What did you drink last night? [Archive] - Page 2 - Rum Lovers @ the Ministry of Rum

Dood

12-06-2007, 01:36 AM

Today I blended a batch of Applewood rum. It still needs a little time to marry, but I think this could be a winner. It is a bare hint dryer than the cherrywood, but has deep smokey notes and a strange but fine bitterness on the outer edges of the tongue. The apple notes are stronger in this than the cherry in the cherrywood.

*goes back to see what rums he has access to that angelsword doesn't*

Dood

12-06-2007, 01:44 AM

Tonight I actually had 3 different drinks.

First, I was trying to get a decent photo for my upcoming review of the Brugal Siglo de Oro. I wanted to use a glass with some rum in it next to the bottle in the composition, but I didn't want to break the seal on the bottle yet.

I was on my way to grab a bottle from my shelf when I noticed a mason jar with one of my "failed" infusions, which I had forgotten was on the counter for about 3 months. I used this, and then sipped it. It was actually very good. It was a banana infusion that I thought I had ruined and poured out, but apparently left sitting with the bananas and other flotsam and jetsam removed. The flavors apparently smoothed out a lot more than I thought possible in a simple jar.

While this wasn't a sipping rum by any means, I quickly grabbed a lime, ice, blood orange bitters, a splash of orange juice and a splash of pineapple juice and topped with mineral water for a pretty nice cocktail.

I followed this up with my first ever tasting of Brugal Siglo de Oro about an hour later. FanTASTIC rum. I filled an entire page with notes. I found myself suddenly very sad that I had only been able to secure a single bottle. Oh well, as Ed says, more reason to head back to the islands.

After finishing up my notes I did some work on my picture for the review and did some other side work before settling down with my Mt. Gay XO and mineral water with lime.

Oh, and the picture turned out OK I think:

http://www.rumdood.com/images/brugal_siglo_de_oro.gif

Nothing great but nothing awful. Not bad for a camera phone. :)

Hank Koestner

12-06-2007, 08:16 AM

Tiare, one of the things I enjoy the most about agricole is the finish, or aftertaste. In most well made agricoles, you receive a touch of sweetness as the rum first enters your mouth, then the other flavors, the wood, honey, etc.
then a hint of bitterness as you swallow. To me this indicates perfect balance. I am not sure of the age of my bottle of Montebello, I am sure it is 5 years or more. I think I will enjoy some of tthis this weekend, as I have not spent much time with this rhum. I have much empathy for you, and the lack of sunshine!:(

On another note, I hope at some point to taste the Brugal that Dood has found. Sounds wonderful, as I enjoy Brugal's other offerings quite a bit.

Tiare

12-06-2007, 04:12 PM

Tiare, one of the things I enjoy the most about agricole is the finish, or aftertaste.

On another note, I hope at some point to taste the Brugal that Dood has found.

That`s exactly why I also like the agricole a lot..and that is also why I mixed Depaz with Montebello because the Montebello has a more pronounced aftertaste..its a aftertaste that makes you addicted..;)
Well my ti punch tonight is again half Depaz and half Montebello.

That Brugal sounds good! The cocktail with the banana infusion sounds really good too.

Milicent

12-06-2007, 04:50 PM

I can actually say I enjoy agricoles now. My first several experiences were not exciting ones. I kept trying different agricoles, though, and found I developed a taste for them in the process. I even revisited some of the first ones that turned me off and found I actually enjoy them quite a bit now.

Thanks, too, to all of you agricole advocates out there. You convinced me there had to be something I was missing. After educating my palate, I finally found out what it is.

It is true agricoles are almost in a different category of rum than molasses-based ones, but I am not complaining. This is just one more example of how wonderfully diverse rum is.

bluewave6

12-08-2007, 11:05 AM

Last night I compared a few of the Guatamalen rums I have in my collection: Zaya, Zacapa 23, Zacapa 15, Botran Solera, Botran 8 and Botran 6. I really enjoyed the Solera the best, followed by the 15 yr which surprised me. I figured I would like the 23 better but found the 15 had a drier taste which I prefered to the sweeter taste of the 23. The Zaya was quite good as well....it was comparable to the 15 yr in taste. The Botran 8 yr and 6 yr are quite good as well, especially considering the price points. I love breaking out a few different bottles on a cold stormy night and watching a good movie and sipping rum.

saltgrassbear

12-09-2007, 10:22 AM

think my tasting notes need to be moved to this thread. Tried Cruzan Single barrel last night. Smoothest rum so far. Definately on the keep a good supply of Rum. Will run this Rum by my work companions. See what they think. Might convert some more Congac drinkers.

SGB

Hank Koestner

12-09-2007, 12:09 PM

A Punch Vieux made with Clement Cuvee Charles. This rhum is very good, coming in at 88 proof, which provides a bit of heat on the finish and the swallow. It is a little leaner in taste then other Clements, but good nonetheless. It is a perfect rum for a winter night ti punch.

Rumpelteazer

12-10-2007, 07:19 PM

I can finally add my voice to the chorus of praise for the Zacapa 23. Mine accompanied a dessert of aged Manchego cheese drizzled with honey. With a few more tastings, alone to better assess the sweetness level, I expect this bottle may displace the Zaya on my shelf of honor.

bluewave6

12-10-2007, 08:47 PM

Tonight I did a tasting of the Barcelo rums in my cabinet : Dorado, Anejo, Grand Anejo and Imperial. My hands down favorite was the Imperial. This is a great rum, full bodied and very very smooth. My least favorite was the Dorado, of course I don't think this one is meant to be sipped so I am sure it would mix nicely.

angelsword

12-10-2007, 09:52 PM

Don Piero

01-05-2008, 07:46 PM

21yo El Dorado. Can't get enough of this rum:D. Sweet molasses with a peppery oak taste with burnt sugar, floral and fruit on the nose. Long and dry. Eeyuh bebby.

I can't wait for the milder weather to start pairing with my habanos.

Dood

01-05-2008, 08:15 PM

I revisited my bottle of Sea Wynde last night. While this time around I found much more to like than the last time I dove in to it, I have to confess that this is still not a rum I can see myself drinking neat. I'm thinking that as we get closer to the Spring/Summer I'll start trying it in daiquiris and mai tais...as well as Scott's suggestion of adding my own sugar/spices until it's more palatable.

bluewave6

01-05-2008, 08:35 PM

Tonight I was sipping Ron Ocumare Anejo and Havanah Bay rum. I really lilke these two Venezuelan rums.

Don Piero

01-12-2008, 11:48 PM

I had a few drams (can you say that with Rum) of Cubay Anejo. A friend brought over a bottle at a Fumada (cigar get together) last night. This is a dark 7yo Rum from Cuba that cost him 8 Cuban Pesos (about $9.00) for 750ml (about 26oz). Amazing value.

I really enjoyed this rum. Just remember, I am new to Rums and am taken aback at times of how good this spirit (Rum in general) is, as I was a Scotch snob; I've wasted half my life including 3 trips to Cuba, not appreciating this spirit, shame on me. This is a very good quality Rum that was smooth, on the sweet side with a mild coffee/cola taste. It paired well with the two cigars I had (Monty 5 and San Cristobal El Principe).

Several of my freinds last night indicated that they enjoy the Cubay 7yo (Anejo) better than the Havana Club 7yo. I've been told that a another 7yo from Santiago De Cuba is even better for about 1 peso more. I have to start making a list.

Dood

01-13-2008, 04:37 AM

Took my wife out tonight to try a few bars/lounges/clubs in Fullerton. The Envy Lounge - I discovered - has Cruzan Single Barrel.

I ordered a "Cruzan Single Barrel, soda, and lime" and the bartender made me repeat it 3 times. He though I had ordered "Good, Single Barrel, Soda, Lime". Once we had straightened out what I had ordered, I still had to guide him to his own bottle. *sigh*

At the last lounge/club we went to, they had Sailor Jerry on the shelf, so I ordered one of those with diet coke. The bartender had no clue what I was talking about. When she finally found the bottle, she admitted that she had never served it to anyone (someone had, the bottle was 90% empty), and after she poured my drink, she put the bottle under the bar. :confused:

So much more work to be done...

Milicent

01-13-2008, 04:32 PM

Ti Punch with St. James Amber. I like this St. James product more than the Hors d' Age. I think I am actually developing a taste for agricoles. Surprise, surprise. The first few times I had this type of rum, I was not at all impressed. Now, I have quite a few more rums out there to try. Good for me.

bluewave6

01-14-2008, 07:31 PM

I too would cast my vote for the St James Ambre over the Hors d' Age. I did a comparison of the 3 St James rums and preferded the Amber to the Ex Old and Hors d'Age and prefered the Ex Old to the Hors d' Age. I think this is a prime examples to show the more expensive may not always be better tasting. Of course I also found this to be true for me with the Zacapa 23 compared to Zacapa 15...to each his own

Dood

01-14-2008, 08:40 PM

Last night I was trying to do my part for Mixology Monday, which this month was centered around brandy. Therefore, while out and about I was having bartenders make me rum & brandy drinks...which for the most part seem to be variations on the sidecar.

Highlight of the night: Sutra Lounge serving Matusalem Gran Reserva in snifters
Lowlight of the night: "You asked for a rum and brandy drink, so I did a variation on the sidecar by adding brandy."

FYI, the sidecar variation was a splash of brandy added to Bacardi O, triple-sec, salt, sour mix, and some orange and lime wedges. Not tasty.

stockdoct

01-15-2008, 12:00 AM

For the first time, I enjoyed the El Dorado 12 year old tonight, with a splash of water. Very, very nice. I'll get more, I'm sure.

Funny, how I can gulp a sweet cocktail in 10-15 minutes, but a good sipping rum can last me 3-4 times as long.

RobertBurr

01-15-2008, 12:56 AM

Funny, how I can gulp a sweet cocktail in 10-15 minutes, but a good sipping rum can last me 3-4 times as long.

The beauty of great cognacs, fine scotches and gifted rums: their concentrated flavors encourage you to slowly enjoy them in small doses. For me, a little bit goes a long way.

angelsword

01-15-2008, 01:20 AM

FYI, the sidecar variation was a splash of brandy added to Bacardi O, triple-sec, salt, sour mix, and some orange and lime wedges. Not tasty.

That's not a sidecar. That's a siderail... over which one leans. Yech!!!

Solomon Grundy

01-15-2008, 01:32 AM

Khukri rum followed by Sazerac Rye. The Khukri is instantly likeable and amazingly sweet, a very nice drink. The rye, however, was an odd successor for the rum. The sweetness of the rum amplified the rye's spicy hot black pepper taste incredibly, so I'm not really sure I had a proper taste of the rye. (Whatever it is, it sure ain't bourbon)

Jerry

01-15-2008, 02:03 AM

Last night was Cruzan Single Barrel....first neat.....and then with tonic. Very enjoyable.

Scottes

01-28-2008, 12:52 PM

I went out Saturday night with a group of friends, and we broke out some rums....

Thomas Tew, from Newport, Rhode Island.
Not a winner. 4 of us all agreed that it was a little off. It did have quite a bit of bourbon tastes, presumably from the barrel, but also something else that was somewhat unpleasant. After many sips and some thoughts, it was decided that this unpleasantness was best described as "apricots gone bad."

Flor De Cana 18-year-old
Damn fine rum, quite dry, that comes out a bit after resting. Alas, nobody was enamored with this rum. It was good, but not immediately remarkable. I'm not about to write this rum off though, since I feel it needs some resting and some proper exploration.

Havana Club 7-year-old
Very nice, with a great complexity once it rested for a few minutes. There was a slight tinge of something a little weird - not enough to destroy this rum, but it was a taste that was simply out of place. All in all, it was very very good, and would certainly get a spot on my shelf if I could manage to get a bottle.

New Orleans - gold, amber, premium, whatever they call it
This rum was amazing. In it's burn and harshness. Wow. I seriously think they added stuff to make this taste worse. I am *so* glad that I didn't buy this one myself.

Santa Teresa Gran Reserva
The winner of the night. Although nobody really approached this as a contest, this rum easily got the most accolades and positive comments. A mix of 2- and 5-year-old rums, this was surprisingly smooth for such a young rum. It had some nice complexity for a young rum, too. It does benefit from a little bit of a rest before drinking, as the initial smells are quite medicinal. But 2 or 3 minutes later and one can find different smells and tastes, a touch of sweetness, and a citrus that I though hinted at apricot. Considering that I paid $18 for this I am quite happy with it.

Dood

01-28-2008, 02:48 PM

We went wine tasting on Saturday. I had a blast. It was interesting to see how my approach to the affair was different to the others in the group that don't write reviews on spirits. :)

When I finally returned home I poured myself a Rum Old Fashioned with Flor de Cana 18.

Tiare

01-28-2008, 03:31 PM

I too would cast my vote for the St James Ambre over the Hors d' Age. I did a comparison of the 3 St James rums and preferded the Amber to the Ex Old and Hors d'Age and prefered the Ex Old to the Hors d' Age.

I had a A Punch Vieux made with Clement Vieux Agricole...mmm

As for St James i cannot make up my mind between the Ambre and the Hors d`age..i like them both..

Milicent

01-28-2008, 04:21 PM

Not quite last night, but I had a great dinner accompanied by some fine rums Saturday night with a group of friends (our own Rumrunner and girlfriend were included). We enjoyed rum punches, St. James Amber, Zaya 12, Pyrat Cask 1623, and a blend of Barbancourt 8 & Cruzan Diamond Estate. After everyone left, I cracked the Ron del Barrilito Tres Estrellas Rumrunner gifted me. I was impressed with the latter and look forward to enjoying more of it in the future. Good food, good rum, and good company are ingredients to a wonderful evening.

RobertBurr

01-28-2008, 09:03 PM

angelsword

01-28-2008, 10:39 PM

We've been sipping on the Au Natural Apple Tree rum the last few days and enjoying it. It has a unique flavor, smooth finish, grows on you. My interest is piqued in trying other custom concoctions from Au Natural.

Actually the brand name is Temptryst. Makers are Au Natural Spirits LLC.

I know. You got caught by the idea of some Au Natural Temptress.

Dood

01-29-2008, 02:20 AM

Tonight has been one of my old-standby quicky drinks:

Mt. Gay XO
Soda
Lime
Bitters

Normally I use Blood Orange bitters because I'm addicted to it in a way that is completely unhealthy and probably indicative of impending mental collapse...but tonight I went with Peychaud's instead just to shake things up.

Lew Barrett

01-29-2008, 02:50 AM

I decided to try Barbencourt 15 against Mt Bay XO tonigh., Having already observed their similarities, I wanted to define their differences. It's hard to say which one I prefer. I thought the Barbencourt had a bit more character and a slightly deeper hint of oak, but if I had to guess blind, I'm not sure I could tell the difference. It might be my methodology needs some improvement, but these two products both taste very neutral and balanced to me, with similar fire and feel going down. Scotch, or more like cognac drinkers rums. Neutral is the best way I can define both products. I polished the evening off with a few sips of ED 15. So very different from the others, it's hard to believe all three are "rum."

Dood

02-05-2008, 12:22 AM

I'm going to skip over my beer-focussed night from last night and just mention tonight's delight:

2 oz Dood's Mulled Cider Rum
2 oz Hot/Boiling water
1 tsp sugar

Tiare

02-05-2008, 02:35 AM

Dood, how does your Mulled Cider Rum tastes?

Dood

02-05-2008, 11:59 AM

I'm really pleased with it. There's a good apple taste to it, with the spicy aftertaste that one would expect from mulled apple cider. The cinnamon and nutmeg jump right out at you. The only real disappointment for me is that the citrus flavors from the orange and orange peel don't really come through at all in the rum, while they're easily detectable in my actual mulled cider. I think next time I just need to add one more orange slice or let the slice sit in the rum a little longer.

Last night I transferred the cider rum (seems like I need a catchier name for this) from an old Matusalem Gran Reserva bottle to 2 smaller bottles like this

http://www.ebottles.com/bottlefamilyimages/exp/1354.jpg

The color is great, a nice golden - well - apple juice color. :)

Tiare

02-05-2008, 12:01 PM

Looks nice Dood, have these been syrup bottles? they look just like the syrup bottles in our supermarket.

Dood

02-05-2008, 12:04 PM

Looks nice Dood, have these been syrup bottles? they look just like the syrup bottles in our supermarket.

I just took delivery of 6 250ml bottles of that type. I have no clue what they're supposed to be for, but my wife thought they looked pretty, and I figured the smaller size meant that I could occasionally give some homemade infusions to friends who showed an interest, as well as taking different infusions and blending them into small batches of slightly different flavors.

Of course, after transferring to 2 bottles last night, my wife's remark was, "You should order some of the bigger bottles." :D

Tiare

02-05-2008, 12:18 PM

I have now saved 12 1L empty juice glass bottles to use for future infusions..

Have you noticed that this thread must be the longest thread here? its about 29 pages long..

Lew Barrett

02-05-2008, 10:47 PM

(seems like I need a catchier name for this)
The color is great, a nice golden - well - apple juice color. :)

Starting logically at Appleton for a cider rum, we quickly arrive at:

AppleDood?
Doodleton?

I can continue.....

Dood

02-06-2008, 02:05 AM

Starting logically at Appleton for a cider rum, we quickly arrive at:

AppleDood?
Doodleton?

I can continue.....

OK, Doodleton made me laugh. Don't know that I'll actually call it that, but seriously, LOL.

RobertBurr

02-06-2008, 02:12 AM

AppleDoodCiderton Special

RumBarPhilly

02-06-2008, 02:16 AM

Have you noticed that this thread must be the longest thread here? its about 29 pages long..

I have avoided this topic for a couple months now...

What have I missed? Fill me in! :)

Tiare

02-06-2008, 02:54 AM

Doodleton...:D just listen to that name...:D

Mr Fjeld

02-09-2008, 08:55 PM

This has been a very nice evening and it started with a Belgian style wheat beer with Coriander and Orange peel -called "Wit"- from a Norwegian micro brewery called Nøgne Ø, Appleton Estate Extra (Fantastic!) , then a wonderful Longrow 14, a Talisker DE, Caol Ila 12 and an Angostura 1824 - which I like but still think is a little strange; it reminds me of wine gum....

Mr Fjeld

02-12-2008, 06:34 PM

I've had a Caol Ila 12, a Longrow 14 and the ever so fantastic Appleton Estate Extra. This stuff is dangerously drinkable and the bottle is about to be emptied in record time. I'll be sad to see it go but a great experience richer. An added benefit is that I'll open a new bottle of rum soon :)

Lew Barrett

02-12-2008, 07:03 PM

Doodleton...:D just listen to that name...:D

It is so nice to have a woman around the house!:D

Don Piero

02-12-2008, 11:29 PM

Just picked this up yesterday. Ron Anejo Pampero Seleccion 1938, aged in oak barrels. It has a dark amber/mohagony colour. On the nose I can smell cherry, mollasses, vanilla and butter scotch. The taste is superb being smooth, dry, long lasting with a mild coffee sweetness. Very nice.

To bad the LCBO has decided to discontinue this fine rum:mad:

Dood

02-13-2008, 02:47 AM

Last night was my regular Mt. Gay XO, lime, blood orange bitters, and soda.

Tonight is Zaya and ginger.

Tiare

02-13-2008, 02:56 AM

Last night? a Punch vieux.:)

Mr Fjeld

05-03-2008, 04:41 AM

J.M Rhum Vieux 1997; camphor, eucalyptus, bitter chocolate, coffee and carrot cake and the taste of newly grinded pepper - not the hot feeling but the taste of it! Lovely!

gwengineer

05-25-2008, 03:46 PM

My old friend...Pampero Anniversario.....with 1 cube and and
a nice Nicaraguan cigar with a maduro wrapper!!

StephenLouis

03-12-2010, 05:10 PM

Arctic Wolf

03-12-2010, 11:56 PM

Jason

03-13-2010, 12:50 AM

It's too bad we hadn't ran into each other sooner Arctic. I would have happily shared the empty Gosling's old rum that now sits empty in my cupboard with you.

I understand it's available out in BC and I head out there a fair bit these days. Hopefully I can get another :)

Vanpatt

03-13-2010, 01:01 AM

Flor de Cana Grand Reserve. I am trying to expand my "rum taste". I am trying a new rum every week.

I really enjoyed this rum but it still can not complete with my daily "Black seal" So far nothing except "Goslings old rum" has. Old Rum surpassed most of my rum expectations.

Still this one is very nice.

Black Seal daily, I'm impressed! I having a Black Seal and coke right now, but I also enjoy it straight every now and then. I have a bottle of the Goslings old rum but haven't opened it yet; might give it a try this weekend. I think there is only a handful left in BC Jason, so you might want to grab one while you can. They seem to bring it in only around Christmas time so we likely won't see another batch until the end of the year.

StephenLouis

03-13-2010, 12:27 PM

Last time I checked we had 2 left on the Island. Both at the same store (Goslings old rum)

I was very tempted to have a glass of Goslings old rum as my night cap, but went with the Flor de Cana again, it is growing on me. Tonight will be Goslings old rum.

jrl915

03-14-2010, 02:13 PM

About 6 years ago, long before I started drinking rum, someone gave me a bottle of Pampero. As I began making my way through MGXO, Cruzan SB, Zacapa, Zaya, and others, this bottle stayed on the shelf. I just wasn't expecting much. Tried it this weekend, and it is very good. Sweet without being cloying, and a new favorite.

Anjanettea

03-14-2010, 05:24 PM

Friday Evening, I had St. Lucia's Chairman's Reserve rum. Very nice taste, color and went well with the cigars my friends were smoking (it was a big hit with the guys smoking).

I'll have to buy more of the Chairman's Reserve this coming weekend. cheers.gif

StephenLouis

03-14-2010, 06:43 PM

Today it is Havana Club 7 year old. Not bad, the alcohol is a bit to up front for me, but I am glad I bought a bottle.

Edoc

03-14-2010, 07:21 PM

Made a nice drink recipe that I learned from the Cabana Cachaca folks at the NYC Rum Festival:

-- Steep spicy jalapenos in simple syrup for 3 or 4 hours (I used habanero to ensure heat)
-- 1 part Cabana Cachaca
-- 2 parts Goya Pear Nectar
-- 1 part spicy simple syrup
-- Squeeze a wedge of lemon
-- Add Thinly sliced ripe pears
-- Pour over rocks
-- Garnish with a Jalepeno ring

Papa Smurf

09-03-2010, 09:45 PM

zaya and Botran yum.

lalie003

09-04-2010, 02:45 PM

La Mauny 1979!

Old botteling (Not the actual decanter)

The rhum was awesome!

A pure definition of rum agricole

Powerful, flavorfull, very long!

A Must.

Sylbaris

09-05-2010, 03:50 AM

Today Kevin, one of my favorite spirits confidants recommended I try this New Key Lime Rum from Tennesses of all places. What a find! I introduced it to my cigar buddies at the Hatuey Cigar shop and they lapped it up like water in the desert. I can not wait to try it with my next mojito. Now I am going to start looking for the rest of the Prichard's Portfolio of spirits.