Oronoco Rum from Brazil

[Edward Hamilton]

There was considerable discussion about this spirit on the What did you drink last night? forum so I'm starting this thread in hopes of not letting that discussion get too far from What did you drink last night? and to hopefully answer some of the questions which have arisen about that spirit.

Despite what has been written in some national magazines by some "spirits experts" who should know better, Oronoco is not a Brazilian rhum agricole imported by Caribbean Spirits.

Oronoco is distilled for and blended by Diageo, the largest beverage alcohol company on this planet who also sell Captain Morgan Spiced Rum, Johnnie Walker Scotch whiskey, Smirnoff vodka, ose Cuervo tequila and a long list of other spirits.

Oronoco is not Brazilian cachaзa for two reasons. First, Oronoco is not distilled from sugar cane juice to between 38 and 48% alcohol by volume and second, it contains some molasses based spirit and therefore if sold in Brazil it would have to be labeled rum. Though cachaзa is the most well known Brazilian spirit there is also a lot of alcohol made from molasses in that country which is bottled at rum, vodka and other lesser spirits.

Oronoco is a blend of Brazilian sugar cane spirit made from freshly pressed sugar cane grown on the mountains in the southern part of that vast country, and aged Venezuelan rum.

The reason Oronoco tastes more like an aged rum than what many percieve to be a white rum is that fact that the base spirit is made from freshly squeezed sugar cane juice. So you might ask, "Why doesn't Oronoco taste more like rhum agricole." That lies in the way rhum agricole and the base spirit for Oronoco are distilled. Rhum agricole is distilled to about 72% alcohol by volume, which Oronoco is distilled to a much higher proof rendering it closer to a neutral spirit. The vanilla flavor of Oronoco comes in large part from the addition of aged Venezuelan rum.

So why doesn't Oronoco have more of the smoky oak flavor found in other aged rums? That is part of the magic of blending which hasn't yet been divulged by my friends at Diageo. And as most rum drinkers discover there is a little magic in every bottle but don't despair, if spirits blenders told you all of their secrets it wouldn't be magic, would it?

[Hank Koestner]

Thanks Ed, for all the info. It really is quite a rum, and whatever magic they use, it is fine by me!
Do we know what type of barrels they use for aging?

[Edward Hamilton]

My guess is used bourbon and whisky barrels for the Venezuelan rum, but the base spirit isn't aged.

[Milicent]

Oronoco: I'm still enamored and in need of purchasing another bottle. Besides enjoying myself, I have been sharing it with others religiously. Thanks for the good review, Scottes, and the considerable info. and new link, Edward. I was particularly pleased to have my rhum agricole question anticipated and answered.

Here is a related question: how did others come across this rum? I have seen no advertisements for it whatsoever. I heard a handful of folks whose tastes I respect and with whom I resonate recommend it and so began with a miniature bottle as an introduction. I can't find it locally, but have family in California who purchase and ship it to me.

So, how did everyone else discover this pleasant and surprising white rum?

[Hank Koestner]

I heard about it on this site, then found it described on different links on Scottes website. I was lucky enough to happen upon it at one of our liquor
stores.
By the way, I was in a restaurant tonight that had Oronoco on the bar!! It must be that one of our local distributors has discovered this rum, and is putting in local establishments. I did not have time to check on other rums at this establishment, but I will return and do so. The name of the restaurant is Houstons.

[Scottes]

I learned about it here, and read about it on a couple review sites like RNDReviews.com. I managed to score a bottle in NYC when I was there a couple weeks ago.

[Matusalem]

I'm in SF, if I'm not mistaken Oronoco was launched here. I'm on my third bottle now, and got my first more than a year ago. We sometimes go to this Brazilian bbq joint that was carrying it. I had seen it before but inquired and the bar tender said it was the best SC product they had on hand. I didn't have any that day but took a chance on a bottle the following week.

You are right Millicent, I don't see it advertised much except in industry books like BIN magazine etc. but I don't think it really needs advertisement heavily. They appear to have it well inserted into the bar tending market. Any establishment that has a reputation for either rum or equator related cocktails and concoctions now stocks Oronoco.

As a side, last week I was at a wine event for Southern and there was David Nepove with a booth making what I'd describe simply as outrageous cocktails. Anyway, prominently displayed was Oronoco, which I asked him what he does with it and he whipped up something he dubbed a "Hot Brazilian" - interesting to say the least.

The point I was leading up to... of the 50 or so products he had on the upper shelves, Oronoco was top tier and the lone rum. There was another rum I spotted on a low shelf under the counter - obviously not a "display" item.

[Edward Hamilton]

Oronoco was launched in San Francisco and was heavily promoted for a short time then Diageo pulled back and reevaluated their position with respect to this product.

As an aside Dave Nepove served the first ti punch in American at Enricos in Jan 2005 before he went to work for Southern Wine and Spirits.

[Matusalem]

As an aside Dave Nepove served the first ti punch in American at Enricos in Jan 2005 before he went to work for Southern Wine and Spirits.Enrico's... Now there's a blast from the past. My pop was pretty good friends with the original Enrico. We use to frequent the place back in the 70's.

[Edward Hamilton]

Enrico died Oct 9 of this year but the restaurant has reopened. Unfortunately the bar has lost much of its passion. I went late last week and was offered a special mojito made with Bacardi light. There is a time and place for Bacardi light but that was neither.

[Matusalem]

Enrico died Oct 9 of this year but the restaurant has reopened. Unfortunately the bar has lost much of its passion. I went late last week and was offered a special mojito made with Bacardi light. There is a time and place for Bacardi light but that was neither.Yeah. I was in there once during David's tenure. I just thought the place was busy and he was in craze trying to keep up. Later I discovered more about him and his circus act and the fact that he could be just as worked up over 1 drink order as he could a counter full of persons waiting impatiently.

That was too bad about Enrico. If I recall correctly he lost the business once before due to tax issues.

[Matusalem]

Now that I've been able to gather my thoughts on this:Oronoco is a blend of Brazilian sugar cane spirit made from freshly pressed sugar cane grown on the mountains in the southern part of that vast country, and aged Venezuelan rum.Of course nothing is concrete here, but wouldn't one estimate Pampero is the mostly likely source Diageo tapped for the "aged rum" - or no?

The reason Oronoco tastes more like an aged rum than what many percieve to be a white rum is that fact that the base spirit is made from freshly squeezed sugar cane juice. So you might ask, "Why doesn't Oronoco taste more like rhum agricole." That lies in the way rhum agricole and the base spirit for Oronoco are distilled. Rhum agricole is distilled to about 72% alcohol by volume, which Oronoco is distilled to a much higher proof rendering it closer to a neutral spirit. The vanilla flavor of Oronoco comes in large part from the addition of aged Venezuelan rum.Aren't the Zacapa, Zaya and Botran rums made from fresh squeezed cane juice? I realize prior to bottling these go through significant maturation, but just curious, do you think the ageing and barrel influence is what has washed away their *agricole*-like edge or are they also distilled to very high percentages? Or is it a combination of all the mentioned factors?

[Edward Hamilton]

Aren't the Zacapa, Zaya and Botran rums made from fresh squeezed cane juice?

All of these rums are made from sugar cane syrup. Since Pampero is also owned by Diageo, there could be a good guess, but it might be something else they own or buy, I try not to speculate.

[Matusalem]

All of these rums are made from sugar cane syrup. Since Pampero is also owned by Diageo, there could be a good guess, but it might be something else they own or buy, I try not to speculate.Under the buying concept that would make sense, although buying outside does defy some sense from the shareholder's perspective. As far as owning, given that it was specifically identified as Venezuelan in orgin, that led me to speculate the source.

Like you though, I realize nothing is certain with regards to spirit marketing. Educated guesses aside, I do like the current final product. It will be interesting to see if it can be maintained for years to come.

As an interesting side, you mentioned Oronoco's early marketing - if I recall correctly (the marketing I saw personally) focused significantly on the family who grows the cane in Brazil... their other world renown cane related productions and migration from Europe etc. Now that Oronoco has established itself and the questions have mounted, much of the focus has moved from the skill of the cane owners and their cane from Heaven, to what type of magic trick Diageo has in its top hat.
:)

[Scottes]

New Hampshire is now selling Oronoco. On sale for $30, as I saw today.

I paid $44 in NYC last month... :-(

[Edward Hamilton]

You have to love New Hampshire. Hope you had a nice drive.

[RobertBurr]

Oronoco from Brazil gets my vote as one of my favorite white rums for sipping. It has a delightful flavor and a clean finish and stands apart from most white rums I enjoy.

[Edward Hamilton]

Aren't the Zacapa, Zaya and Botran rums made from fresh squeezed cane juice? I realize prior to bottling these go through significant maturation, but just curious, do you think the ageing and barrel influence is what has washed away their *agricole*-like edge or are they also distilled to very high percentages? Or is it a combination of all the mentioned factors?

I just realized I hadn't responded to this question so here it is: Zacapa, Zaya and Botran rums are made from sugar cane syrup and not fresh sugar cane jiuce. They are also distilled to about 92% abv unlike rhum agricole which is distilled to about 72% abv which is why it has so much more flavor than other rums which are distilled to a higher proof. Aging also affect their profile but the raw ingredients and distillation proof account for the majority of the difference.

[Tiare]

Oronoco from Brazil gets my vote as one of my favorite white rums for sipping. It has a delightful flavor and a clean finish and stands apart from most white rums I enjoy.

I agree 100% ! its a very nice, very crisp fresh flavorful white rum. If you compare this rum with the worst white rum (that I know of so far) Bacardi "superior" with its almost offensive and industrial, metallic taste you will really see how different rums can taste, if we now really can call this Bacardi a RUM in the right sense of the word?

I suppose its made for mass produced drinks?

[Brigand]

Tiare,
is there a liquor store in Stockholm that sells Oronoco or did you obtain it another way ?
I have a mate that lives near Malmo so maybe he could get me 2 bottles when he drives up next time he visits some other friends!

Cheers

[Count Silvio]

Oronoco from Brazil gets my vote as one of my favorite white rums for sipping. It has a delightful flavor and a clean finish and stands apart from most white rums I enjoy.

Isn't it really a blend of aged rums with just the colour filtered out?

[Carbon]

Isn't it really a blend of aged rums with just the colour filtered out?

From what I read they combine their own Brazilian rum with aged Venezuelan rum and then filter out the coloring to get what we see in the bottle, so you'd be right. Isn't this the case with most good white rums though, that they are aged and then filtered of most or all of their color?

[joergen]

Tiare,
is there a liquor store in Stockholm that sells Oronoco or did you obtain it another way ?


Nope, the Oronoco is not available in Sweden. Looking forward to Tiares' answer...drooling.gif

[Edward Hamilton]

Isn't it really a blend of aged rums with just the colour filtered out?

To my knowledge the bulk of the blend in Oronoco isn't aged, the aged rum component is that to add the vanilla flavor to the bottled product.

[rumdog007]

I really like this rum. At our local Von's, it is being phased out at $18.00 for the 750ml bottles. I bought the last 6 for that price. I make a version of the Hemingway daiquiri with Oronoco. Instead of the Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur, I use Amaretto. Also, it is the Hemingway version incorporating the grapefruit juice. I got the recipe from their website a few years ago, I seem to remember. :D

[Carbon]

I really like this rum. At our local Von's, it is being phased out at $18.00 for the 750ml bottles. I bought the last 6 for that price. I make a version of the Hemingway daiquiri with Oronoco. Instead of the Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur, I use Amaretto. Also, it is the Hemingway version incorporating the grapefruit juice. I got the recipe from their website a few years ago, I seem to remember. :D

Wow that's a great rum at a great price IMO.

[Bluehammer]

Just picked up a bottle recently and I have to say that this product makes me think twice about white rum. Fantastic. I think the Oronoco sets itself apart by far. I did notice that my bottle has a production date of 2007. Is this the majority of product out there or have others had a more recent production run? I am curious if the profile has changed at all over the last 2 years.

[Hank Koestner]

So far as I know, this rum has been very consistent. I had not had any in awhile, and revisited it yesterday. Along with the vanilla note that the rum is well known for, the taste of the wood, was evident and well balanced. even though this rum is light in color, it drinks like an aged darker rum.

[andrewG]

Oronoco is great! I pre-gamed before going out with a few friends and it mixed well with some Red Bull. Plus, everyone liked the bottle.

[RobertBurr]

Oronoco is great! I pre-gamed before going out with a few friends and it mixed well with some Red Bull. Plus, everyone liked the bottle.

I've long been a big fan of Oronoco. Those that share the opinion will love the new Diplomatico Rum Blanco, which is like Exclusiva with the color taken out.

[Paul C]

Thumbs up for Oronoco - thumbs down for the new price in my neighborhood - which is over $40. Went up over $10 a bottle overnight.

Looking for cheaper alternatives now that Zacapa 23 and that have gone "fancy".

pbc

[SuperCorona]

I've long been a big fan of Oronoco. Those that share the opinion will love the new Diplomatico Rum Blanco, which is like Exclusiva with the color taken out.

That's good news about the Diplomatico.

[Matusalem]

Curious,

Have any of my fellow enthusiasts bought and opened any Oronoco recently? If so, hows it tasting these days? I'd especially be appreciative if I could hear from someone who's followed it from earlier on to now.

I haven't bought in quite a while and have been out for a few months now.

[SuperCorona]

Only place I'd seen Oronoco on the shelf were some stores in FL at $40+. Yesterday I walked into local store in KC for some beer. I cruised the rum aisle expecting to see several new flavors of Malibu. On the top shelf, there sat several bottles of Oronoco and they were $24! I'll probably get around to crack one of them this weekend and I'll compare to what I bought a year ago in Clearwater.

[Torpnubber]

http://www.shoppersvineyard.com//4/2009_7_17ic

You guys better get crackin', this isn't going to last forever.
I'm not sure of the circumstances, but I bought 4 bottles last week

[Gwydion]

I have an open bottle of Oronoco right now, and it's great for sipping and for cocktails. Highly recommend it.

[Lew Barrett]

I just pushed the buy now button. Thanks for the lead, Torp. BTW, the Siglo iii I am nubbing at the moment is spectacular!

[neatdrinker]

Guess I lucked out, I bought 2 Bottles of Oronoco from the ShoppersVineyard when they ran that 17.99 special.
I was So impressed with this wonderful white (my first, i never would imagine such flavor with a white, but brought it after reading all the good MOR postings). So, I ordered 2 more last week. I received a note from them that the order was on "hold" due to supply problems. There was also a commentary from the Vineyards owner i read. He was approached by the manufacturer with a deal if he'd take XX amount of cases at a low price. He accecpted, but headlined the product on his website for $17.99.
Apparently, Oronoco's owners (Diego??) objected to the sale, and got into it with S.V. He held his ground. I did receive my 2nd 2 bottles 2 days ago.
I was going to gift one, but have second thoughts. I don't think we will see a bargin like this for a $45 (approx) product again soon.

Now I'd like to followup and expand my "white" collection to more than one product.
One member praised the Diplomatico Blanco.
Anyone else pleased with this rum. I love all the dark Diplomaticos. The 15 is amazing, and the 12 almost as good.

And any suggestions on other special White's?

[Michael]

...
One member praised the Diplomatico Blanco.
Anyone else pleased with this rum. I love all the dark Diplomaticos. The 15 is amazing, and the 12 almost as good.

And any suggestions on other special White's?

I don't recall seeing an age statement on any of the Diplomбtico rums (did you perhaps mean El Dorado instead), but we love the Reserva and Reserva Exclusiva. We haven't been able to find the Diplomбtico Blanco for sale locally or online, but hope to find it soon. DrinkupNY.com carries the full line, so they should carry it as soon as it is available. glass.gif

BTW the esteemed Mr. McFadyen previously provided us with some production notes for the entire Diplomбtico range (excluding the Blanco, which wasn't known at the time):

Diplomбtico Production Notes
(http://www.ministryofrum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1687&highlight=diplomatico+reserva+anejo)

[noskos]

A friend of mine, who I pointed to the SV site after reading all the recommendations and the sale price, ordered six bottles yesterday and they shipped without a problem, they are on their way at the moment, the sale is still going on on the sit.

[forrest]

A friend of mine, who I pointed to the SV site after reading all the recommendations

noscos, talk to your friend-- volunteer to make the Daiquiri's. . .or the Ron Cacao Cocktails!! trust me... you will be happy you did!

[neatdrinker]

Michael, Yes, you are right. I did mean The Exclusiva and Reserva.
But was thinking "years" as I do also love the El Dorodos as mentioned.
I will keep an eye out for any mention of release of the Diplomatico White.
My son manages a lage liquor/wine store here on Long Island, but cannot locare the product yet. He is limited to his distributors, and the occasional "favor' by the sales rep form various companies (my favorite "comp" from my son was a bottle of Plantation Grande Reserve Barbados, QUITE DELICIOUS!!).

[Coastie Mike]

I stumbled across a 1.75ml bottle of this dated 08, anyone else come across one of these "big boys"?

[Paulipbartender]

Wow, it's an unwieldy enough bottle as a litre....as heavy as it is beautiful. Bet that's fun to pour.

[forrest]

Plus that label could be the backing of a leather jacket...

[Jack]

Ed, as always, thanks a lot for all the great info, I look forward to seeing this intriguing rum in the uk

[Dave in the basement]

I haven't been able to find this locally (northern Indiana), yet, but it is number one on my wish list. I am hoping to talk my folks into tracking down a bottle or three when they are in California later this year.

Thanks for all of the helpful information. :)

Dave

[forrest]

I haven't been able to find this locally (northern Indiana), yet, but it is number one on my wish list.

You should be able to get that anywhere... Maybe you have to ask someone if they will order it?? Look here (http://www.ministryofrum.com/retailstore.php) and find a store 'close' to you and give them a call...

I am hoping to talk my folks into tracking down a bottle or three when they are in California later this year.

They will have no trouble finding it in California..

By the way . . . Welcome to the for-rum!!

[Dave in the basement]

You should be able to get that anywhere... Maybe you have to ask someone if they will order it?? Look here (http://www.ministryofrum.com/retailstore.php) and find a store 'close' to you and give them a call...



They will have no trouble finding it in California..

By the way . . . Welcome to the for-rum!!

Thanks x 2, forrest! :D

[forrest]

Thanks x 2, forrest! :D

No sweat.. you know Dave i used to be in a Band called the "Basement Lizards" so you are 'in' where i am 'from'. . .

[Edoc]

Lovely for the price. You have to like vanilla, though, since it's the predominant flavor.

[primate77]

I'm finding the Oronoco popping up in various stores in the Chicago area and even Central Illinois. The prices vary wildly from a low of $31 a bottle to a high of about $46.

I bought a bottle for the $31 and pretty much I feel like this rum tastes like a cheap vanilla vodka. Not all that great.

Bummer.

[Michael]

Curious,

Have any of my fellow enthusiasts bought and opened any Oronoco recently? If so, hows it tasting these days? I'd especially be appreciative if I could hear from someone who's followed it from earlier on to now.

I haven't bought in quite a while and have been out for a few months now.

Thanks for raising the question Matusalem. I was under the weather recently and neglected to report the result of comparison tasting of two bottles of Oronoco of different vintage, with production dates of 04 APR 2007 and 21 JAN 2009.

Although the newer edition has some elements similar to the older bottling, it is much less complex with little of the original smoothness and considerably more alcohol burn. The older bottling was a delicious, fine sipper with a delightful complex nose and taste, but the newer version, lacking the intriguing nose and flavor, has been consigned solely to mixing duties. The older version fared very well in a comparison of a few aged whites (it was clearly the best sipper), but the newer kind was at or near the bottom in everyone's estimation.

The prices seen in recent months are inviting, but please be advised that, in our estimation, it is no longer worth a price near list. With El Dorado 3 year old white readily available for $15.49, Oronoco may even be a bit overpriced at half of list. :(

[Michael]

The lack of a response to my previous post gave me pause, but Ed's new information (http://www.ministryofrum.com/forums/showthread.php?p=34565#post34565) about the change in the aged component of Oronoco may confirm my suspicion that Diageo has been cutting cost on this product, to the detriment of the rum within. :(

[Matusalem]

The lack of a response to my previous post gave me pause, but Ed's new information (http://www.ministryofrum.com/forums/showthread.php?p=34565#post34565) about the change in the aged component of Oronoco may confirm my suspicion that Diageo has been cutting cost on this product, to the detriment of the rum within. :(Sorry, Michael. I hadn't noticed you responded.

Thanks for the hypothesis as well. At the time I asked, I had suspicions. A shame if that's the case.

[Edward Hamilton]

I'm not sure and would be reluctant to say that Diageo (http://www.diageo.com/) is trying to further reduce their cost of production at the expense of quality. As the world's largest liquor company they own production in both Jamaica and Venezuela.

[Michael]

As mentioned in another thread, I'll try to be more circumspect in the future. We'll assume that it might be a short term anomaly and part of a learning process for Diageo. We'll hope for better things in the future. glass.gif

[Matusalem]

Likewise, when I said I had my suspicions, it was meant that I suspected there had been a change in taste (regardless of what Diageo is or isn't doing). However, my conclusion was formed more so on the responses of other first timers. By first timers I mean with the product, most of these individuals have what we might say is fairly educated palates.

I used to recommend Oronoco and I notice earlier, the returns were - "Great advice". Over time, that kind of eroded to - "Not bad" or "Why not brand X for cheaper".

Meantime, I sought the advice of others here because there were a couple of fire sales on Oronoco and I had been out for a while. I did pick up a couple of bottles I'm yet to open.

That said, and my admitted inability to discard all logic, I'd have to say the sudden drop in price coupled with the drop in enthusiasm, which pretty much is in line with Michael's report, hasn't raised my expectations.

Real point being I might have picked up 4 or 6 bottles were I confident the juice in the bottle would be similar to prior product.

cheers.gif

[Straightsippin]

Greetings, folks. My first post.

A few days ago after reading various posts I got interested in white rum for sipping neat or on ice. I always sip the dark. This forum a great place for research.

As I was reading this thread I couldn't wait to get to Shopper's Vineyard (I live in the same city)... until I read the last few posts. SV has Oronoco for 14.99 now, but I'm curious if anyone has determined if the current stock is indeed a lower quality.

I had a bottle in my hand, but chose to buy 10 Cane instead because the hang tag said the NY Times rated it #1. And it was made from virgin first-pressing sugar cane.

Their bottle tag says it's a decadence not possible with molasses. I'm sipping it now and I disagree.

But not terrible. I won't buy 10 Cane again.

Any further news on Oronoco?

Thanks. Glad to be here.

[young0076]

Picked me up a bottle of Oronoco at ABC for $24. Usually its over $30 on base, either it was on sale, didn't see a sign, or a misprint, either way, its on my shelf, and very good.

[Straightsippin]

Thanks, young0076.

I picked up a bottle today at SV for $14.09 plus tax. Sipping it now.

I have no prior reference with this one but it is good to my taste.

[saltgrassbear]

Oronoco is a very good rum but so far I prefer the 10 Cane when mixing. Just wish Texas would get their act together and bring in some Diplomatico Rum Blanco. If they don't do it soon i may have to drive to Florida.

SGB

[Gray]

Just picked up my first bottle. I had sampled this at a bar a while back and had been pleased, but couldn't seem to find it at the local shops here until now. I was hesitant based on recent comments about the quality, but I've sampled a fair portion since yesterday and been pretty happy with the product.
The labels are pretty specific about the dates, Michael mentioned "production dates of 04 APR 2007 and 21 JAN 2009" and mine is 20 MAR 2009. Is it possible that some of the discrepancies in quality are batch related and don't cover the entire product range?

[Michael]

No offense intended, but if you were sampling the original version you would likely be much more than "pretty happy with the product". It sound as if you have the newer version. The newer version was a pretty good mixer, just not anything near the fine sipper which was the original. glass.gif

[Gray]

Definitely no offense taken, given the date on the bottle I think it's fair to assume that mine is a recent version :). I suppose I was just curious because I still see the occasional review come out about this being a good rum for sipping and my "pretty happy" was understated because I really liked it... though, granted, it's hard to find white rums locally that aren't Bacardi or come in plastic jugs... so my experience with whites has been mostly bad so far and my comparison may be a bit skewed :D

[RumInTheMorning]

Ive bought 10 bottles of this stuff and drank it like soda
its tasty and goes down real nice. I got it cheap as the store said they couldnt sell the stuff for the price they wanted so They said the hell with it and put it on discount and cleared out everything and said they would never stock the crap again.

his words not mine. Howvever I liked it

[wetland10]

I just bought a bottle, have not tasted it yet. I am amazed at the differences in price in this post. I just paid $19.99 for the bottle.

Wayne

[Recluse]

Around here it runs between $15 and $19. Incredible rum for the price. The White Rum for those who don't like White rum!!

Whoa.. except for the $14 price at SV!! I am going to have to take a drive over there since the shipping brings it up higher than it would be from some of the more local places at the $15 and $19 price points I mentioned. Of course, I will burn more in gas :) so I better pick up a few more of their bargains if I go cheers.gif

[primate77]

It is few and far between here in Illinois. You only see a random bottle here and there, which tells me it was probably brought in for a "try and sell" and most have dust on them - and a $39 to $43 price tag on them.

I bought one of these for $39 over a year ago and more than half of it is still in my freezer in the garage.

To me, it tastes too similar to a cheap vanilla flavored vodka - something in the $13 range. Heck... I should just go get the $13 vodka and pour it in the pretty Oronoco bottle!

[wetland10]

IIt is few and far between here in Illinois. You only see a random bottle here and there, which tells me it was probably brought in for a "try and sell" and most have dust on them - and a $39 to $43 price tag on them.

I bought one of these for $39 over a year ago and more than half of it is still in my freezer in the garage.

To me, it tastes too similar to a cheap vanilla flavored vodka - something in the $13 range. Heck... I should just go get the $13 vodka and pour it in the pretty Oronoco bottle!

I also thought it tasted like vodka. Definitely not like rum. Not bad but I don't really understand the hype.

Wayne

[jjwest]

Is it what it once was, probably not, but I think of it as using the right rum for the right drink. I think the Oronoco make a damn good daiquiri.

At $30-35 I wouldn't use it a lot, but for $14 from SV it is my go to rum in this category.