Matusalem Gran Reserva or Pampero Anniversario?

[XxMerlinxX]

Been on something of a hiatus from rum for a while, but now I'm back, and so I need some advice. I'm trying to find a sipping rum that I'll enjoy, something that isn't very dry and has a flavor profile that's on the sweeter side. The only two "high end" rums that I can find locally are the Matusalem Gran Reserva and the Pampero Anniversario. I could also order something online, but kind of wanted to pick something up today. I might actually head over to a store I've never been to here in a moment, so I'll update on what they might have here in a couple of minutes when I get back, maybe they'll have Pyrat XO or Zacapa.

[Count Silvio]

Can you tell me what kind of rums you like? This would make it easier to recommend rums for you. Zacapa is certainly sweet, sugary sweet but if I had to choose from the ones you've listed I'd definitely go for Matusalem and then Pampero.

[XxMerlinxX]

That's the problem, I haven't really found a sipping rum that I like yet. I've only used rum for mixing, so I haven't really tried any of the high end stuff yet.

[rumdog007]

From what you've posted, I would bet that the Pampero would be to your liking.

[XxMerlinxX]

Originally Posted by rumdog007

From what you've posted, I would bet that the Pampero would be to your liking.

I'm leaning towards that one too as the Gran Reserva is advertised as a Solera rum, which I'm not all together sure about.

[XxMerlinxX]

Pampero it is, I'll try and post a review of it tonight.

[Count Silvio]

Originally Posted by XxMerlinxX

I'm leaning towards that one too as the Gran Reserva is advertised as a Solera rum, which I'm not all together sure about.

Zacapa is also a Solera rum but I'm confused as to why you are not sure about a Solera? Rum is rum. Everyone likes Pampero though, can't really go wrong.

[XxMerlinxX]

Originally Posted by Count Silvio

Zacapa is also a Solera rum but I'm confused sure why you are not sure about a Solera? Rum is rum.

I don't know if I trust a manufacturer who produces a large amount of rum annually and claims that it's solera aged. From my understanding of the process, it takes a lot of space, product, and capital to Solera age a rum. If you're cranking out a lot of it, I think some corners might get cut which in turn reduces the quality. That's just a personal stigma with solera aging though.

[Count Silvio]

Originally Posted by XxMerlinxX

I don't know if I trust a manufacturer who produces a large amount of rum annually and claims that it's solera aged. From my understanding of the process, it takes a lot of space, product, and capital to Solera age a rum. If you're cranking out a lot of it, I think some corners might get cut which in turn reduces the quality. That's just a personal stigma with solera aging though.

Never trust marketing. I agree. Matusalem is still a good product though, even if it was/is not true that it is a Solera.

[Lew Barrett]

Did someone say Pampero?

Can't go wrong.