Four rums, which is the one?

[Yorkergizer]

Hi Everyone,

New member here, in need of advice. I'm a scotch-lover who was introduced to the Church of Rum a year ago when I tried and was then gifted a bottle of Zacapa Centenario -- kind of like plunging into the deep end I suppose.

I now want to introduce my brother-in-law to the joys of good quality rum via a Christmas present (he is also a scotch lover). I would let him try some of my Zacapa, but it's all mine! (he hasn't been over since I got the bottle, and Christmas is coming fast). The problem is that we've set a budget of $50, and where I live Zacapa costs $100 per bottle. So, if you had to choose between the following four bottles of rum, to get someone hooked on sipping rum, which would you choose:

1. Mount Gay Extra Old (I see this one got a high rating from the Ministry)
2. Angostura 1824 (I see this one also gets good reviews)
3. Metusalem Gran Reserva
4. Pusser's 15 Year Old.

From the research I've done (unfortunately not tasting) it looks like 1,2 and 3 are safe bets. This is why I need your help. Thanks!

[Edward Hamilton]

Welcome to the forums. From the list you've got, I'd start with the Mount Gay Extra Old as it is one of the most approachable rums for those who are new to the pleasures of rum.

While good, some of the others might not be as approachable for new rum drinkers.

[The Scribe]

I'd go for the Pusser's 15, but then, I <3 the regular Pusser's in a big way. You might prefer the MGXO.
Cheers. - S

[forrest]

i'm gonna say the MGXO, but i would love to try the Pussers 15 myself (the only one on the list i haven't tried)

[RobertBurr]

the Pussers 15 is an interesting sipper, sweet and rich in caramel and wood. It's not as sophisticated as an El Dorado 15 or an Appleton 12 or an Angostura 1824, but does represent much of the richness we associate with fine Navy rums.

[rumdog007]

Man, this is one of those questions where there is no wrong answer. I don't know the Pusser's 15 year, but I can vouch for the Pusser Blue label that is around 86 proof, I recall. It is a fine navy rum. The other 3 which you have on your list are very different from each other and are steller pours. I'll vote MGXO, too. But, you'll want all of the others, too!

[Paulipbartender]

The boys seem to have covered all the bases and identified the Pussers 15 and the MGXO as the winners. I'd reach for the Pussers if I was choosing a shot for myself, but the MGXO would be the one I'd give a spirits lover first.

I wish my family bought me decent bottles of rum for xmas!

[Hank Koestner]

A start with MGXO sounds good, but I love the Pusser's 15. As a scotch drinker, you can appreciate the Matusalem also, as it is more subtle.

[TheRumelier]

Man, this is one of those questions where there is no wrong answer.

All these rums are great sippers. My personal favourite is MGXO, but I'm not a whisky drinker (I have enough vices already!). I think an old Appleton would be good for a whisky drinker aswell. I tried Angostura 1919 on my whisky drinking brother while attending the Rumfest recently and failed miserably at converting him to a rum drinker. Mind you there was not choice in the local stores as far as sippers go. I think I should have mixed it with some ginger, his favourite mixer. Anyway I managed to finish off the bottle on my own!!gzzg

[Bill]

For a scotch drinker, it's an easy recommendation. In order:

1. MGXO
2. MGXO
3. MGXO

The Pusser would not be a bad alternative, followed closely by the tremendous Matusalem Gran Reserve. Forget the Angostura.

[Berbician]

I'd also go for the Mount Gay Extra Old.

[Ellis34]

For my money I would try to get the Angostura. Both it and the MGXO are good. I just like the taste better.

[angelsword]

the Pussers 15 is an interesting sipper, sweet and rich in caramel and wood. It's not as sophisticated as an El Dorado 15 ...

Robert, I suggest trying Pusser's 15 side by side with El Dorado 15. You might have a different opinion afterwards.