rum jungle

[mcmachete]

I'll be going to Vegas in a few weeks for a friend's bachelor party.

Anyone here ever been to or have connections with rum jungle?

[RumBarPhilly]

Ive only heard negative feedback of Rum Jungle as a rum bar. Apparently somebody I spoke with (I thnk it was on here) ordered a Zacapa and got a white rum...

From what I hear, its more of a nightclub and a fun fanciful place with girls dancing above you and this and that, very theatric.

They were going to put one in AC, but they backed out, not sure why. The owner is Jeffrey Chodorow from "The Restaurant" with Rocco DiSpirito.

[mcmachete]

Thanks, Adam. If that's the case, maybe we'll skip it.

By the way, the wife and I are planning on visiting her parents in a few months - who live down the road from you on the water on Columbus, just north of Queen Street. Hopefully I can convince the in-laws to swing by - we checked out Cuba Libre when we were in Philly for the holidays.

[RumBarPhilly]

Very cool! Im sure we will give you and your in laws a fun time! I checked out your site, very nice! It's organization and classiness made me want to keep reading about many of the rums you checked out... even the Bacardi Island Breeze! Haha!!

Did you take the pictures of the rum? great photography!

[mcmachete]

Thanks! Yup, they're all my pics (except Dulseda, I keep forgetting to snap that one!).

I relayed the message to the in-laws, so the wheels are in motion. Worst case, I'm calling a cab and ditching the fam for a few...

[Count Silvio]

Even the small pics?

[RumBarPhilly]

Thanks! Yup, they're all my pics (except Dulseda, I keep forgetting to snap that one!).

I relayed the message to the in-laws, so the wheels are in motion. Worst case, I'm calling a cab and ditching the fam for a few...

We are also a nice dinner place with caribbean fusion small plates. If they dotn like spicy or sweet, they may want to stay home. :)

As for my comments on Rum Jungle before, i think you should still check it out, Im curious to see what you think, as Ive never been there and Im only relaying other comments. Any bar that is guaranteed to have one of the following: Pampero, Zacapa, Zaya, Montecristo, Barbancourt, or Angostura is AOK in my book...

[Rumpelteazer]

I'll be in Las Vegas in early June, and will try to check out Rum Jungle then.

Look forward to hearing from you whats good and bad.

[Dood]

Having been to Rum Jungle and being friends with a former bouncer, I have to echo other negative comments people have made. It's a trendy name, and they like having a bunch of rums on the wall, but the staff generally knows next to nothing about the grandest of spirits. It's noisy, busy, clubbish, and if you want a really good rum from the wall, I suggest taking a laser pointer to make sure they get you the right one.

Granted, it's been 3 or 4 years since I've been, so it's possible they've improved, but I wouldn't hold my breath.

[Lew Barrett]

On a related but slightly different tack, is Las Vegas a good place to buy bottles for....uh...."export" home? By that, I mean, does it offer the benefits of competitive selection like California in respect to choice and price? If so, where does one shop? I will be there in June :eek: for a trade show.

[RumBarPhilly]

Lew,

there is a thread hiding out somewhere about "Whats stores to go to for rums in LV" The answer was that outside the casinos and clubs, the rum selection was piss-poor and over-priced.

[Lew Barrett]

Thanks Adam. So much for my high hopes!

[primate77]

I have to attend tradeshows usually 2-3 times a year (have for the past 9 years), so that's put me in Vegas roughly 25 times in that span. Last time at Rum Jungle was last October.

Hip, chic, trendy - yes, girls seemingly dancing in "air" everywhere around you, and yup - there is more "something" and RedBull sold than anything else, and my guess too would be Vodka.

It's a name of a bar, and nothing more unfortunately, for those who really love rum.

The big thing at Rum Jungle is if it is after 10PM, who manages to get in quickly versus who stands in line, "like a rummy".

[mammel]

I was in Las Vegas a few weeks ago...I wanted to go to the Rum Jungle, but after taking a peek, I took a pass. I am not much into the club scene.

I would however recommend a place in the same hotel called Red Square, it is a Russian themed place and the beef stroganoff was out of this world. As you can likely guess they only have mainly vodka, and many kinds at that.

We went to a nice bar in the Bellagio in the center of the casino where they made a great Mojito, the best i have had. And there was another place called level 43 or something like that, a very high end bar and they served some nice drinks too...though pricey.

I posted previously on this topic about good places to buy Rum, there is nothing on the strip period, dont bother trying to find anything, its a waste of time. The duty free at the airport sucks for selection.

Have fun

[Lew Barrett]

To be honest, it's been many years since I have gone to Vegas to have fun.
It's such a cartoon. One had hopes!

[primate77]

It's such a cartoon

A very fitting description! A great way to describe Vegas in five words or less! I have neighbors who went recently (I think it was November), you might remember the incident from national news. I want to say this was over Thanksgiving break.

They were staying at New York New York, their first time in Sin City. Someone on a overhead walkway above the casino floor area brandished a hand gun, and began to randomly fire down onto the gaming floor. It's hazy, but I believe he did injure three people (no fatalities luckily).

The bizarre thing is, the casino NEVER SHUT DOWN - with a person firing a weapon and injuring people. Talk about putting a value on human life!!! The almighty gambling reigns supreme! My neighbors were shocked; on the floor at the time, uninjured, but absolutely shocked at the procedures and protocol following the event.

And you are right - looking for decent alcohol on the strip outside of a club or bar is non-existent.

[mcmachete]

Well, never made it to rum jungle but I have a feeling I didn't miss out on anything. However, the pool bar at the LV Hilton uses Angostura 1919 and 1824 - for mixing. An unexpected find.

And Adam - I've got the wife and in-laws all set to visit in early June. Should we make reservations or just pop in?

[primate77]

Well, never made it to rum jungle but I have a feeling I didn't miss out on anything. However, the pool bar at the LV Hilton uses Angostura 1919 and 1824 - for mixing. An unexpected find.

Wow! That's pretty unusual I'd say! I'll be out in Vegas at the Rio for four nights end of April, I'll have to check out what's around and being used at the bars - and of course head over to LVH to give it a whirl. I really enjoy 1919; it's one of the best rums I've yet to sample.

[RumBarPhilly]

Well, never made it to rum jungle but I have a feeling I didn't miss out on anything. However, the pool bar at the LV Hilton uses Angostura 1919 and 1824 - for mixing. An unexpected find.

And Adam - I've got the wife and in-laws all set to visit in early June. Should we make reservations or just pop in?

If you're coming for dinner, reservations are recommended, especially for Thursday, friday, or saturday. But we do have service at the bar, which can be a lot of fun staring at all our rums. We should be at 120 by June as we're getting J.M., Cockspur, Moleca, Lemon Hart, and maybe some Don Q and Zacapa on the horizon. When in June are you coming? We have a few fun events in June which would be a lot of fun not to miss... although itll be a little crazy, would the in-laws be up for it?

[RummyPDX]

I will be going to rum jungle in a few months while in Vegas with my wife. I really have no high expectations but a friend relayed that they do a pyrat "flight" and they have pyrat cask. Thats what Im going for, perhaps if I see others I am looking to try... but I am going to try cask. I cant find a bar with it up here and Im not willing to drop $267.49(yes, Ive checked several stores) without tasting a drop.

[primate77]

Rummy - I was in a place in Saint Louis last week that offered a somewhat decent selection of rums. They had Cask on the drink menu at $38 for a shot. Most expensive rum on the menu by far. The closest to it with Mount Gay XO, which was $11 a shot.

I opted for a shot of D'Aristi to finish my evening at $6 for a 1-1/2 oz shot.
I would like to try Cask too, just to say I've been there, done that, and to see if I can carry on in life without owning a bottle! (at least have to try... but $38 for a shot was a bit steep)!

[RumBarPhilly]

For an interesting rum flight, we've got one called "El Superpresidente" which is an ounce of Pyrat Cask, Appleton 21, and Mt Gay Tricentennial. We sell it at $110 and is a great way to try 3 rums that are otherwise too expensive to try a bottle of each

[primate77]

For an interesting rum flight, we've got one called "El Superpresidente" which is an ounce of Pyrat Cask, Appleton 21, and Mt Gay Tricentennial. We sell it at $110 and is a great way to try 3 rums that are otherwise too expensive to try a bottle of each


And when I come to visit you and your bar in Philly, you will welcome me with open arms (and one of these rum flights on the house, right?):D

[mcmachete]

Wow. Phenomenal flight, Adam.
How often do people try that one?

[RumBarPhilly]

And when I come to visit you and your bar in Philly, you will welcome me with open arms (and one of these rum flights on the house, right?):D

I am always more than happy to pour a taste or two of rum for rum lovers that have never seen or heard or tried a phenomenal rum...

but you, my friend, have crossed the line! haha

[RumBarPhilly]

Wow. Phenomenal flight, Adam.
How often do people try that one?

We've only sold it twice. Our most popular flight is the "El Capitan" which is Montecristo 12yr, Pampero Anniversario, and Zaya. This one runs $21. Im hoping to get Cockspur in soon, so we can break out the "Bajan Feast" which will by Tommy Gold, Mt Gay XO, and Cockspur 12. Maybe Ill just use Malibu in the mean time, haha

[primate77]

Our most popular flight is the "El Capitan" which is Montecristo 12yr, Pampero Anniversario, and Zaya. This one runs $21. Im hoping to get Cockspur in soon, so we can break out the "Bajan Feast" which will by Tommy Gold,

That's a pretty nice line up and a solid price. That probably does really well.

So how is the Tommy Gold? I'm seeing it EVERYWHERE in Central Illinois now at all the bars - the area distributor is pushing it hard for whatever reason.

[RumBarPhilly]

I think its a fair rum. To not take it seriously due to its marketing, would be a travesty. I think it needs to rest in oak a little bit longer. I do not know its age, however I can tell that it has a nice balance of sweet/dry and it has nothing offensive about it, however it lacks a nice finish and does have a bit of a burn. I hear in the rumor mill about an aged rum coming in a few years, once the dust settles and to see if Sidney Frank could profit off this.

[RummyPDX]

Rummy - I was in a place in Saint Louis last week that offered a somewhat decent selection of rums. They had Cask on the drink menu at $38 for a shot. Most expensive rum on the menu by far. The closest to it with Mount Gay XO, which was $11 a shot.

I opted for a shot of D'Aristi to finish my evening at $6 for a 1-1/2 oz shot.
I would like to try Cask too, just to say I've been there, done that, and to see if I can carry on in life without owning a bottle! (at least have to try... but $38 for a shot was a bit steep)!

Maybe a little steep but definitely worth it.

Wow, overpricing the Mt Gay XO much? $40 a bottle vs. 260+ a bottle .. the Cask at 38 is actually a better deal.

[primate77]

I'll wait for Adam to pour me a free shot of the cask when I go to Philly!:)

[RumBarPhilly]

More info on the Tommy Gold, it is a blend of 4-6 year old rums, as the oldest rums in their warehouse is 6 years old. There are plans to release a further aged rum in the coming two years, once their inventory contains 8 year old barrels.

Going back to Rum Jungle, I spoke with some great rum fans from New York last week that spoke great things about Rum Jungle, so long as you are there before 9pm. You can get good attention and try some great rums before it turns into a nightclub atmosphere.

[primate77]

so long as you are there before 9pm.

Key point that can't be stressed enough! I'll be there April 26th to May 1st.
If anyone else is going to be in Vegas that week, let's meet up.

Before 9pm is when you'd find me there. Forget the frustrations after 10pm, go over to New York New York and enjoy the entertainment, and good dark beer at Nine Fine Irishmen.

[Rumpelteazer]

Just returned from my trip to Vegas. Based on all of the negative vibes and the distance from where I was staying (Mirage) to Mandalay Bay, I did not make it to RumJungle.

The bars and restaurants I went to were mostly disappointing rumwise; Bacardi, Captain, Appleton VX, and 10 Cane were the typical selections. Lots of rainbow colored vodkas though.

One highly recommended exception was Bouchon, a lively French bistro on the 10th floor of the Venetian. They had a list of about a dozen respectable rums, including Montecristo 12, Barbancourt 8 and 15, and Pyrat Cask. Vegas prices are high though, $14 for the B8, $18 for the B15, and $40 for the PC. Pours were decent, about 2 oz.

I went for the B15 as I had never had it before. Very nice, smooth and balanced. The food was quite good, too.

Spago in the Venetian shopping mall served the Montecristo 12 also, but not much else of interest rumwise.

[RumBarPhilly]

Montecristo 12, Barbancourt 8 and 15, and Pyrat Cask. Vegas prices are high though, $14 for the B8, $18 for the B15, and $40 for the PC.

Sounds like a pretty good price for Pyrat Cask, Id jump on it! Strange though that the Barbancourt 5* is nearly the same price as the Reserve. The retail price is nearly double!

[Rumpelteazer]

Sounds like a pretty good price for Pyrat Cask, Id jump on it! Strange though that the Barbancourt 5* is nearly the same price as the Reserve. The retail price is nearly double!

That's because the drinks in Vegas' high end bars and restaurants START at about $12 and go up from there. So the quality drinks are actually a better deal than the bottom shelf.

[fon_eti_que]

Boy, would I ever have the "El Superpresidente"
The Apelton 21 is on my shelf, but for the Pyrat Cask & Mt Gay it sees like a reasonable deal!

Perhaps I will get the chance in early september, while visiting NJ.

/fon_eti_que

[angelsword]

Went to Rum Jungle last night. Of the 3 rum I requested from their rum list. they only had one. That one was Classic Moneymusk Jamaican 8 Yr., distilled in '91. I had also requested Classic Port Morant Guyana and another from the "Classic" trademark, "Venetian?".

These folks really need to rework their rum list as well as add more to what they have on hand.

[RC]

Rum Jungle was surely a hoppin' place back in the day, but they have really been slipping lately. They have seriously downsized the menu and it always seems to be out of date. It's a shame because its a great looking place that once had an inspiring selection of great rums. I hope they get it together.

[Dood]

Several of the people that used to work at Rum Jungle "when it was cool" have moved on to work at Frankie's Tiki Room. Spent a few hours there with Paul Clarke on Saturday night. They have a pretty good selection and seem committed to making good drinks. I highly recommend it.

[forrest]

...
there i said it!

[STX]

I was fortunate enough to spend about 2 hours talking rum with a couple bar tenders at Rum Jungle and they brought down every bottle I asked about. Must have tried a dozen different rums. As we were discussing various aspects of rum and its complex flavors, they never held back any samples. Best part of it all, besides getting to try a lot of rums I had never had, was they only charged me about $20 bucks for all of the "samples" and actual drinks I ordered.

Its a tourist spot but anyplace with that much rum is definitely worth a look.

[TheRumelier]

I had the Asst.GM send me a photo of one section of the rum shelves in Rum Jungle. It looks pretty impressive to me (from someone who has not been there yet).
Las vegas is not really my thing, I'm more of an island boy at heart!! Follow the link below and scroll down a little to see the photo.
http://www.therumelier.com/id62.html

[thrall]

lol...wow...you boys are a tough bunch to please! lol.....

OK...ill admit it...the Rum Jungle in the Mandlay Bay resort was my first foray into rum...And i loved it....so it can and does serve a purpose for the un-initiated...its a gateway. There was quite the "wow" factor seeing the wall of different rums...who knew...i sure didn't at that point...lol. I think the rum jungle is a great place to start people off....lets face it...not many places in this country, large or small, have a great huge selection of rum...The rum jungle is a massive place with a huge selection of rums. Considering the amount of people who go to vagas... it has a huge world wide potential audience for new rum lovers. So for that alone the rum jungle serves a great PR purpose for the fine liquid known as .....rum.

I am in Vegas quite a bit and make it a point to visit the Rum Jungle every time i am there....but i always go at 5pm....so ive never had to deal with the "bar crowd" or night club part of the Rum Jungle.....its not my thing. I never sit at the bar so i cant tell you if the bartenders are rum aficionados or not....(hoping at least one of them is...lol)

I like the fact that you can order something you have never had before and lol...they have lots to try. The rum jungle was where i first heard of and tasted....zaya. I love having the pyrate and mount gay flights.... One of the things i like to do is ask to see the bottle of what ever it is im trying...and they are always happy to bring it to the table....

I have never had a bad experience at the rum jungle.....(well...the couple who had kids...ggggrrrrr...but that wasnt rum jungles fault..lol) I enjoy the "Brazilian fire pit" for dinner..along with lots and lots of rum....lol.

Ill be back to the rum jungle in March....want me to take pics and snatch a rum menu?

The Rum Jungle is very Vegas...its loud and big and expensive...its one big piece of eye candy....It is certainly not an intimate smugglers cove that is dedicated to just one thing....rum. The Rum Jungle is a restaurant/bar/nightclub....and they play it that way.

You have to take the rum jungle with a grain of vagas salt and enjoy it for what it is.....part of the theater known as ...Vegas.

*hhhmm...thinking about trying that peanut thing you all have been talking about*

[Edward Hamilton]

I'm glad to hear they are getting better. I know one of the owners and have voiced my complaints to him in the past. Hopefully they will continue to improve their selection and education.

[Idearat]

I always visit Rumjungle when I'm in Las Vegas. It can be a little hit or miss when it comes to getting the right bartender, but with 4 bars you can move to the next one. I have paid for my first drink and moved to another bar if I found a better bartender there.
Best to go earlier, before the show and the the place is crowded. My normal routine is to sit at the bar and have a couple appetizers and a dessert along with my rum tasting. I bring my own tiny super-power LED flashlight to help guide them to bottles higher up that I'd like to sample or at least look at.

[Edward Hamilton]

After protracted disputes with Mandalay Bay, Rum Jungle closed earlier this month. It's sad to see a place built on rum close, but I'm confident that there will be other places. Timing is everything.

[Calgaryx]

That's disappointing news. I am going to Vegas next week and was looking forward to checking it out. It certainly explains why I could not find out any info from the hotels web site.