Ron del Barrilito 5 Star?

[DNO]

In the USA, all I can get is 2 & 3 Star versions. When I was in Puerto Rico a few years back, a bartender told me that there was Barrilito 5 Star available, but they did not sell it in the USA. He also went on to say that the Family that produces the Rum are Nationalists, and vowed not to sell it until P.R. became and independant country again. Not sure about the latter, but I thought I had R.B. 5 star when I was there.

Did I have too many Mojito's, or do/did they have a 5 star? I've looked all over the internet, but cannot find anything to corroborate this story. Maybe a special Reserva they had a limited release of???

[Edward Hamilton]

The Fernandez family tells me they have never made a five star rum though they have heard rumors of the elusive five star. At Fernandez there is a barrel of rum which was filled when the aging warehouse was built and according to the family when Puerto Rico becomes independent the contents of that barrel will be given to the free people of Puerto Rico.

[Don Q]

My esteemed Mr. Hamilton:

Thank you for creating a forum for rum lovers. My father and mother were friends with Peter Seralles when I was a child and during my college summer days I would work at their distillery rolling wooden casks to the main vat.

Now, regarding the infamous 5 star RB. I remember drinking this ghostly spirit back in the early 70s as it was the preferred elixir among my domino group. Either someone was counterfeiting the rum by slapping a 5 star label on the neck or it was real. Keep in mind that I paid a premium price for this bottle, $4.00 each. I do admit that I haven't seen a 5 star bottle since 1980.

Just thought I'd let you know.

P.S. They also manufactured Alcolado Superior 70 which was similar to rubbing alcohol with some essences for aroma. They used to rub with this anyone who came down with a fever. I don't know if they still do, I don't live in the island since 1980.

[Edward Hamilton]

I've had a couple of conversations with Edmundo Fernández about other rums they may have bottled. While it is possible that they may have bottled something other than their 2 and 3 star at one time or another since 1880, Edmundo assured me that they never made a 5 star rum.

In Puerto Rico today, the 2 star is the preferred rum for drinking around the domino table, but the 3 star is the more popular gift during the holidays.

[RumBarPhilly]

I will make sure I am in Bayamon at the center of town the day Puerto Rico becomes independant. First flight out!!

[Florida Gringo]

I was in Bayamon about 2 yrs. ago and visited Ron del Barrilito. Very impressive place and they still do things the old fashioned way (by hand).

We were talking to the great nephew while he gave us a tour of the place and at the present time they only make the 2 and 3 star rum. He was talking about coming out with a older aged rum then the 3 star and making it exclusive. Not sure if they ever came out with this product but if they do I would love to get myself a bottle or two. Ron del Barrilito is available in the states but not all stores carry it. The 3 star rum is a great sipping rum and should be drank like a fine cognac or whiskey.

[Joe Riley]

I think that I've solved the mystery.

Blend a little 2 star with a little 3 star and, bingo, you've got "5 star" :p

[Edward Hamilton]

You got it Joe. I've had more than a few people tell me that they used to have drink Barrilito 5 star, which I guess was either Barbancourt 5 star or they mixed Barrilito 2 & 3 star.

[D.B.Cooper]

I think that I've solved the mystery.

Blend a little 2 star with a little 3 star and, bingo, you've got "5 star" :p

What's your ratio?

[Edward Hamilton]

Anything other than equal parts wouldn't add up to 5.

[Sylbaris]

Not to be political, but there are far more Puerto Riquenos living in the states than on that beautiful island. Given the chance to be "FREE", I am sure many would prefer to continue to get their SSI checks as opposed to fending for themselves in a new Third World paradise. So let's pop the cork on that Independence Barrel now before it becomes history!