Yo ho ho!

[didelalafia]

Hello lovers of rhum,

My name is Geoff and although I'm in the wine trade, I am a true rum (rhum) aficionado.

I suppose my love of rum began in the late seventies when I lived in francophone West Africa. The rhums of choice: St James and Mangoustan.

Although I consider the French rhums the best (the best I ever had was a vintage-dated Dillon from 1963!) I am currently a huge fan of Havana Club from Cuba. The seven year old is truly great. And, I was lucky enough to sample the 15 year old in the bar at the Rum Museum in Havana in March. A superb rum!

Best,

Geoff

[Edward Hamilton]

Welcome to the forums. We embrace wine and other spirit enthusiasts here. If you like rhum agricole you are lucky that you can find some good ones in California. Neisson, La Favorite and J.M are available depending on where you're shopping.

[Sylbaris]

Geoff: You are a rhummy after my own heart! You are the first I have seen mention the Dillon brand on this sight. During my travels throughout Martinique in the 80's and 90's, Dillon was a quite popular rhum. The only vintage bottles I ever tasted were at the distillery though I do not remember the year, but it was certainly vintaged prior to 1983 my first trip there. I have waxed on passionately on this site about my rhum agricole experiences.
The finest always being the Rhum Bally, probably a quite difficult find now outside of that island or Paris. Dillon at many local bars was the preferred appellation for the Ti-punch, though my choice for that signature cocktail was Neisson. My current stock of agricole is Neisson, LaMauny, Depaz, LaFavorite and of course a thumb of Bally. Drink well, long & prosper!

[forrest]

Welcome to the for-rum didelalafia glad to have another Rhum nut in the house...

[dreliason]

Speaking of Dillon ... last night I had a Dillon over crushed iced. It was good, very good. The flavor was light, followed by an aeromatic "whisper" that was very pleasant. I very much prefer it over the big "factory" rums ...such as Appleton or Mount Gay.

I don't want to forget ... Welcome didelalafia. I envy you. I have always been most curious about Cuban rums.

[didelalafia]

Cheers everyone! And thanks for the warm welcome. Rum is certainly a great drink, to my mind, the best of the distilled spirits.

The Rum Museum in Havana is a trip, a must-see! A warm welcome is there, a tasting bar ( 7 anos anejo when I was there) and a great bar on the premises. Apparently the Buena Vista musicians jam there, but sadly I missed them by one day.

Also of note: Pepe of Pepenero's in Tulum turned me on to another Cuban: Ron Caney, white label (got to love the native girls on the label). It was mellow, slightly amber, with classic aromatics of fruit, clove and nutmeg, finishing with natural sweetness. Superb!

Best,

Geoff