Starting a shelf

[el-jorge]

Hello guys,

Last few days i've been roaming the internet to look for what rum to drink next. I'm not a real big drinker, but occiasionally I like to have a good rum. I tried a few brands in the past, and not al of them did suit me. During my roaming I stumbled upon the Rum Howleg blog (he is a member right?), which helped me a lot. But there is so much to try. So I want to start small shelf, 4 or 5 bottles.
I like a sweet rum, not to harsh and spicey, and with a gentle burn in the throath.

I made a shortlist, please advise or comment?

Plantation Guatamala gran Anejo
El Dorado 15 (or 12, which one?)
Diplomatico reserva exclusiva
Zacapa Centenario 23
Havana Club seleccion de maestros
Flor de Cana Centenario 12

I liked:
Plantation Barbados
Captain Morgan Private Stock

Ok
Ron Barcelo Imperial
Havana Club Anejo 7
Bacardi 8

I disliked
All other Bacardis
Different other Captain Morgans
Brugal Anejo

[el-jorge]

Someone?

[AdOrAdam]

Originally Posted by el-jorge

Someone?

Me!

I enjoyed the Plantation Barbados (although it's a bit sweet for me) but haven't tried the Plantation Guatamala Gran Anejo but have heard it's as good.

From what you have mentioned (based on what you like & what I've had) I would recommend:

El Dorado 12 (get the 15 after that, I like both)
Ron Zacapa 23

I quite like Bacardi 8 (as an easy sipper), I really rate Saint James Rhum Vieux (as an agricole sipper).

Lots of people rate Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva, Ron Barcelo Imperial &
Havana Club Anejo 7 but I don't!

Cheers, let us know your thoughts :-)

[Knilas]

Zaya Gran Reserva 12 yr. Its a sweet rum. I also like Santa Teresa 1796 and the El Dorado 8 (although its not as sweet at the 12, imo).

Keep us.posted.

[Berbician]

Yes, I would also recommend El Dorado 12 year old and 15 year old. The 12 year old is the sweeter of the two.

[el-jorge]

Thanks, I'm little bit in doubt about the El Dorado's. But I think I will start with the 12.

AdorAdam what do you not like about the Diplomatico?

[Knilas]

How about Zaya 12 year? Pretty sure you'll dig it!

[Bjornen87]

Originally Posted by el-jorge

Thanks, I'm little bit in doubt about the El Dorado's. But I think I will start with the 12.

AdorAdam what do you not like about the Diplomatico?

Why in doubt about El Dorado?
I have 12 on my shelf and I love it

[AdOrAdam]

I tried Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva a few times - the balance was just a bit too sweet & the flavours are light (too vanilla for my liking). In terms of sweetness, I found the Plantation Barbados 5 year a bit sweet for me but the Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva was sweeter still.

I just had a nip of each El Dorado 8 / 12 / 15. The sweetness is dialled back from the Diplomatico & the flavour emphasis of the range is 180° towards 'dark' (sort of dark sugar / little bit coffee / caramel). All are enjoyable.

You can use lots of words to describe rum & reviews / recommendations are great but there's no substitute for trying something - if you're unsure try before you buy

[el-jorge]

I bought the diplomatico. I realy liked that.

I also bought 5cl bottles of the El dorado 12/15/21, so I can try those. Yesterday I tried the 12 and the 15. My first impression is that I liked the 12 over the 15. The 12 is sweeter and the flavours are different. I also liked the 15, but not as much as the 12. Tonight i'm gonna try both again.