Bundaberg???

[junkhauler]

Never got to try this most famous of Australian rums. From what I have read they do not produce rum any longer, but you can still puchase Bundy and cola (which i assume is like bacardi's flavored beverages?). I have still yet to procure an old bottle due to the amount of Bundaberg collectors that raise the price on Ebay beyond my willingness to spend.
What are your notes about this rum. Is it worth pursuing? Does it resemble the flavor of Inner Circle's blue or green dot? Is anyone going to take over the production of their rum. Like Tiki Toki liqueur, why are Australian spirits not readily available in the states?
Thank you

[Edward Hamilton]

My opinion is that Bundy isn't worth pursuing if you're in countries where you can buy a wide variety of other rums. I recently heard a rumor that someone was going to import Bundy to the US. Keep your fingers crossed. Inner Circle is a heavier style rum.

Bundy is not a good Rum to me it's just the run of the mill

[Sanson]

I don`t know if Bundaberg is going to be distributed in the USA. However, they are part of DIAGEO, so they might be distributed in the future via DIAGEO's distribution network.

[Dustin]

I have a bottle that I brought back from Australia in 2004, and it's not a bad rum; it's not my favorite either. I haven't heard about them not making rum anymore however as they have all kinds of marketing that they do to promote their product. As for ebay, I wish more people would sell full bottles on there at times as opposed to just little trinkets. It's rare to find a bottle on there in rum that is full and is for sale. Anyhow, as others have stated, there are better rums out there and I wouldn't go to any great costs to aquire some Bundaberg.

Dustin

[RobertBurr]

Bundaberg Distilling Company is about to launch an eight-year-old limited edition of its signature product.

more info (http://www.foodweek.com.au/main-features-page.aspx?articleType=ArticleView&articleId=1889)

[Freeki_Tiki]

You can find Bundaberg Ginger Beer at World Market. Its not too bad, and comes in a bottle with a tear away top.

[primate77]

You can find Bundaberg Ginger Beer at World Market. Its not too bad, and comes in a bottle with a tear away top.

Don't know about your neck of the woods, but from where I live in Central Illinois down to and Saint Louis, World Market Stores are shuttering their doors and going O.O.B.

[Freeki_Tiki]

Don't know about your neck of the woods, but from where I live in Central Illinois down to and Saint Louis, World Market Stores are shuttering their doors and going O.O.B.

That is weird as they are opening new ones in Florida. Maybe Florida is a better "Market" for them.

[JHarpJ]

I agree with those that consider Bundaberg to be a worthless spirit. Some say that when the Aussies quit fueling lamps with whale oil these folks went into the rum business.
Australia is very big in the sugar industry but it seems beer is their drink therefore the rum market is too small to generate competition. This lack of competition must be why the product is so poor as usually the Aussies take pride in producing first class merchandise.

[Edward Hamilton]

I wouldn't be too quick to lump all Australian rum with Bundaberg you're right that there aren't a lot of brands even in Australia. I have enjoyed a few Australian rums which were definitely a cut above. The Inner Circle Green Dot (http://www.ministryofrum.com/rumdetails.php?r=480) is probably my favorite of the line.

[JHarpJ]

I must admit that after sampling Bundy I didn't have time for any other Aussie rum and subsequently stuck with the Aussie beer and wine which is always very good. The next time I am there I will try the Green Dot.
Jim

[Rickporgera]

Please remember that there are different levels of Bundy Rums now available, and until you have tried their new Triple Charcoal Filtered drop....well, you might just have to try it....end of story.

[mammel]

I wouldn't be too quick to lump all Australian rum with Bundaberg you're right that there aren't a lot of brands even in Australia. I have enjoyed a few Australian rums which were definitely a cut above. The Inner Circle Green Dot (http://www.ministryofrum.com/rumdetails.php?r=480) is probably my favorite of the line.

I am fortunate to have a bottle of the green dot in the cabinet, which has not been opened. I may save this one for a rainy day! My sister-in-law used to live there, and when she packed up to move home I asked her to pick it up for me. I think even in Australia it is still not commonly found.

[AlanG]

I am fortunate to have a bottle of the green dot in the cabinet, which has not been opened. I may save this one for a rainy day! My sister-in-law used to live there, and when she packed up to move home I asked her to pick it up for me. I think even in Australia it is still not commonly found.
I just e-mailed a friend of mine in Oz (she's a Sydney girl, currently living in Melbourne), and she told me she's never seen it!
Could be that she wasn't looking, but she said she'd check it out.
Alan.

[mammel]

I just e-mailed a friend of mine in Oz (she's a Sydney girl, currently living in Melbourne), and she told me she's never seen it!
Could be that she wasn't looking, but she said she'd check it out.
Alan.

My sister in law was regularly in Melbourne, which if i recall correctly was actually the home town for the inner circle rums. For sure it is not in duty free and such as Bundy has pretty much bought everyone else out of direct competition. I think she had to go into a few different stores before she found it.

[The Squire]

Im so embarrassed my fellow countrymen and their bundy habits..

The "black-rat-no-speed-bumps" (bundy and coke, no ice) standard order of the uncouth rum heathens that populate this otherwise dignified country is enough to make you squirm.

If you desperately need to satisfy your curiosity, Bundaberg also happen to make one of the best damn ginger beers in all the lands. Mix yourself up a Bundaberg Dark n' Stormy and make it a weak one. You don't want to spoil the ginger beer.glass.gif.

Inner circle is our shining glory, Go the green if you can get it, but red dot hits the spot as well.

[_RAAF_Stupot]

Actually Rum can be considered Australia's national spirit - simply because we have no 'native' spirits, but we have a sugar cane industry. Also, rum was the de-facto currency during the early years of European settlement - just google the Rum Rebellion. There was little actual money in the colony, but plenty of rum carried in by the Royal Navy.

Bundaberg Rum certainly promotes itself as Australia's national distiller - it is a heavy sponsor of sporting teams, and to most Australians, rum equates with 'Bundy'.

Bundaberg rum would be the default rum in a bar if a brand wasn't asked for,

Having said all that, we are not rum appreciators. I don't like Bundy, I think it's rough as guts - I only buy Inner Circle.

Most foreign rums would be considered boutique spirits - certainly apart from Bacardi & Captain Morgan no-name rums and a couple of others, we pay premium prices for them, compared to other spirits.

[_RAAF_Stupot]

Rum could be considered Australia's national spirit - simply because we have no 'native' spirits, but we have a sugar cane industry. Also, rum was the de-facto currency during the early years of European settlement - just google the Rum Rebellion. There was little actual money in the colony, but plenty of rum carried in by the Royal Navy.

Bundaberg Rum certainly promotes itself as Australia's national distiller - it is a heavy sponsor of sporting teams, and to most Australians, rum equates with 'Bundy'.

Bundaberg rum would be the default rum in a bar if a brand wasn't asked for,

Having said all that, we are not rum appreciators. I don't like Bundy, I think it's rough as guts - I only buy Inner Circle.

Most foreign rums would be considered boutique spirits - certainly apart from Bacardi & Captain Morgan no-name rums and a couple of others, we pay premium prices for them, compared to other spirits.

[rumdog007]

When I first noticed the Inner Circle Rums in the US, there were 4 dots. Each dot defined a proof as well as a difference in age, at least, I was told that. The max Overproof was the black at 152, the green, overproof but around 115, the blue was 90, and the redwas 80. They were sold in a round base low shouldered bottle. I stocked up on all of them, by the case, when they were closed out by BevMo for $5 to $10 a bottle. There are still some on shelves at some smaller liquor store about town. Now, I see them in a re-designed bottle, sort of a rectanglular base, like the old Ancient Age bottle. The have the Grey Dot at 152, a Green Dot at 115, and a Red Dot at 80. I bought one of the reds to compare and it was same, very, very good rum. I was so happy that the quality which I had come to love was the same, IMO. I was worried because I was told that the company LNA which acquired Inner Circle last year has a joint venture with Bacardi and rumor had it that Bacardi was going to help Inner Circle up their production.

[rumlord]

I happen to be and Australian and have enjoyed Bundaberg Rum for almost 30 years. Now I just feel old.

It disappoints me to read that self proclaimed "rum conusors" consider this spirit inferior. I have enjoyed tasting rums from all around the world in my travels and while it may boil down to home town taste, I love the flavour of Bundy.

I understand that people have different tastes, and it would be a pretty boring world if not but, I believe people who don't enjoy Bundy probably wouldn't know rum from scotch......

And, for the record, Bundaberg Rum continues to be produced by the very same distillery and is still loved by many. A simple google search would have confirmed the status of Bundaberg Rum - doesn't say a lot for the ill-informed people who speculate on this point.

Like they say, "better to be quiet and thought a fool than speak up and remove all doubt!"

[Ben]

Hi Rumlord,

Bundaberg is distributed in Canada, so I was able to get a bottle from Alberta.

I still did not open it, but your passionate stance about a rum of yours put it on my eager list.

Represent!

[UnkleNeeko]

I am a fan of Bundaberg rum. Not really for sipping neat, but as a mixer. Bundaberg marketing ads are cool and they have a significant history. My grandpa, on his way to Japan during WWII, recalls it was a hit! I have had many a great cocktails made from Bundaberg, Inner Circle and Ord River on the Gold Coast, Sydney and surrounds. Re: the bundy haters...haha, to each there own and more for me. My first experiences with Aussie rums (and wines and beers) good, so my perspective is favorable. Moreover, If there is a well-trained person mixing drinks, who understands taste profiles and how to utilize them, the best of a rum can be brought out. Interested to have a go at the new Bundy Reserve and Holey Dollar rum. Anyone tried this yet??

[Jason]

@rumlord When I read your post this morning it made me smile. I admire your conviction and dedication to what you like. So today while I was out I happened upon a bottle of Bundaberg Reserve which I bought purely based on your resolve. I've never tried any of the Bundaberg rums before. I look forward to giving this a go later tonight :)

[JMac]

About 4-5 years ago I purchased 2 bottles of Bundy Black. I really disliked this rum...it tasted like Scotch..very heavy and with a bit of iodine. I gave one bottle away and kept the second for my collection. I think I would rather the Inner Circle over Bundaberg.

I never thought I would say the above about any rum.....

[rumlord]

Well done fellow rum connoisseurs, makes me so happy to be among so many like minded rum lovers. Can't believe it took me so long to find such a place.....

No-doubt, the flavour of Bundy will not appeal to everyone but this enticing dark spirit has a huge following in Australia.

I can't drink this liquor straight and enjoy mixing with cola's or ginger beer. I find the sweeter the cola, the better.

Some hotels sell Bundy and Cola on tap, and this is my absolute favourite gzzg The pre mixed Bundy and Cola bottles and cans are pretty close but no banana!!

As my fellow Bundy fans point out, there are a number of different Bundaberg Rums, all with their unique flavours but still all brothers too.

Certainly give this rum a try if you get the opportunity.

Love my Bundy Btmup.gif

[Jason]

Yeh... I've had the reserve twice now and it's certainly not my thing. I have been drinking it straight with one ice cube like I usually drink my rum. I might have to try that ginger beer idea.