Rums to buy in Jamaica and Caymans?

[headhunter]

I'm new to the site so bare with me if this question has been asked, but I did a search and couldn't find exactly what I am looking for.
My family is going on a cruise to Caymans and Ocho Rios, Jamaica. I was thinking I need to buy something and thought "Rum". I don't think there is a distillery in Ocho Rios so I need to buy it at the store. But I need suggestions.
I don't sip rum, but that might be because I have not found one that I liked.
I do mix rum. I mix in Mojito mix for wife, dark and OJ for me and Rum and coke for me.
If would like to get a good sipping rum, maybe taste it here is the US before I buy an expensive bottle, but then pick up some nice mixing rums.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[Edward Hamilton]

In Ocho Rios the best rums you're going to find are Appleton Estate Rums. The bottles are oval shaped as opposed to the general straight cylinder rum bottle. Ideally I suggest things which aren't available in the US, why carry rums you can buy at home unless you can save some real money.

Check the price of Appleton VX in your local store, if it's a deal on vacation go for it. As for the Cayman's you'll probably find Tortuga, Blackbeards and a couple of other private labels. You should also find a rum tasting stand near the cruise ship docks.

Since you say you don't sip rums yet, you're probably wasting your money to buy the best Appleton rums in Jamaica. I check the grocery stores in places like Ocho Rios as they probably have the best prices and are worth the experience to see what else is available.

[stockdoct]

My Favorite was Tortuga 5 year old, which I've found is un-available in the USA. Yum, delicious, carmel and smooth tasting, the 5 year old is actually much better than the 12 year old (which is also unavailable in the USA).

I tried many others too, including Flor De Cana and some lower-brands exclusive to the islands, but wasn't impressed.

On Grand Cayman, go to the restaurant "Breezes" right down where the cruise ships come in. You can buy flights of rum to taste --- the restaurant offers a couple "pre-arranged" flights, but the bartenders were willing to substitute anything I wanted. They had 34 rums available by the shot. Very cool place and the food was wonderful.

Mike

[JMac]

The selection in the Caymans was pretty good. The rums I saw there were Tortuga Gold and a 12 year. Ron Botran Anejo, FDC, and Havana Club. You might have to check out several stores to get the full range.