SarasotaRum
06-18-2008, 02:21 PM
As I learn, taste, and read more about Rum the following Generalizations have become apparent:
* The price paid for a bottle of rum does not always lead to a better tasting experience.
* Advanced aging does not always lead to a superior rum.
* A tasting occasion and tasting preference often overlooks a superior product on the basis of availability, affordability, or affinity. (this is a good thing)
I have often read posters state a particular preference for one brands 7 year over a 12. This curiousity naturally extends to purchasing decisions at the local liquor store and the myriad of strange new selections now available.
There are two many selections to count under the $20 mark. Most are distillied in the most economical way possible I'd imagine. The light shines through very easily. There are a few from central american countries which boast of cask aging and sipping which could be viable alternative for informal tasting if one was bold enough to give it a try. I did.
Ron Barcelo - Anejo / Dom. Rep. - light, but not harsh. Slight tinge characteristic of lower cost spirits, much better than cockspur 5, or flor de cana gold, suitable for shots straight between beers, probably keep your sniffers in the rack. $14
Ron Abuelo - Anejo / Panama - med., sweeter, some finish, definitely better for sipping. Small oak barrels, blended. Not quite premium league, but definitely in the ballpark. Some readers will a little less sophisticated palate will be pleased. $14 750l or $20 1.75l
My question for the forum is: do you know of any rum in this category that have seen the inside of a barrel that are worthy of a try ?
The $20- $29 range has the most gaps in it. This is where I would logically find most of my purchases, but it is where the liquor store has very little stock outside of the usual suspects. Robert's Rum Guide has many good canidates which might fit in this price range, I don't know. It was as if the store knew I was either going to purchase cheap rum or spend at least $35. quality 5 and 7 year rums are hard to find, but 15's and 21's are right there.
My question for the forum is: Do you have the same available problems with rum selections in the $20 range in your part of the country ?
The $30 and up range is well-round with Zacapa, De Cana, Viscaya, etc, etc, all in the fancy decanters with their prices clearly marked. These may be nice for the true armchair experience on the most special of occasions. The Flor De Cana 21 I tasted at Big Sugar last week was $72.
Final Thoughts: I guess what we are really talking about is a value proposition. If someone posts a positive review on a recent tasting, I think that only adds value. I look forward to reading your comments and sharing more in the future.
Sincerely,
Stan
SarasotaRum
Sarasota, Florida
* The price paid for a bottle of rum does not always lead to a better tasting experience.
* Advanced aging does not always lead to a superior rum.
* A tasting occasion and tasting preference often overlooks a superior product on the basis of availability, affordability, or affinity. (this is a good thing)
I have often read posters state a particular preference for one brands 7 year over a 12. This curiousity naturally extends to purchasing decisions at the local liquor store and the myriad of strange new selections now available.
There are two many selections to count under the $20 mark. Most are distillied in the most economical way possible I'd imagine. The light shines through very easily. There are a few from central american countries which boast of cask aging and sipping which could be viable alternative for informal tasting if one was bold enough to give it a try. I did.
Ron Barcelo - Anejo / Dom. Rep. - light, but not harsh. Slight tinge characteristic of lower cost spirits, much better than cockspur 5, or flor de cana gold, suitable for shots straight between beers, probably keep your sniffers in the rack. $14
Ron Abuelo - Anejo / Panama - med., sweeter, some finish, definitely better for sipping. Small oak barrels, blended. Not quite premium league, but definitely in the ballpark. Some readers will a little less sophisticated palate will be pleased. $14 750l or $20 1.75l
My question for the forum is: do you know of any rum in this category that have seen the inside of a barrel that are worthy of a try ?
The $20- $29 range has the most gaps in it. This is where I would logically find most of my purchases, but it is where the liquor store has very little stock outside of the usual suspects. Robert's Rum Guide has many good canidates which might fit in this price range, I don't know. It was as if the store knew I was either going to purchase cheap rum or spend at least $35. quality 5 and 7 year rums are hard to find, but 15's and 21's are right there.
My question for the forum is: Do you have the same available problems with rum selections in the $20 range in your part of the country ?
The $30 and up range is well-round with Zacapa, De Cana, Viscaya, etc, etc, all in the fancy decanters with their prices clearly marked. These may be nice for the true armchair experience on the most special of occasions. The Flor De Cana 21 I tasted at Big Sugar last week was $72.
Final Thoughts: I guess what we are really talking about is a value proposition. If someone posts a positive review on a recent tasting, I think that only adds value. I look forward to reading your comments and sharing more in the future.
Sincerely,
Stan
SarasotaRum
Sarasota, Florida