. This rum can be reminiscent of an aged bourbon. Not as sweet, but there is good flavor there.

[Dood]

A very Happy Birthday to you Dood, and congrats on the great Birthday Bounty!! Give the Mount Gay a chance, try it with a few drops of water and let it open up. This rum can be reminiscent of an aged bourbon. Not as sweet, but there is good flavor there.

I give up on no rum.


Well, except for Sea Wynde...I could only take so much abuse. The Mount Gay XO I thought was good with water and a cube of ice, but not strictly neat. It's in the rotation...just not as high in regard as the big 3. ;)

[angelsword]

Happy Birthday Dood.
There are a couple of bottles of Temptryst Rums on their way to you.

[Dood]

Happy Birthday Dood.
There are a couple of bottles of Temptryst Rums on their way to you.

There's a package headed your way as well. ;)

[Count Silvio]

I recommend Angostura 1824 and El Dorado 15 Year. Magnificent rums.

[stockdoct]

I'm TRYING to get a bottle of Goslings aged, sipping rums, but have come across no better rum to mix with tonic and lime that Goslings Black Seal. I think it deserves to be in your collection