Least Favorite Rums

[bluewave6]

We have several topics going about rums that we really like...how about a list of rums that you have tried and swore you would never buy another bottle?

For me it would be:
Captain Morgan Private Stock: Tastes like sweet vanilla syrup to me
Captain Morgan Tattoo: Was gifted this at Christmas last year and quickly gave it away to someone at work who likes to mix it with Red Bull
Dag Fish Head Spiced Brown: It is spiced with clover honey and smells just like a field of clovers. My wife enjoyed it but I could not stand being around a glass when she was drinking it.

[Scottes]

The following are rums that I actively dislike, and would go out of my way to talk someone out of buying them:

Bacardi Superior
Malibu
Parrot Bay Coconut
DonQ Cristal
Appleton White
Myers's Platinum White


The following list are rums that I would never buy again, as they're just not good enough. The bottles that I have of them will last me quite a while I think. And I will do my best to talk someone into buying something better than these.

Cruzan Coconut
Flor De Cana Extra Dry White
Brugal White
DonQ Gold
Bacardi Gold
Cruzan Estate Dark
Mount Gay Eclipse
Gosling's Gold
Ron Botran Anejo
Barrow's Grand Reserve
English Harbour 5-year-old
Leblon Cachaca

[angelsword]

I have yet to taste a fruit flavored rum that was not far too sweet for me to truly enjoy. Of the flavored rums that were tasted in the MOR Tasting Competition the only other producer's rum that interested me, the one that I was interested in buying, was the New Orleans Cajun Spice. I believe that it only scored a Bronze Medal because everyone's taste buds were blown out by all the sweetness.

[Hank Koestner]

Ditto on the fruit flavored rums. Too much added sugar, and some of the flavoring is artificial.

[Scottes]

So far I've found the flavorings quite artifical, though the Cruzan Coconut was only somewhat artificial - though still not good enough. Their Vanilla was not very good though, so it probably doesn't extend across the line.

For spiced rums I've found the Foursquare to be quite nice.

[bluewave6]

I agree for the most part the flavored rums are more like flavored syrup. The one exception I have found is the Brinley flavored rums. they are sweet but nat as thick and syrup like as the others. For spiced rum I like Sailor Jerry and four square. my wife likes the Panama Jack spiced rum from Panama.

[Scottes]

I keep hearing about the Brinleys. I must find some one of these days.

[bluewave6]

Scott drop me an email at oceanrods@yahoo.com. My local haunt had some of the minis on sale for $1 each and I can see about getting you a few of the different flavors to try. I think they had Mango and coffee left.

[cigar-aficionado]

Spiced rums and most Jamaicans...bit too "nosey" for my tastes sadly:(

[Milicent]

Bacardi Superior is at the top of my list. Of course, it was also at the top of my list when I was in high school but for different reasons. Now that I've acquired a taste for rum, I just don't like the profile Bacardi offers.

I've also found I wouldn't buy Sailor Jerry's again for rum. It's a great mixer and I've enjoyed it on many occasions. However, it just doesn't taste like rum to me. It tastes like a great alcohol to mix with something else. That's the rub. If I want rum, I want it to taste like rum. That why I won't do Sailor Jerry's again if I want to taste rum.

Malibu is also off my list. A summer holiday in the keys was met with the promise of a wonderful cocktail: diet Coke and Malibu. I was clued in right off the bat, but I still gave it a try. It was an okay mixed drink/cocktail, but it wasn't rum. No go there.

Fortunately, there are still so many wonderful rums out there. I can't complain when I can only come up with three that are definitely off limits.

[Berbician]

Scottes,

I strongly disagree with you about English Harbour 5 year old - it's one of my favourites. However, I tend to agree about Mount Gay Eclipse - I used to drink quite a lot of this, but stopped liking it about 15 years ago. Either its flavour changed, or my tastes changed - don't know which.:confused:

The two worst rums that I've ever tried have to be Myers's "Planter's Punch", and "Rivers" from Grenada. The latter is seriously vile - I couldn't even finish the bottle.:eek:

Incidentally, it's interesting that hardly anybody in Jamaica drinks Myers's.

[Scottes]

I strongly disagree with you about English Harbour 5 year old - it's one of my favourites.
Yes, I've heard many people say great things about it, but it had too much burn for me, mixed with a smokiness that I don't care for. However, in my review of it, I did wonder if i just wasn't in the mood for it that night and mentioned that I should try it again.

One of these days I'm going to revisit some of those rums that i did not like, and double-check. Sometimes a single tasting isn't enough, and sometimes a rum grows on you.

[Matusalem]

Bacardi - to name a brand I have no love affair with.

[Aaron Wolin]

Sea Wynde - Was eh for $20, and when they doubled the price it became the worst rum on the market. Plus it smells like feet.

I disagree with people who would avoid Mount Gay Eclipse. It's not a great rum that I would drink neat, but it's a decent, affordable mixing rum for more social occasions. To those that disliked Eclipse: what do you use instead when hosting (assuming you're relatively poor like me)?

[Scottes]

I once liked Mount Gay, and it was one of my "general" rums along with Appleton V/X. But I did a comparison of 8 gold mixing rums last Friday, and now I'd suggest that you sit down and compare Appleton Special Gold to Mount Gay Eclipse some time.

More of my thoughts here:
http://scottesrum.com/2007/09/14/8-gold-mixing-rums/

[justbob]

First off, Bacardi is by far my least favorite rum. I actively attempt to persuade customers to buy almost ANYTHING other than it. (Namely Bacardi "superior")

That aside, I think some of the flavored rums have their purposes, though drinking them straight is not one. I found RedRum to be horrendous (mainly, perhaps, because I was unaware of it being flavored).

Tommy Bahama's rum I find to be flavorless, bland, and over priced.

All that being said, the one rum I believe deserves to be an honest "least favorite" while posing as a rum worthy of drink is Sea Wynde.

I tried this bottle twice (something I rarely do as of yet, seeing as I am still somewhat new to straight rums). Sea wynde has a flavor that I can never place. It reminds me vividly of grilling outside on a nice day, and eating the char off of a steak.

It tastes NOTHING of rum.

[bluewave6]

Speaking of Bacardi..the only 3 rums I like from Bacardi are the Bacardi 8, Solera and Anjeo. These I find decent sipping rums. I do not care for any of their other product though.

[Dood]

It's unfortunate that Bacardi has developed into such a lowly-regarded product when one considers that it was once the pinnacle of good rum, and the product that almost singlehandedly brought rum back in to fashion. It's easily on the top of my list of "do not buy" rums.

I guess my list would be:

1. Sea Wynde. Just don't like it, especially not at the price. It's flavor is just very off-putting and I have to literally choke it down.

2. Bacardi JustAboutAnything.

3. Tommy Bahama. This stuff is just overpriced for the incredible mediocrity. Based on flavor it probably doesn't belong in the top 3 of Least Favorite Rums, but the fact that it's being passed off as some top-shelf material just irks me.

Most of the flavored rums that I've tried are indeed quite bad on their own, but I look at them as being pretty good for what they're intended to be: mixers. I wouldn't drink Cruzan Black Cherry with any fewer than 4 other ingredients, but with the right ingredients, it's not bad.

[Scottes]

Concerning Bacardi... I had an email exchange with Jeff "Beach Bum" Berry about Bacardi, and he said "...their original white rum was glorious -- I tasted some 1920s Bacardi white two years ago and it was a revelation: rich, floral, distinctive, "rummy." "

I'd love to get my hands on some of that stuff, or anything really close.

[knight of the rum table]

Well I thrown in other vote for Sea Wynde, the bottle I had "past tense" was too peppery. Used it in marinade. Tommy Bahama as well was turn into marinade, as was the bottle of Reserva Anejo from PR that I actually talked co workers into buying and bringing back.

Interesting that the three Bacardi rums that bluewave6 like are not from PR, the Bacardi 8 is from Bahamas, the other two from Mexico. At least I am pretty sure of that. Maybe they just don't produce as high quality from PR, too busy mass producing for the masses.

This talk of bad rums is depressing. The world would be a better place if "bad rum" was a true oxymoron.

[Scottes]

Interesting that the three Bacardi rums that bluewave6 like are not from PR, the Bacardi 8 is from Bahamas, the other two from Mexico. At least I am pretty sure of that. Maybe they just don't produce as high quality from PR, too busy mass producing for the masses.
I know that Bacardi has facilities in several (7?) countries, but are they all producing rum? I came across a few links this morning that mentioned Bacardi's "bottling facility" in Mexico...

[Rum Runner]

Concerning Bacardi... I had an email exchange with Jeff "Beach Bum" Berry about Bacardi, and he said "...their original white rum was glorious -- I tasted some 1920s Bacardi white two years ago and it was a revelation: rich, floral, distinctive, "rummy." "I'd love to get my hands on some of that stuff, or anything really close.

Scottes, If my history memory serves me right, that 1920's Bacardi Jeff tasted was most likely made in Cuba. I don't think Bacardi opened in Puerto Rico until sometime in the '30's...On the general topic of "least favorite"..or for that matter "most favorite" rums...My feeling is that what you don't like or do like is fine, and obviously very personal. When assessing rum... as with other spirits/wines...We need to keep them in their category. Placing a White Zinfandel up against a Grand Cru Red Bordeaux is going to get a nasty review! Probably for both. Bacardi produces "technically " excellent rum. We cannot fault them for that.They have chosen a path of "make what the world wants." I'm not a booster of the "600 Hundred Pound Gorilla" as Ed affectionately calls them. Bacardi could ( If they wanted to) produce a cane juice based rum that would equal any produced now in the World. That they choose not to is a shame I think...Especially for a company with such a rich heritage in the rum distilling trade

[thomasrhum]

Hey Scottes, what don't you like about Appleton White? The other whites you mention as no-good are pretty harsh. I take it that's what turns you off from them. But Appleton White is at least rested for awhile and then filtered. I think it's not too hot, so it's good for sipping even at room temp.

Let me add my dislikes. Anything from Puerto Rico. That includes rums bottled there and imported to the mainland US, and those imported to the mainland and bottled here. Don't like any I've found.

[Dood]

Concerning Bacardi... I had an email exchange with Jeff "Beach Bum" Berry about Bacardi, and he said "...their original white rum was glorious -- I tasted some 1920s Bacardi white two years ago and it was a revelation: rich, floral, distinctive, "rummy." "

I'd love to get my hands on some of that stuff, or anything really close.

I recall Wayne's book mentioning a similar experience when he got to sample some 20's vintage Bacardi.

[Scottes]

I recall Wayne's book mentioning a similar experience when he got to sample some 20's vintage Bacardi.
I think that was the same day, as I believe it was Jeff and Wayne at Stephen Remsberg's house. But I don't have the book handy to check...

[Count Silvio]

I will never again touch that horrific blasphemy that is Captain Morgan Jamaica Rum. Had some really bad experiences with it many years ago and when I finally tasted it at my friends place this year, it had not become any better. Having politely tasted the jamaica rum, I offered my friend Ron Zacapa 23 and he actually said he preferred Morgan.

[angelsword]

I offered my friend Ron Zacapa 23 and he actually said he preferred Morgan.

Some people prefer to drink Kool-Aid than natural fruit juice. The extra sweetness is key!

[RumBarPhilly]

Worst rum ever must be the Dogfish Head Spiced. It sounds so good (Coriander and orange peel) yet tastes so bad!

Also, the Grand Havana is right up there!! Ugh!!

[Tiare]

Havenґt tasted so very many different rums yet..but so far the 3 worst for me is Bacardi superior Kings Bay and Malibu.

[Hank Koestner]

I would have to add Cruzan Blackstrap to my worst list.

[RumBarPhilly]

I would have to add Cruzan Blackstrap to my worst list.

Really? I'm a huge fan of Cruzan black strap!

[Dood]

One man's Zacapa XO is another man's Bacardi O...

[RumBarPhilly]

One man's Zacapa XO is another man's Bacardi O...

I had this bar guest a few weeks back who had a flight of rums, Montecristo 12 year, Pampero Anniversario, and Zaya. He claimed to have an amazing smeller, he got bleech out of the Zaya and despised the others as well. We then gave him a sample of zacapa 23, he said he couldnt drink it, it reeked of terpentine. I asked him what he likes, he told me light rums. So I went ahead and gave him a sample of Oronoco, he did like it, then he ordered a shot of it, and he shot it.

Liquor is curiously different from food. A food that is delicious to one person will be delicious to nearly everybody. Strange how rums, other spirits, wines, and beers differ from this.

[Dood]

I still think there was something wrong with that guy.

[RumBarPhilly]

Yea, I really wanted to stick his nose up my ass and see what he thought of that smell.

[Dood]

Yea, I really wanted to stick his nose up my ass and see what he thought of that smell.

"Nutty, with some floral hints and just a touch of...is that lavender?"

[Hank Koestner]

I am still laughing at this last exchange.....the Blackstrap I find to be very syrupy and some shellac on the finish. Maybe the day I chose to drink it, it just wasen't what I was in the mood for, but I really did not care for it. I will have to give it another shot.

[Scottes]

I still think there was something wrong with that guy.
Ditto. That was an amazing selection of rums, and I can't understand how he didn't like any of them...

[bluewave6]

I would have to add Cruzan Blackstrap to my worst list.

I really enjoy the Blackstrap. You should try it with a wedge of lime and an ice cube. It seems like a strange pairing but it is amazing how well the two flavors magically blend.

[Milicent]

I feel sheepish admitting it, but I've used Blackstrap in a few drinks with pleasant success. I freely admit to trying it straight, on ice, and with lime but without success as a sipper. I've actually used it in Dark and Stormys in place of Gosling's Black Seal.

More importantly, I must confess to regular periods of giggling every time I think of RumBarPhilly's comments re "Yea, I really wanted to stick his nose up my ass and see what he thought of that smell." Classic. Of course, Dood's lavender comment was a perfect follow up. I can't better either, so I will them alone.

[Edward Hamilton]

I don't consider Cruzan Blackstrap a sipping rum, but I think it has found its place as a topper on planters punches, when I have a bottle around. I also like to add a bit of it to my bbq marinade. I've also enjoyed a bit of it in my pancake batter, but I prefer something a little lighter in the syrup, maybe a little Barbancourt 3 star.

[angelsword]

I've also enjoyed a bit of it in my pancake batter, but I prefer something a little lighter in the syrup, maybe a little Barbancourt 3 star.

Pancakes again! :D

[RumBarPhilly]

We actually served the Black Strap in our rum dinner we had a few months back. We paired it with Gosling Gourmet's Dark and Stormy Spiced Rum Cake topped with a vanilla drizzle, it went really well. I think the bittersweetness of the rum countered the rich cake very well.

I do like to sip it, Ill admit, on the rocks though, I could do neat, but throwing ice in it helped a lot

[bluewave6]

Another one I woul dhave to add my list is Ron Sante Fe from Columbia. This has a very strong metalic after taste. I associated the after taste with the when I was a kid and used to bite down on the lead crimp sinkers on my line while fishing....left the same taste in my mouth.

[Lew Barrett]

I rarely meet a premium pour I don't find something to like about (not that I've met all that many) but in the more elevated category, I'll be bold and throw a name out. I found Cockspur 12 Year to be underwhelming. I thought it was pretty flat tasting, just mostly hot, and not what I'd hope for in a $30 bottle. I see that it's an award winner and with adherents on the forum, so I wonder if I missed something, or it's just that my tastes are not developed.

I've decided to edit this with an addition. Every review I read of this rum puts it squarely as a premium, enjoyable rum. I don't mean to pan it outright, but I do question it's value, at least to me.
Clearly to many it's not a world's worst rum, or even in the category by most reasonable standards. But of my best bottles, it is my least favorite for the reasons I named. I'm just wondering if I got a bad bottle (if such is possible) or haven't given it the chance it deserves. I tried it again last night with the same results. To my tastes, an alcohol drink with little character. I'd think one might expect more at the price.

[RobertBurr]

A recent trip to Key West found the wife and I re-visiting one of our favorite haunts -- we spent our honeymoon there 25 years ago -- at the Casa Marina resort, our collective memories in sync: those frozen pina coladas we enjoyed back then on the beach as the sun went down were heavenly. So, we headed back as the sun was falling into the horizon, watched a cruise ship depart, birds flying in formation and ordered a pair of pina coladas, hoping for blissful reprise.

The drinks came with what might be described as dark sludge from the Exxon Valdez laying on the bottom of these creamy concoctions. A taste revealed a rich, sweet, black syrup-based component that could only be Cruzan Black Strap Molasses. The flavor it contributed to the drink was completely unique in the universe of pina coladas, wonderfully rich and tropical and satisfying. Although not the same as we sampled a quarter-decade ago, the experience was enjoyable and delightful.

There is a time and a place and a reason to choose this unique rum, but out of context it could be considered without merit.

[BStout]

pomalco. it is a horrible rum made in peru. the regular level is god awful, good for sterilizing toothbushes and curing athletes foot (if you don't mind sticky toes). the seven year is drinkable, but better mixed with anything that overwhlms the taste.

this is not to knock peruvian rum. i enjoy cartavio very much. their basic amber is excellent for mixing, and not bad on the rocks. the 1929 (which no longer claims to be a twelve year,and i think the most recent bottles don't claim any age for their solera system)

a let down for me was flor de cana. neither the five, nor the twelve year do much for me. it seems to have an abrupt beginning and very little finish. not sure why all the hype on that one.

[stockdoct]

I had fun last night.

While playing cards with friends --- wine drinkers, one of whom drinks Tommy Bahama mixed in Coke occasionally, I introduced them to a few sips of really good rums. In turn, we tried English Harbor with a cube of ice, then Ron Zacapa 23 y/o, then Zaya 12 year old......................then Tommy Bahama dark.

They shouted, made really horrific faces, spit out the Tommy, calling it "gasoline", "kerosene", *nasty sh*t* and other expletives I can't write on a public forum. Then I showed them what they were drinking.

I really do believe rums like Bacardi and Tommy would be shunned by the average public, if the world was introduced to the really fine rums of the world. I thank this board for introducing them to me.

Mike

[RumBarPhilly]

The drinks came with what might be described as dark sludge from the Exxon Valdez laying on the bottom of these creamy concoctions. A taste revealed a rich, sweet, black syrup-based component that could only be Cruzan Black Strap Molasses. The flavor it contributed to the drink was completely unique in the universe of pina coladas, wonderfully rich and tropical and satisfying. Although not the same as we sampled a quarter-decade ago, the experience was enjoyable and delightful.


Similar drink, Ive made Painkillers with Whalers Dark and its a great change of pace from the Pussers. Ill bet the Black Strap would work just as well as the Whalers Dark.

[angelsword]

I rarely meet a premium pour I don't find something to like about (not that I've met all that many) but in the more elevated category, I'll be bold and throw a name out. I found Cockspur 12 Year to be underwhelming. I thought it was pretty flat tasting, just mostly hot, and not what I'd hope for in a $30 bottle.

Cockspur does have a lot of new oak taste. To appreciate this aspect in a rum one would almost have to be a Bourbon drinker as well. So if you don't like Bourbon, then you probably won't like this either. It has a nice aroma and I would certainly use it in a mixed drink. But I find the taste a bit limited for just sipping.

[Paulipbartender]

I found Cockspur 12 Year to be underwhelming. I thought it was pretty flat tasting, just mostly hot, and not what I'd hope for in a $30 bottle.

Of course Cockspur 12 might be accused of being misleading being that the OLDEST rum in the blend is 12 years old. I couldn't get anyone to tell me what the youngest rum was.

[RobertBurr]

We're tasting Cockspur Fine and Cockspur 12 tomorrow evening here in Coral Gables at our Gifted Rums of Barbados event, along with a dozen other rums from Barbados.

I find the fine rum to be interesting, lots of flavor for a relatively young blend. The 12, also labeled as VSOR in the islands, is much more mature with lots of oak and some bourbon tones - a good choice to enjoy with a medium mild cigar. I could never put these on my least favorite list.

I get the impression Cockspur is going to be aggressively marketing their premium product in selected markets in the US this year.

Sea Wynde was one of my least favorites, but the new blend is more palatable.

[RumBarPhilly]

Sea Wynde was one of my least favorites, but the new blend is more palatable.

They changed the blend? As of when? I am curious if the first time I tasted it (one year ago) is any different from todays rum

[RobertBurr]

Sea Wynde two years ago at the tasting competition in Ybor City was my least favorite. I detect what seems like an objectionable attribute from the bread yeast used. After that time, I believe the blend changed to a more tasteful recipe. Anyone else detect a change in that time frame?

[RumBarPhilly]

Now that I think about it, itll be hard to tell if its been changed, as PA probably purchased X amount of cases for special order only, which means theyve still probably got X-1 cases. Ill have to wait till its out of stock before I taste a newer bottle.

[Rumpelteazer]

Like most in the USA I'm sure, my first experiences with rum were Bacardi. It has been many years since I have owned a bottle of Bacardi rum, and clearly others on this board appear to share my low opinion of their products.

I was wondering about the second rum to cross my lips regularly in those early days... Myer's Dark. I have not drank it either for many years. If I were to taste it now, would I be pleasantly surprised? or horrified? or somewhere in between?

Dare I risk one of my yuppie food stamps on a bottle? Maybe a mini? Anything other than Coke it can be mixed with?

[Jerry]

I find that it goes well enough with tonic, but its definitely not a sipper.

[RobertBurr]

I was wondering about the second rum to cross my lips regularly in those early days... Myer's Dark. I have not drank it either for many years. If I were to taste it now, would I be pleasantly surprised? or horrified? or somewhere in between?

Our good friend, author and Rum Pundit Ian Williams (http://www.rumpundit.net) likes to drink Myers's neat or on the rocks. On a recent walking tour of Coral Gables visiting a dozen of my favorite drinking establishments, he managed to drink enough Myers's to cause a bump in sales figures for the month.

[angelsword]

I was wondering about the second rum to cross my lips regularly in those early days... Myer's Dark. I have not drank it either for many years. If I were to taste it now, would I be pleasantly surprised? or horrified? or somewhere in between?

There are the changes in our paletes through experience... and biology. But there could also be changes in production and formulation. I recently picked up a bottle of Meyer's Platinum and was pleasantly surprised.

[Jerry]

There are the changes in our paletes through experience...

I assume this is what's happening to me....I'm at the end of a bottle of Cockspur 12....I've enjoyed it, but its not been one of my favorites. I tasted some neat tonight before my usual rum & tonic and I just realized why its not a favorite....it is very whiskey-like.

[Bilgemunky]

Sea Wynde two years ago at the tasting competition in Ybor City was my least favorite. I detect what seems like an objectionable attribute from the bread yeast used. After that time, I believe the blend changed to a more tasteful recipe. Anyone else detect a change in that time frame?

I wasn't aware of a recent change in formula, but your statemen reflects my own experiences. I first had Sea Wynde some years back - 6 or more, and really liked it. Then shortly after the formula changed and the rum tasted like the charred steak described by others. It was only in the last year or so that I tried Sea Wynde again, and found it much more palatable.

[gatomalo]

Rums that I do my best to avoid:

Rhum Negrita
Bacardi Superior
Captain Morgan (any of them)
Myers*
Lamb's Navy**

* Myers is the dominant dark rum in Japan (where I lived for 3 years) and by the end of my time there I was sick of it. Well, to tell the truth, I was sick of it after the very first glass.

** I bought a bottle of Lamb's Navy recently (against my better judgement) as it was on special offer at a local supermarket and I thought I might have been a little too harsh on it in the past. But drinking it just confirmed that it was not to my taste at all. I use it now only for cooking (and even then I'm not sure it improves the flavour of the food).

[Ben]

Rums that I do my best to avoid:

Rhum Negrita
Bacardi Superior
Captain Morgan (any of them)
Myers
Lamb's Navy


I agree with most of them. My perception is that you have sipper and non-sipper rums. Sipper rums are a waste if not used properly (example : cooking with Brugal Extra Viejo) and then non-sipper rums 'cause they are not enjoyable dry or on the rocks. I try to stick to premium rums and generally avoid brands that produce generic rums, like Bacardi, Captain Morgan.

My personal top three beurk awards: Lemon Hart, Coruba and the worst of all, a rum called Tondena from Philippines.

[black_strap]

I like Black Strap too, if anyone couldn't tell!

the worsts I've had are:

Captain Morgan Tattoo
Barcardi Select (have any of you had Bacardi Select? What do you think of it?)

[Bluehammer]

Worst rum I have bought: Ron Centenario Conmemorativo "Reserva"


Thought the bottle looked nifty. Never had rum from Costa Rica. Not sure I will try any Costa Rican rum again. To me this stuff lacked any flavor. It was like drinking water that had a stick floating in it too long. What is interesting was that it smelled good.

I should have known it was going to be bad when I saw it came with a plastic screw cap and has a built in plastic pour spout/diffuser.

Not a big fan of Bacardi Anejo either. Go figure.

[young0076]

I tried the 10 cane last night, thank god I didn't pay for it, but it was a really rough tasting rum. My friend who paid for it even left it here at my house and said keep it LOL.

I guess I am staying with the molasses rums.

But to those who like it and you are close to Jacksonville NC come on down and get it, roughly half a bottle left LOL

[sailor22]

I almost never mix Rum cocktails - I always drink my Rum neat - no ice or lime no ginger ale or coke - so I'm talking pure sippers only.

I realize I'm probably in the minority with theses picks- I'm not comfortable saying they are bad Rums but I can say for sure I'LL NEVER BUY ANY OF THESE AGAIN;

In order of my purchase aversion;
Angostura 1919
Vizcaya
Pampero Aniversario
Pyrat XO (current version - I love the old version)
Zacapa 15
El Dorado 12

[Hours of Wealth]

ah, a wonderful thread, i cannot stand captain morgans spiced rum

sailor jerry's leaves it in the dust :)

[Rum Runner]

I tried the 10 cane last night, thank god I didn't pay for it, but it was a really rough tasting rum. My friend who paid for it even left it here at my house and said keep it LOL.

I guess I am staying with the molasses rums.

But to those who like it and you are close to Jacksonville NC come on down and get it, roughly half a bottle left LOL

Hi Gary and welcome. My guess is that you may have or will (at some point), come across a molasses based rum that may not suit your palate as well.

My point being that you may wish to reconsider your dismissal of rums produced from cane juice until you have had the chance to experience a wider range of such.

Keep an open mind and palate...It makes for more fun.

To keep on topic...Every time I see a new branded "flavor" of a white rum I think, Oh...That sounds good...Only to find myself wondering what was I thinking when I bought this. There are exceptions of course. The Creole Shrub from Clement is one. And some of the Cruzan flavors come off well also.

[rumdog007]

Rinaldo Private Reserve!

Nose: Caramel, Honey, Butterfinger Bar

Taste: Melted Brown Kiwi shoe polish, Tar, Penquin Droppings, Burnt PVC

Finish: Castrol Motor Oil, Hemlock, Turpentine

This is one of those supermarket-only brands bottled in Mira Loma, CA. There is a Rinaldo Dark Rum at $7.99 that isn't the worst and can be salvaged in a rum drink with some lime and sugar. This stuff is $20.00 and cannot really be rum. eek.gif

[young0076]

Hey Rum Runner can you recommend some cane rums that has a better taste than the 10 cane?

party2.gif

[Rum Runner]

Hey Rum Runner can you recommend some cane rums that has a better taste than the 10 cane?

party2.gif

I'll preface by saying that there are a number of cane juice rums with substantially different flavor profiles than 10 Cane. Whether you find them better or not will depend on your preferences.

I would recommend the offerings from Clement, St. James and Depaz for starters.

I'm sure other members can chime in with their take also.

[TheRumelier]

I'LL NEVER BUY ANY OF THESE AGAIN;
In order of my purchase aversion;
Angostura 1919
Pampero Aniversario
Zacapa 15
El Dorado 12

I see why everybody is different. I would include these four as some of my favourite rums (when available to me). I just wish I had a spare liver so I could drink more of these rums everyday!!g()fy

[sailor22]

I was thinking you might have a comment on that list - you had told me that some of them were your favorites. Just goes to show how different taste can be.

Vive la difference! cheers.gif

[TheRumelier]

I was thinking you might have a comment on that list - you had told me that some of them were your favorites. Just goes to show how different taste can be.

Vive la difference! cheers.gif

I think you can add the Zaya's to that list. If we were all the same life would be no fun. Not only how different tastes can be, but quite often how individual rums can taste different on seperate occasions. What tastes good today might taste different tomorrow. eek.gif

[Bill]

For me 10 Cane is only average. Any of the Barbancourts, especially the Five Star are much better. Montecristo 12 is very good. And Clements VSOP and St. James Hors d'Age are very, very nice.

All of these are much better than the 10 Cane, which I consider a marketing failure (think Tommy Bahama).

[Berbician]

I almost never mix Rum cocktails - I always drink my Rum neat - no ice or lime no ginger ale or coke - so I'm talking pure sippers only.

I realize I'm probably in the minority with theses picks- I'm not comfortable saying they are bad Rums but I can say for sure I'LL NEVER BUY ANY OF THESE AGAIN;

In order of my purchase aversion;
Angostura 1919
Vizcaya
Pampero Aniversario
Pyrat XO (current version - I love the old version)
Zacapa 15
El Dorado 12

At last! I've found someone else who doesn't like Angostura 1919.

[rumdog007]

Wow, this has been a week devoted to "likes" and "dislikes", very provacative stuff! Yes, our tastes can run in different directions. I had to say that I love 10 Cane. It makes a great daiquiri. I have to go on and state that it's a daiquiri like no other. The distinctive flavor of the 10 Cane seems to take the drink to a new place. Tonight, I am having a Flare of 10 Cane, neat. drooling3.gif It does not fit any of the Capn Jimbo rum categories (heck, some of his calls on different rums don't fit his categories!) very well. But, that's one of the great things about rum, it's the mutt of spirits (said with respect and a wink).

[Michael]

At last! I've found someone else who doesn't like Angostura 1919.

That club is larger than you think. :D

BTW someone sent me a copy of Imbibe for Sept/Oct in which our own Martin Cate from FI provided a cocktail recipe, Twenty Seventy Swizzle pg. 55, using Angostura 1919. It sounds good and might be an alternative use for those of us not susceptible to 1919's charms unalloyed.

Now if someone can suggest a fine cocktail recipe employing Vizcaya, another unfavored bottle might be put to good use. cheers.gif

[rumdog007]

Michael, I have a great recipe for that Vizcaya, but it involves a USPS padded mailer and enough stamps for a trip to Costa Mesa!g()fy

[RobertBurr]

Maybe it's just me, but the list of rums I don't like is getting smaller all the time. I've gained an appreciation for the variety and individual expressions of the distillers, blenders and maturing styles of many regions. If you were to enjoy each of these rums within the context of their native setting, their food, climate, territory, customs and attitude... many of them are exactly what they're meant to be.

Perhaps it's crass to compare rums to women, but many of them have their admirable and unique qualities to admire.

[primate77]

Even Rosie O'Donnell?

[RobertBurr]

technically, shes not actually a rum...

[primate77]

nor a woman either.