Rums over $30

[Joebiech]

makes me glad to live so close to hitimes...but sad when my cc bill shows up

[Che]

Originally Posted by Sancho

mmm found a bottle of Zaya locally Sadly hitime doesn't ship to this forsaken place I call home, at least "spirits" they'll ship wine but thats of minimal interest

Another one thats over 30, haven't tried it, Montecristo 12 yr. States made in guatamala like zaya, but in a typical monte embossed bottle. Any experience?

If I'm not mistaken, there's really only 1 Guatemalan manufacturer (ILdG) - which means Zacapa, Zaya, Botran & Montecristo are all product of the same single source.

Zaya obviously (was) a private bottle, as is (I assume) Carlito's Montecristo rum. Given the circumstances, obviously one must ponder if Montecristo will bite the dust like Zaya.

[Pampero]

This speculation has been going around on the rum sites. Your comment is astute and represents a lot of people's thinking.

[Sawyer]

I can't think of a drink that Bacardi doesn't work wonderfully with. I guess you guys are talking about drinking it straight up though. I am a huge whisky guy and never thought about drinking rum straight. I just know it is good in Mojitos and, if you go that way, frozen daiquiris. I may have to look into it because the only rum I have ever drank straight was the Captain.

[icehog3]

Originally Posted by Sawyer

I can't think of a drink that Bacardi doesn't work wonderfully with. I guess you guys are talking about drinking it straight up though. I am a huge whisky guy and never thought about drinking rum straight. I just know it is good in Mojitos and, if you go that way, frozen daiquiris. I may have to look into it because the only rum I have ever drank straight was the Captain.

Bacardi and Captain are better as mixers....try a real quality rum, and you won't want to dilute it.

[RGD]

Originally Posted by icehog3

Bacardi and Captain are better as mixers....try a real quality rum, and you won't want to dilute it.

That said - I do like to sip CM Private Stock over ice on occasion (well I use to anyway when I could).


Ron

[leasingthisspace]

Here is the link to the rum Sancho talked about I think.
http://thecellaronline.com/za12yeoldrum.html

[Sawyer]

Originally Posted by icehog3

Bacardi and Captain are better as mixers....try a real quality rum, and you won't want to dilute it.

So what would you suggest? Everything in this thread I am guessing. How about one best that a bourbon/scotch guy would appreciate?

[icehog3]

Originally Posted by Sawyer

So what would you suggest? Everything in this thread I am guessing. How about one best that a bourbon/scotch guy would appreciate?

That one is tough for me to say, because I am not a bourbon or scotch drinker. My favorite, bar none, is the Ron Centenario XX Anjos that is posted above. Just straight up in a glass, sipping it with a cigar. I would think that would appeal to a scotch man, but I can't say from true experience.

[Pampero]

The most whisky like rums, things such as Mount Gay XO (which is a universally admired rum) or Cockspur 12, aren't the ones I'd use to introduce a whisky drinker to rum because if you are looking for bourbon or Scotch, why bother with rum?

But if you want to see how refined and great rum can be, then try any one of the recommendations, remembering that of all the spirits, rum is probably the most diverse in terms of style.

When I do flights, I usually start with Zaya or Zacapa, which aren't necessarily my favorites (I do prefer the Zaya), but always get people's attention. Then I might switch to a completely different product, like the aforementioned Mount Gay XO, El Dorado 15 (which is also a good "first" rum) or Barbencourt 15. Or Ron Pampero, which is a classic. Another good rum to try if you all you have ever tried is Bacardi, is the fine Puerto Rican rums of Barrilito. The Three Star shows how good Puerto Rican rums can be.

But don't look for rum to duplicate scotch. It's another thing. Most whisky like to me is Mt Gay XO. Cruzan Single Barrel is interesting too. Bacardi? Nah, just for mixing, and I'm not a fan of the Captain's either.

XX is a good cigar rum, in my opinion as well.

[Che]

Originally Posted by Pampero

This speculation has been going around on the rum sites. Your comment is astute and represents a lot of people's thinking.

I think I know what you are talking about (other discussion).

Below was my guestimate on the "Best rums under $30" thread:

Originally Posted by Chè

In part I believe the lack of warning / discussion could more or less be a grace period to sort things out. Perhaps Zaya will forge on in name with rum purchased from a different supply source. But that almost certainly means we will taste some difference.

So what do you make of the rumors swirling about since then regarding a new source? I tend to believe it but aside from the named source, I had heard a secondary source was under consideration.

Regardless. I will volunteer to wear a dunce cap and one of those red noses (that sound like a bike horn when squeezed) in Macy's display window - if the newer tastes pretty much the same as the former.


As for the bourbon whiskey comparison... I would agree don't buy rum that you want to taste like bourbon. For slight similarities, try Flor de Caña 7 or 12. For the vanilla flavors found in bourbon, try FdC's 4 year old "Extra Dry" (white). Pampero, Santa Teresa and as mentioned Mount Gay's XO (like the first two mentioned FdCs) tend to show some of the "charred" nuances some bourbons exhibit. If you like the vanilla exposure in the FdC Extra Dry, I bet you'll like the robust burst in Oronoco as well.

[Mark C]

From my bar, I'd give a bourbon drinker a glass of Angostura 1919 if they like the vanilla characteristic, Pampero Aniversario for similar flavors with a touch of sweetness, or Ron del Barrilito 3 Star if they prefer a strong 'oak' flavor. Cruzan Single Barrel or Mt Gay Extra Old are usually the first bottles I recommend a new rum drinker purchase. They go down easy, are relatively cheap, and very easy to find. (Here in MD I have a hard time finding anything other than Cruzan and Bacardi without spending $20 in gas)

[Sancho]

So it would be in my best interests to acquire all the Zaya/guatamalen rum I can in speculation that there may be an impending shortage?

[Che]

Originally Posted by Sancho

So it would be in my best interests to acquire all the Zaya/guatamalen rum I can in speculation that there may be an impending shortage?

Impending shortage - that's an interesting way of putting it. AFAIK, the Guatemalan version is done with. Impending extinction is more how I'd describe it.

Personally I grabbed a couple of spares. As far as a feeding frenzy goes, I've got enough food on my plate. I'll miss the former and savor the bottles I have but am not going pull any funds out of the savings account etc. to pile up stock.

[parshooter]

Got this for my birthday. Not sure how much over $30 it is, but I'm guessing 3-4 times as much. Very, very good. Looks like maple syrup, unbelievable flavors (can't tell you exactly, had it after "sampling" other beverages). If you love the 23, search this one out