One Barrel

[Lew Barrett]

I did a quick search to see if there had been a specific One Barrel (Belize) thread but couldn't find it, so here goes. I have had a bottle on the shelf for about a year but forgot about it. I broke into it last night, having brought it as an offering to a party we attended.

First impressions: Smoothness was average, or slightly below. It had a distinct bite on the way down in the back of the throat. However, there is a very notable butterscotch flavor that is not unpleasant. This is experienced as the rum is in the mouth and is hard to miss, I think. Some might taste it as caramel, I'd imagine.

I can't say I'd rate this rum at the top level, but I will try it again to fortify my first impressions. Any other views on this product?

[RobertBurr]

I agree. 1 Barrel has a nose of butterscotch and maple syrup, taste of candy and a relatively rough finish. It's not a fine rum in the sense of the great aged spirits, but it's a delightful expression. I also have the 5 Barrel (hard to come by in my experience) and it tastes quite mature for its age with plenty of bourbon barrel flavor and less sweetness, smoother finish.

[RC]

I'm a fan of 1 Barrel. You can pick up a bottle for about $5 in Belize (almost less than a gallon of water) and it's great for mixing. The 5 year is only available at duty free shops but it's worth a taste.

[RobertBurr]

Mike, it was fun to spend a few minutes drinking rum together in Key West recently at the Rum Bar at the Speakeasy Inn at 1117 Duval. Drop me a line when you can join me in Miami. We'll compare the 1 Barrel to the 5 Barrel.

[RC]

Rob, Good to see you too. That bar is forever improved by your careful daiquiri making lesson....think I'll go try one now. See you soon in Miami.

[Hank Koestner]

Rob's description of One Barrel is right on. Not bad though, for under $15. I must admit though, I will probably not replace my bottle.
The 5 Barrel does sound interesting. Robert, you get your hands on so many interesting rums!

[JMac]

I have been using it for guests and their eggnog. Its not bad and everybody seems to like it.

I tried it on the rocks and that butterscotch flavour is unique. However, coupled with the sharp backbite, the rum taste 'off' in the sense that both flavours are too opposite to each other to compliment.

[RC]

....and now there is a 10 year. Article link on the Rum Connection site today.

[TheRumelier]

I have never had the pleasure of tasting 1 Barrel yet but someone e-mailed me today to say they will be sending me a bottle to sample. I love butterscotch, looking forward to trying it soon, so will probably revive this thread after it arrives.

[Bill]

It takes a lot for me to really dislike a rum, but 1 Barrel was a big, big disappointment. I consider this a highly flavored rum that simply reeked of offputting artificial maple. Even at its low price, I expected much more.

However, it did make a dandy marinade for some chicken I grilled.

[MarkVT]

I just poured a little of this last night, nice timing. I agree with most of the other comments. I initially thought 'caramel', but I agree 'butterscotch' may be a better description. I didn't think it was too rough. Certainly not as smooth as Zacapa, but nowhere near as harsh as some other rums, some of the Plantation series come to mind.

I also agree it's not a top shelf rum, but for the $13 I paid, I think it's a great value. Makes for a good mixer.

[Matusalem]

I suspect that 1 Barrel suffers a little bit from expectation. At its price point, age and accepting what it must be, it seems just a tad unrealistic to expect it be more than what it is. Tommy Bahama syndrome perhaps? ;)

In the "what it is" category, I'd have trouble saying it's an under performer. Where 1 Barrel appeals to someone like myself is it's hands down different / unique.

For me, it has a maple baked goods type aroma and taste (I thought of ginger snaps or baked breads like banana nut or zucchini nut loaf etc.) I'm unable to detect butterscotch in it - I have an absolute distaste for butterscotch dating back to childhood.

[Paulipbartender]

One barrel is a wonderful column still, bourbon barrel aged golden rum that is part of the Authentic Caribbean Rum Campaign. Being part of the marque campaign guarantees it has no additives in it, the butterscotch flavour coming from the distillation and ageing. It's also very young - the youngest rum in the blend is only a year - so don't judge it by comparison with aged dippers. I'm a big fan

[Matusalem]

Being part of the marque campaign guarantees it has no additives in it...If factual, that comes as a bit of a shock, Paulip. I don't believe it is malicious use of caramel (as sometimes has been suggested), but would have guessed some other unusual ingredient was at least going into the distillation end.

[Rum Runner]

One barrel is a wonderful column still, bourbon barrel aged golden rum that is part of the Authentic Caribbean Rum Campaign. Being part of the marque campaign guarantees it has no additives in it

Thanks for picking up on that Paul. I am not privy to all of the fine print on the ACR Regulations. I am wondering if you have an idea of what exactly may be considered as an additive..as well as what may be "added" without being considered as such?

[Matusalem]

Thanks for picking up on that Paul. I am not privy to the all of the fine print on the ACR regulations. I am wondering if you have an idea of what exactly may be considered an additive..as well as what may be "added" without being considered as such?Translation: You are curious if perhaps they are using 1st fill maple syrup barrels for maturation? laughing.gif

No but seriously, I'd have guessed something is in the raw ingredient end (at minimum), but admit the bulk of my drawing the imaginary conclusion is based upon my lack of experiencing the same or similar.

By that I mean it what I'd describe as rums I've experienced... but with an added twist. (My own personal depiction) would be to describe it as more like the product itself is a "twist" with added rum.

[Bill]

Correct me please if I'm wrong but the WIRSPA labeling has to do with age, and I've seen nothing at all about restricting additives. If their regs do eliminate additives, can someone please quote that section?

The manufacturer says the rum is 12 months old, nothing about a blend, and that they are using Kentucky oak barrels. I'm sure we can assume used bourbon barrels. The tremendous amount of what I perceive as artificial maple cannot be the result of distilling, and certainly not from its brief time in the barrel.

I consider this a very young, one-note, heavily flavored rum. Seriously, the legs alone are a giveaway.

[rumdog007]

I beakered and flamed several dark rums tonight. The 1 Barrel was a higher residue rum when compared to, say, Plantation Reserve. The smell was burnt sugar. There were some other rums with a pretty high caramel residue, too. Is caramel, maple syrup, agave syrup, or cotton candy the reason that it tastes the way it does, probably. But, I will always have a place in my heart for this rum. It mixes well and is best drunk with the setting sun on your back while the waves tickle yours toes on some beach in Belize.

party2.gif

[RobertBurr]

Yes, within the context of enjoying it on the beach in Ambergris Caye, I concur.

The candy-like flavor can seem artificial, but it's probably just a quality of the method. Leave a touch of remnants from your 1 Barrel in a glass overnight and smell it the next day. In comparison, a similar experiment with the 5 barrel reveals a lot of wood, not nearly as much sweetness.

Sunset Very Strong rum from St. Vincent has a distinct aroma of butterscotch candy on the nose, but the taste is a different story - wow. Young column still rums can take on a buttery sweet profile. Some of the marks blended into Appleton estate rums bring similar notes to the bouquet.

[Paulipbartender]

The ACR marque guarantees certain production values;

1. No additives are used in production other than caramel
2. All rums distilled to no more than 96% abv
3. All rums made exclusively from sugarcane products
4. All rums bottled at minimum 37.5% abv
5. All rums exclusively distilled within the 15 member countries
6. Any age statement used on bottling MUST refer to a minimum age within the blend
You can take the above as guarantees for every rum produced in these countries. By the way I'm not talking on behalf of WIRSPA - just regurgitating what I understand.



Correct me please if I'm wrong but the WIRSPA labeling has to do with age, and I've seen nothing at all about restricting additives. If their regs do eliminate additives, can someone please quote that section?

The manufacturer says the rum is 12 months old, nothing about a blend, and that they are using Kentucky oak barrels. I'm sure we can assume used bourbon barrels. The tremendous amount of what I perceive as artificial maple cannot be the result of distilling, and certainly not from its brief time in the barrel.

I consider this a very young, one-note, heavily flavored rum. Seriously, the legs alone are a giveaway.

[Rum Runner]

Paul, Thanks for adding your understanding of the ACR regulations as they pertain to the member rums. Are you aware if a tasting panel/testing regime is in place at WIRSPA to hold members to the regulations?

[Paulipbartender]

No assessment regime as I understand but any member rum that didn't fulfill criteria would be ineligible for carrying the marque and being included in the campaign. I think it's very safe to guarantee all members as fulfilling all the above criteria.

[Rum Runner]

Thanks Paul.

[Paulipbartender]

I forgot the minimum age statement criteria while i've been sitting on my sofa this evening so i've updated my earlier post

[Berbician]

I'd like to defend the One Barrel as well. Since it's virtually unobtainable in London at the moment, I suppose it's a matter of "absence makes the heart grow fonder".

[Brigand]

Anybody know a place in Holland, or anywhere in Europe that ships, where I might be able to get my hands on a bottle or 2 of One Barrel?

I've been interested in this rum for awhile and from the reading up of reviews I've gotten to be a tat bit thursty party2.gif.

[Bill]

The ACR marque guarantees certain production values:

1. No additives are used in production other than caramel...
By the way I'm not talking on behalf of WIRSPA - just regurgitating what I understand.


Paul thanks for the regurg, much appreciated. I believe the "caramel" only in production must refer to distillation part. Otherwise, it would make no sense with One Barrel, as the distiller admits the rum contains "Belezian juices and flavorings". Like the overpowering maple syrup that has been noted. In other words, it contains what I assume are post-distillation additives.

Either the regs don't have teeth, or One Barrel doesn't care. If caramel is an additive, then so must these juices and flavorings.

[Paulipbartender]

Bill, could you provide a link to the claim it contains 'Belezian juices and flavourings'?

I'll do what I can to get you some answers my friend

[Michael]

Please be more careful in your future selections Bill. :(

The full paragraph from which you apparently quoted is:

"Using secret family formulas, combined with multiple distillations, and unique Belizean juices and flavorings, the Perdomo family is extremely proud to present to you an award-winning collection of products to complement even the most discerning taste."

There is no indication that the phrase you quoted refers to One Barrel rum as "[a]part from the traditional distilled products like rum and vodka, TRAVELLERS also produces liqueurs and wines from Belizean fruits ... the only Belizean refinery that does this."

Apparently a search engine is a dangerous thing. Perhaps google should include a training manual. Were you quoting Capn Jimbo, the importer or a third site? It is curious that you and the good Capn would make exactly the same mistake. Are you also acquainted with Emily Litella by any chance. :D

[Bill]

"Using secret family formulas, combined with multiple distillations, and unique Belizean juices and flavorings, the Perdomo family is extremely proud to present to you an award-winning collection of products to complement even the most discerning taste."

Are you also acquainted with Emily Litella by any chance? :D

I'm about as good or bad with the Google as anyone, and your quote from the 1 Barrel website, plus my own tasting of the 1 Barrel, are what I relied on. I have no doubt whatever this young rum is heavily flavored. Your observation wants to prove a negative ("There is no indication that the phrase you quoted refers to One Barrel..").

Can't be done, and to be fair your interpretation is a bit of leap as well. I take the quote at its face. But never mind, lol... and happy holidays to you!

[rumdog007]

I'd like to defend the One Barrel as well. Since it's virtually unobtainable in London at the moment, I suppose it's a matter of "absence makes the heart grow fonder".

I agree! Sometimes, a certain rum can make a profound mark upon one's heart as well as his palate. 1 Barrel was one of the rums which led me to others. I first had it while vacationing in Belize and loved it's flavor and friendly presentation. Up until then, the ever ubiquitous Bacadi was my idea of the flavor of rum (everyone here has a version this story...no need to dredge). OK, it's not El Dorado 21, but it certainly has its uses. It's funny, but when I go to Capn Jimbo's Rum Project, he (really the only person posting) likes to refer to denizens of MOR as the elitists. But, I really see proof of the opposite. There is something very mean spirited in his regard for others and assessments of certain products. His writings tend to be dismissive, angry, and, well, elitist. Please, let's not be the Rum Police and pick apart cheap low-end offerings. I have no wish to don Tom Cruise Mission Impossible apparatus and lower myself through a skylight in an attempt to catch the good people at Travellers, red handed, pouring the bottles of Maple Leaf brand Canadian syrup into the blending tank. BTW, does it make much sense that they would use a product as expensive as maple syrup to flavor a $5 bottle of rum?

[Michael]

Bill, you could have just said "never mind", or left the site in huff again. :D

No logical leap was involved in the common sense reading to which you were referred above, but your carelessness is still, one imagines, quite apparent to the rest of us, despite responding with one of your habitual flights of "interpretation".

Having previously attempted to "straighten" your impenetrable logic, we'll just let this one simmer for a bit without further response. glass.gif

[Michael]

I had an initial take on the One Barrel that was similar to others in finding it highly flavored. Thanks to rumdog's delightful reminiscences, it seems due for a reappraisal.

While we can't make it to the beach in Belize at the moment, some lime and maybe a dash or so of bitters just might do nicely. glass.gif

Happy Holidays to all. cheers.gif

[MJL]

Hello,

I attempted to post on this site several months ago but for some reason my post disappeared before making it public so I will attempt this again.

I tried 1 Barrel after being recommended it by some friends in the Florida Keys. I like it a lot. I have given some bottles of this out as Christmas presents and have frankly gotten some really good input from those I gave it to. Indeed, my own parent's in laws got a bottle and we ended up emptying it on Christmas. Not a bad word was said by anyone. In fact I have gotten many requests where to find this Rum in the Miami area from the people I gifted it to. It can be a hard to find Rum.

I am still working on my second bottle and it has not changed since my first review. I come to the Rum world from drinking Bourbon, Rye and some Scotches so my reviews may be tinged with that influence. Although, I have been drinking Rum since the mid 70s I hadn't even thought about contemplating what I was drinking until this year. With that caveat; that my reviews may be written from the point of view of a Rum amateur, I submit my thoughts on 1 Barrel below. I stand by my first review of this rum and submit it here as my contribution to this site and discussion:







This is a hard to find rum and is not to be found in most everyday liquor stores. If you can hunt down a bottle you will be rewarded. I consider this to be one of the all time bargains in rum

NAME: 1 Barrel

PRICE: $14.99-$17.99

LOCATION: Belize

COLOR: Amber to light clover honey in appearance

NOSE: Soft, rum, alcohol, butterscotch, Carmel, flan, Carmel apples

TASTE: Forcing the 1 Barrel through the front teeth onto the tongue creates a very pleasant buttery sensation that develops into a much more complex taste eventually ending with a long pronounced pecan pralines taste that is soft, sweet and wonderful.

AFTERTASTE: Lingering, lasting at least a minute with multiple creamy flavors developing

FINAL THOUGHTS: Wow! What a wonderful rum. All this flavor and for under $20. This is a complex rum for the drinker who has the time and palette to appreciate the complexity it is able to produce. Do not mix or dilute this rum. This is a real "sleeper" bargain. Highly recommended if you can find it.

[Bill]

There's something that needs addressed here, and I will be direct. It's etiquette. It's the thing that distinguishes nice, pleasant websites. This is not to say they are dull or uninformative. Opinions are expressed and they can be both for or against the subject, which here is about various rums. Some people enjoy a particular rum, others dislike the same rum. Some absolutely love one, while others despise it. Opinions can and do vary tremendously. But one thing is evident.

Although a rum may be praised or criticized, people rarely are. Or shouldn't be.

When a person is called out, attacked, personally criticized or mocked, it adds nothing to what was simply dialogue about a rum. This is how flame wars start. Such unnecessary personal commentary fails to make the attacker any more correct or incorrect insofar as the rum being discussed. It is hurtful and makes enemies. And last, it makes other readers or onlookers uncomfortable.

This is wholly unnecessary as it is perfectly possible to discuss and exchange our personal opinions about rum without adding personal attacks, put downs or negative innuendo about other posters. I do hope we will all feel free to continue to post our differing opinions. About rum.

To a New and Friendly New Year!

[Bill]

Source: The San Pedro Sun Visitor, Island Newspaper, Belize, 4/13/06

(Note: The entire article, save one sentence is devoted to Traveller's rums, specifically One Barrel)

For Belize, rum symbolizes more than an alcoholic beverage; rum is a cultural phenomenon that visitors from around the world associate with the essence of the tropics. In Belize, one of the most popular rum for local or mixed drinks is the world renowned One Barrel Rum proudly created and distributed by Traveller’s Liquors. Last week, One Barrel rum was entered at the Cane Spirits Competition in Tampa, Florida where it was recognized as first among sixteen hundred worldwide competitors in the dark rum category. There were thirty-one judges who tasted the rums entered in the competition and judged them on taste, body, and finish. One Barrel has won other gold medals in the three years it has been on the international market.

One Barrel is a very aromatic rum with lots of flavor. Its “nose” has been described as “floral” specifically reminiscent of hibiscus and papaya fruit. Tasted straight, One Barrel is quite smooth without a “bite” to it. You can taste the memory of the molasses that was used to make the rum. The molasses flavor isn’t overpowering, but it is there in the background. This makes the rum mix well with juices and Colas, which are the most common mixers for rum drinks. The hint of molasses seems to “complete” the flavor of the mixers, actually improving the taste when compared to the mixer alone. People who taste One Barrel rum usually end up being One Barrel drinkers, even if they hated rum before they tried this one.

Since 1953, Traveller’s Liquors Limited has been providing Belizeans and visitors alike with a broad and unique assortment of distilled and fermented products. Founder and Patriarch of the family, Master Blender Omario Perdomo, gave the company its name because of its original success serving Traveller’s along the main route into and out of Belize City. In 1992, the company completely upgraded the distillation facility, stepping away from other distilleries which use acids to speed up the fermentation process.

Traveller’s employs high-test molasses with natural fermentation, coupled with a double-distillation method for smoother taste. Apart from the traditional distilled products like rum and vodka, Traveller’s also produces liqueurs and wines from Belizean fruits, they are the only Belizean refinery that does this.

(From this point the article speaks again to rum and One Barrel...)

Traveller’s Liquors Limited are producers of Belize’s oldest and only aged rums on the market today. Using secret family formulas combined with multiple distillations, special aging techniques and unique Belizean juices and flavorings, the Perdomo family is extremely proud to present to you an award winning collection of products to complement even the most discerning taste.

(It is difficult to interpret this paragraph as anything but a description of their rums).

The bottom line is that the clear, tan, or brown liquid you pour over ice or mix in a blender has come a long way to serve you. To appropriately honor it for its long journey, Belizeans blend rum into a variety of concoctions that celebrate the distinctive taste. The beauty of rum is that it mixes so well with different flavors that consumers of all preferences can appreciate its simplicity. One Barrel has won numerous gold medals in the “dark and light 80 proof” category at the annual International Rum Festival. One Barrel, or its aged counterpart, Prestige Premium Gold, continually surpasses other rums throughout the Caribbean in taste and quality.

Traveller’s Liquors produces seventeen varieties of rum all together. The light gold color – reflects the unfiltered content like golden stars in a galaxy. Fresh peach and sweet florals dominate the nose. The entry is silky smooth sweet butterscotch with a roasted coconut and viscous oily body followed by apple cinnamon spice in the finish. Clearly a fantastic choice and undoubtedly why this classic golden rum has won the gold medal dark rum category in the 2006 International Sugar Cane Spirits competition. One world, one choice; One Barrel!

Astute readers will take note that the subject of this lengthy article was almost entirely about Traveller's rum. There was one brief aside noting that Traveller's also produces liqueurs and wines from "Belizean fruit", and not from the "Belizean juices and flavorings" referred to later regarding their rums. It is nigh to impossible to interpret this article otherwise when complete and in context. Unfortunately, another post (1) very selectively extracted two short statements, (2) reversed their order, (3) ignored the obvious differences in meaning and (4) gave them equal weight. Whether intentional or not, this interpretation seemed forced. It was out of order, out of context, and in my opinion - misleading. I leave it to the readers of the entire article to reach their own conclusions.

Far more important is the actual experience of observing and tasting 1 Barrel.

More than one poster noted its single-minded, overpowering and offputting aroma and flavor, unnatural and thick syrupy legs, and pan flashed effects and residue. I also noted all these, and all are sure indicators of a rather heavily flavored or altered rum. Something like artificial maple syrup if you ask me. Regardless, these findings would be uncharacteristic and unexpected for a very young, continuously distilled, unflavored product. It's just the way it is. What Traveller's says or doesn't about their rum, it's quite flavored with additives. I credit them for at least having the honesty to say so.

Good on them!

[Lew Barrett]

Speaking of legs, this thread seems to have them.yay.gif
Regarding manners:
I ply some sites that make this one look like Emily Post's column. Over the years I have enjoyed it (two!), the tone and cordiality of this place has provided a refreshing and comforting respite from some of the other enthusiast sites I enjoy (despite the occasional acrimony one might encounter at those other places).

To date, and including this thread, I have never seen things get truly out of hand, although at times (I remember one other incident surrounding a product from Martinique) discussion has become just a bit heated. But truly, not to anything approaching a boiling point.

I reckon if more than one person is passionate about a topic, eventually something less than Edenic harmony will eventually rear it's head. I try to remember when visiting here that many people will read and dissect my comments, however insightful or inane they might be, and that there are commercial interests monitoring this forum as well as a community of people interested at all levels of this trade. I'm not here to prove anything, just to have a good time.

I agree completely that when we discuss items of interest, we ideally discuss the ideas and not the people. Although rum can be both an elixer and a hobby for the enthusiast, or a source of income for the producer, in the end a negative review of a product is not the same as a negative review of a person. If we can't express our opinions, positive or negative, about the products of the trade, we really don't have much of a forum. On the other hand, as we approach suggesting motivations, we begin to near a demarkation point and a fine line. As ladies and gentlemen, this should be a consideration given the high tone set by the board's ownership and subscribers.

What isn't said can be as powerful as what is, and it is often well to leave another person some room to back into. As the "author" of this thread, I'd hate to see anybody's feelings get trampled on account of it, especially at this time of year.

We rarely delve into anything deeper than a punch bowl here, and I'm grateful for that, as there are ample places to visit on the internet where hasty words can be exchanged. Here, we have our corner of peace, fellowship and sanity, where we may slowly, but must very politely, drink ourselves insensate. Btmup.gif :D

My view, unasked for, and worth exactly what it cost :D

[Hank Koestner]

Thank you Lew, for a beautifully written post. It says everything I would want to say, and much more eloquently then I could have ever said it. Let's let our differences of opinion and our love for our favorite spirit bring us together to raise a glass in cheer always as aquaintances and friends with common interests. When we do have a discussion like this one, there is always much to be learned. I know much more about 1 Barrel than I knew before. Still, it will always come down to the varying perceptions of our palates.

[Michael]

Thanks Lew for the fine perspective.

There is one quality sometimes absent from this thread which seems essential to the conduct of civilized dialogue. Lew touched on it above when he noted that "it is often well to leave another person some room to back into".

When a poster has clearly erred, that poster must, at some point in the "dialogue", abandon defense of the error and desist from further misleading posts. In my experience, only two MOR members have seemed completely oblivious to such considerations.

Diversity of opinion is certainly welcome, but when confronted by the rare intractable individual, perhaps we should heed Blake when he wrote "Always be ready to speak your mind and the foolish man will avoid you". It worked the first time. ;)

[forrest]

"Always be ready to speak your mind and the foolish man will avoid you".

You really are a hoot Michael!!

i love that you quoted the Proverbs of Hell-- absolutely fantastic.

i am home from work early so i'll raise a glass in toast!!glass.gif

[forrest]

Hello,

Why hello MJL, and welcome to the for-rum!!
Glad you made it in this time~!

Nice notes, and thank you for sharing...

[angelsword]

In discussing butterscotch flavor, I just wanted to mention that real butterscotch is also a sugar cane product. The difference in the temperatures used in the creation of buterscotch and caramel can be very slight.

[rumdog007]

Welcome MJL to the forum! Your experience is similar to mine in regard to 1 Barrel. I consider it a "gateway-rum" for those who are inexperienced with spirits, of any type. When I have served top tier rums to sippers which prefer wine coolers, I do not get too many thumbs up. 1 Barrel bridges the gap largely because of its sweet taste and lack of bite/burn. There are other rums which fit this category. I am reminded of the recent thread regarding the hosting of a tasting where it speaks of the experience of those in attendence. Bill, the writer of the cited article seems to agree, too. Thank you for posting!

[Matusalem]

In discussing butterscotch flavor, I just wanted to mention that real butterscotch is also a sugar cane product. The difference in the temperatures used in the creation of buterscotch and caramel can be very slight.Good point, Daniel.

[angelsword]

The ACR marque guarantees certain production values;
1. No additives are used in production other than caramel.
A very low temperature caramel done in large batches might retain unconverted butterscotch. That could account for the One Barrel flavor and still stay within the ACR guidelines.

[Michael]

Thanks angelsword for the suggested clarification. glass.gif

[Matusalem]

A very low temperature caramel done in large batches might retain unconverted butterscotch. That could account for the One Barrel flavor and still stay within the ACR guidelines.Which, could this point support the hue of 1 Barrel as well as its described tall legs?

As far as the rest of the discussion - my $0.02

I think it is highly valuable to discuss why we like / dislike specific rums, either individually or collectively. In this particular case, it seems almost like somewhat of a sidebar or a technicality is being argued. IMHO, that point is somewhat a secondary matter.

I would hope that the real objective point is "I like the rum because of the flavors / profile" or "dislike the rum because of the flavors / profile" as opposed to a vote in either direction based on whether or not it is believed to contain an "additive" etc.

I may be guilty of this practice to some extent. I don't particularly care for Angostura's 1919 - its vanilla tone leans a lil towards excess (as far as my personal preference). Beyond that mention, I try to leave my disinterest there (& on the shelf) without resentment or further implication. Leaving behind more for those that do in fact appreciate the 1919 (or in this case, 1 Barrel), seems to me the responsible thing to do.

cheers.gif

[Rum Runner]

Great observations from Angelsword and Matusalem.

I have made homemade caramel and the end point temperature indeed does change the flavor of the end product.


It's up to ACR to decide if 1 Barrel falls outside it's regulations.

[forrest]

A very low temperature caramel done in large batches might retain unconverted butterscotch.

And maple flavors; we have to take into account original sugar flavor also. . . Tiare excellently covered a lot of ground on her blog (http://amountainofcrushedice.wordpress.com/2008/12/19/sugarcane/#more-1166), and without any stretch of any imagination there is a much broader range of flavor tones included in the taste of sugar than we, in America, are used to (C&H Pure Cane super processed sugar!).

[primate77]

You guys are killing me!!! I've got a liquor cabinet above the fridge that I can hardly shut the doors on because I have so many bottles of liquor up there, and it includes SEVERAL open bottles of rum!

Now, with all your chatter on One Barrell (which I have an unopened bottle of it in another part of the house) - I'll be now forced to crack that open, take a sip and discover the butterscotch too!!!

[RobertBurr]

feel free to blame your hoodlum rummy friends for unduly influencing you, if that helps.

[rumdog007]

primate77, whenever I feel guilty about the number of bottles which I have in the locker, I visit The Rumelier's website to look at the photos of his collection and read about the barrel of rum in his office. Afterward, the guilt is gone!


cheers.gif

[TheRumelier]

primate77, whenever I feel guilty about the number of bottles which I have in the locker, I visit The Rumelier's website to look at the photos of his collection and read about the barrel of rum in his office. Afterward, the guilt is gone!


cheers.gif

Actually, one rum I do not have in my collection is One Barrel. It is on my shopping list though!! Does Hi-Times carry it?

[Brigand]

Actually, one rum I do not have in my collection is One Barrel. It is on my shopping list though!! Does Hi-Times carry it?
It's outta stock on Hi-Timewine!
I've been looking around for quite some time to get a couple bottles One Barrel and was quite delighted that they carry it. Really a bummer tho when it came up out of stock.

[rumdog007]

Actually, one rum I do not have in my collection is One Barrel. It is on my shopping list though!! Does Hi-Times carry it?


They carry it. It may be out, now, though. But, I have a bottle with your name on it! party2.gif

[forrest]

It's outta stock on Hi-Timewine!


i saw some there yesterday when i was at work...
Can't trust our inventory-- for a number of reasons.
Feel free to call:800.331.3005

[TheRumelier]

They carry it. It may be out, now, though. But, I have a bottle with your name on it! party2.gif
Thanks, I guess I will be sending that well travelled box back to California. I wish I was getting it's air miles!! I am going to Puerto Rico this month and the Bahamas early next month, so hope to pick up a few new rums and see some production of rum while there. I have to visit Bacardi in Nassau before they close it down!!

[Dood]

I sometimes feel guilty about the size of my collection. And then I go to Hi Time to buy ONE bottle of gin or some liqueur for a project and come back with 4 more bottles of rum.

I think that Forrest laces the store with crack.

[TheRumelier]

I think that Forrest laces the store with crack.

I should try that in our stores to see if we can increase sales during this slow period!!HMMR

[Paulipbartender]

And where does it end? Guns, drugs and whores available in shiny end-of-aisle take-home packs?

[forrest]

And where does it end? Guns, drugs and whores available in shiny end-of-aisle take-home packs?

Have you been looking at my treatise "Stimulating Sales in an economic downturn"??

[beez]

Hi. First post. I found you doing a Google search on 1 Barrel and had to join once I saw this thread.

Count me in the category of 1 Barrel fans . . . so far, that is. My wife and I just got back from a first trip to Belize about a month ago during which we discovered the wonders of dark rum via 1 Barrel. Realizing that this is usually a journey, I fully expect to upgrade as my rum palate develops (e.g. I used to love Maker’s Mark until I tried Knob Creek, and so on.). But for now I am a 1 Barrel fan.

The drink that hooked us was definitely on the sweet side, called the Lover's Paradise (from the Bamboo Grill on Caye Caulker). It is very simple: 1 Barrel mixed with limeade. It may have been the sea air, the sun and the super laid back nature of the island but it was simply perfect! The flavors seemed to be made for each other. And now I can't live without it.

We just finished the 1 liter bottle that we brought back with us and I was stunned to find that my favorite liquor store here in Chicago (Sam's) does not carry it. So, understanding that this is likely an introductory dark (or gold) rum I am looking for modestly priced alternatives that will be as exciting as a mixer, and perhaps even a decent sipper.

As for my tastes, I did very much like sweeter & caramel/maple nature of the rum, and the kinda spicy zing that goes along with it. But I also see what people mean about it being a pretty harsh when sipped solo. So, I’m open to something new. Suggestions?

Thanks,
Brian

[Edward Hamilton]

Welcome to the for-rums. I'm sure you'll find many suggestions on what to try after running out of One Barrel, but it's probably going to cost a bit more than One Barrel on the beach in Belize.

[RC]

A One Barrel on the beach in Caye Caulker is hard to beat. I tried the 5 Barrel and 10 Barrel recently and they were both quite good. You might just have to make another trip to Belize to re-stock!

[Lew Barrett]

As for my tastes, I did very much like sweeter & caramel/maple nature of the rum, and the kinda spicy zing that goes along with it. But I also see what people mean about it being a pretty harsh when sipped solo. So, I’m open to something new. Suggestions?

Thanks,
Brian

Greetings Brian. As you have seen, OB gets a variety of reviews from "solid" to "not so hot." But as far as sipping rums on the sweeter side, there is a huge world open to you that consists of some of the most prized rums on the market.

I have my favorites, but if you're new to rum and like it sweet, it's hard to go wrong recommending Zacapa,either the 23 or the drier 15 year blend. I like them both, but prefer the 15, and it is also less expensive. Other great, luscious sweet rums include El Dorado 15, the cigar smoker's friend, and my new pal, Ron Atlantico, which is hard to find. You'll get a load of recommendations here; it's hard to know where to begin, really.

Here on the forum, I'm known for beinga Pampero Aniversario fanatic, and although it doesn't fit into the category of truly sweet rums. Sam's carries it and it's worth exploring in my view.

Your tastes will change as you try new bottles; you have that right!

[forrest]

Hey beez welcome to the for-rum!
There is an Online Store Index (http://ministryofrum.com/onlinestore.php) on the home page here to help you find stuff, and have it shipped.

Also, i would echo Lews recommendations, and add Zaya to the list-- it is sweet and rich a bit darker than 1B, and the focus flavor tend more to vanilla, rather maple syrup but still a sweety!
(it is around $26.)

[beez]

thanks, all. but many of these recommendations are coming in closer to $40 according to Sam's site. altho at $30 i'm indeed interested in the Pampero.

if i relaxed the sipping part of my request would there be an adequate mixer more in the 1B vein? say $20 or so. what about this Appleton VX i've read about elsewhere on this site?