Saving Rum

[Arrrgh!]

Perhaps a simple question, but how does one save a bottle of rum??? When I purchase a bottle I enjoy it until the last drop. Then the adventure continues as I purchase another bottle of a favorite or something new. Even a Zacapa 23 never last longs around these parts. I have more of a bottle graveyard, than a "stocked" bar. Just wondering on your thoughts..............Btmup.gif

[young0076]

OK I am pretty new at this rum thing, so I can tell you what I have learned so far.

If you want a certain bottle of rum to last you need to build your collection up. When I started I would get a bottle and drink it till it was gone, well that got expensive and got me nowhere. So I bought a few bottles at a time and found out it started to be a mood thing as to which one I wanted to drink.

In short buy about 3 bottles and go from there..........Cheers

Gary

[rumdog007]

Wow, you have asked a loaded question. I started out in your shoes but began to bunker more than I consume. Supply and demand is at the heart of your post. For me, I became the collector of certain labels when they began to change their formula or disappear from shelves. For brands that are in plentiful supply, I buy a new bottle when it hits the 1/4 mark. I have quite a few neighbors that show up at my door when they are thirsty, too! That can put a demand on my supply.

But, "saving rum", as in, not drinking it.... I have no idea how to answer that one! glass.gif

[RonJames]

I'll start off with what I do. Not saying its right but it works for me. When I open a sipper its got to be gone by 6months. I've never kept record of my mixers but I'd be surprised if they lasted 6 months. I always buy the 1.75L for mixers when available, more bang for the buck and they last longer. I have one rum drink a night and on the weekend I don't countdrool.gif I can tell you that back in the day I use to buy a bottle every time I went the grocery store. Now I look for sales and stock up. Its all about intake and output. If you're intake is greater than your output(consumption) you'll collect. Then the trick is to start putting a small percentage of the paycheck away so you can make one of those stupid purchases.cigar.gif

[curoswiss]

I have one rum drink a night

I wish I had that kind of control..

drooling.gif

[rumdog007]

I'll start off with what I do. Not saying its right but it works for me. When I open a sipper its got to be gone by 6months. I've never kept record of my mixers but I'd be surprised if they lasted 6 months. I always buy the 1.75L for mixers when available, more bang for the buck and they last longer. I have one rum drink a night and on the weekend I don't countdrool.gif I can tell you that back in the day I use to buy a bottle every time I went the grocery store. Now I look for sales and stock up. Its all about intake and output. If you're intake is greater than your output(consumption) you'll collect. Then the trick is to start putting a small percentage of the paycheck away so you can make one of those stupid purchases.cigar.gif

RonJames, good advice! Btmup.gif

[frenchrumlover]

for me it s more about how much did the bottle cost me or how hard it was to find. i must have around 80 bottles between 20 up to 200 pound. so i m waiting for a really good occasion to open the priciest one which i have not done so far

[Schock Therapy]

When I first joined the MOR I was amazed at the size of some of the collections. (I still am!). As I continued to explore new rums I couldn't wait until I finished one bottle before I tried another new one. That's how it starts. Now I find myself scouring liquor stores for good rums that I want to try, and when I find one, I buy it, because it may not be there next time. I currently have about 9 different rums; some are mixers, some are sippers, and a couple are rare and expensive bottles that I only get into on special occasions or with friends that I know will appreciate them. Once they are gone I don't know when I'll get them again, so I want them to last!

I am now contemplating buying a liquor cabinet to go in my den, because there is no more room in the kitchen cupboard that currently holds my rums and other liquor!

[Vanpatt]

I am now contemplating buying a liquor cabinet to go in my den, because there is no more room in the kitchen cupboard that currently holds my rums and other liquor!

I was just thinking the same about buying a liquor cabinet the other day, I'd like to hear what you come across; I don't have a clue about where to even look. I've starting taking over our big china cabinet in the dining room and selectively hiding my wife's knick knacks for space (I now have 30 sippers I keep there). I need my own space or I'm going to get in trouble!!

To comment on frenchrumlover's response, for me it is less about price and more about how hard it is to find a rum that establishes the value for me, and of course how much I enjoy it. It's always what you can't easily attain that you desire!

[Count Silvio]

Start a rum review website like I have, then you'll never run out of rum because you will be so busy getting new ones you don't have time to finish the old ones. I am so late with some of these reviews, be back later gotta drink some rum kthxbye!

[gatomalo]

As others have said, it's all about supply and demand, plus price.

I began collecting rums from Spain a few years ago because they are much cheaper than in the UK, and many of them are hard to find here. Still now every time I go to Spain I bring back a sack load of rum (the last trip I managed something like 15 bottles). Over time I would find that I became reluctant to drink the expensive or rare ones so quickly because I wasn't sure if or when I would be able to replace them. So, I took my time with those rums or saved them for special (or near-special) occasions.

Then, as I collected more and more bottles, I began to exceed the rate at which I could drink them.

I now keep around 10-15 different mixing rums (about 5 white and the rest golden/dark) and around 30-40 sipping rums of various qualities and prices. If I never bought another bottle of rum again, at my current rate of consumption I estimate it would take me at least 5 years to drink my way through my supply.

[RonJames]

Shock Therapy and Vanpatt, I'll pass along an idea thats kicking around in my head. Here in New England we have basements which are pretty much considered "man land" because the misses doesn't want to go down there more than she has to and she doesn't want any of her nick-nacks down there incase they get eaten by the alligators she insists are down there. So...here is the idea I was kicking around for the future. You know how people redo there kitchens with cupboards and such? Well I'd to take those old cupboards off their hands, my rums won't care about the rustic nature of old cupboards, and they don't let in light which damages rum. Now install these cupboards in the basement, maybe throw in a small refridgerator for mixers and fruit, set up a table for cards or dominoes, and you just might have heaven. Wife is happy because rum is out of her hair, and you have a rum bodega.

To get back to topic I love the counts rum reviews, they give me a great preview with what to expect from a rum. I also keep price in mind. If there is a sale I will see what I can get for $200. I don't care if they have Maximo marked down to $50, I ain't walking out with more than four of them. I also consider $200 the mark for those "stupid purchases" that make me think twice before I shell out the money, which sometimes I do and sometimes I don't.

[Calgaryx]

Never save Rum, always share it with your friends...then go over to their place and let them share theirs!. When you start a collection be careful. My wife has told me that I have a compulsive rum buying addiction. You will find that once you get over 10 bottles you will only drink the ones you are in a mood for.

[Hank Koestner]

It is easy to save them when you accumulate so many.....Btmup.gif
I try to make them last longer by using the same inert gas that is used for wine. It does help quite a bit. There is an extensive thread on this subject.

[Vanpatt]

[QUOTE=RonJames;23965]Shock Therapy and Vanpatt, I'll pass along an idea thats kicking around in my head. Here in New England we have basements which are pretty much considered "man land" because the misses doesn't want to go down there more than she has to and she doesn't want any of her nick-nacks down there incase they get eaten by the alligators she insists are down there. So...here is the idea I was kicking around for the future. You know how people redo there kitchens with cupboards and such? Well I'd to take those old cupboards off their hands, my rums won't care about the rustic nature of old cupboards, and they don't let in light which damages rum. Now install these cupboards in the basement, maybe throw in a small refridgerator for mixers and fruit, set up a table for cards or dominoes, and you just might have heaven. Wife is happy because rum is out of her hair, and you have a rum bodega.

QUOTE]

Nice set up you have going there! I don't have any space downstairs because we have it rented out to a tenant so this summer I'm building a "Man-Zeebo" in the backyard with an outdoor bar. I'm really going enjoy my summer evenings with rum, cigars and baseball games (I just have to build the thing first). This still doesn't solve my rum storage problem though but at least I'll have my own space.

Regarding the topic, I try to have only 5 or so bottles open at any given time to ensure I don't have them open for too long. The problem I have is with the unique rums that I pick on trips that I desperately want to try but know I may not have access to them for a long time so you want to keep them around.

[Schock Therapy]

Shock Therapy and Vanpatt, I'll pass along an idea thats kicking around in my head. Here in New England we have basements which are pretty much considered "man land" because the misses doesn't want to go down there more than she has to and she doesn't want any of her nick-nacks down there incase they get eaten by the alligators she insists are down there. So...here is the idea I was kicking around for the future. You know how people redo there kitchens with cupboards and such? Well I'd to take those old cupboards off their hands, my rums won't care about the rustic nature of old cupboards, and they don't let in light which damages rum. Now install these cupboards in the basement, maybe throw in a small refridgerator for mixers and fruit, set up a table for cards or dominoes, and you just might have heaven. Wife is happy because rum is out of her hair, and you have a rum bodega.

That is exactly what I had in mind. I am fortunate in that I have 2 man-caves. I am in the process of organizing the garage, and am building a workshop for my toys. I'm not sure I want to keep my rum there. I also have a den that is mainly mine since the wife has her craft room in another spare bedroom. there is a perfect place for a nice cabinet in here, and since this is where I drink my rum much of the time it only makes sense!

[rumdog007]

"Proper negotiation and division of common/conjugal space is essential to longterm happiness in any marriage."
Dr. Rumdog 007 party2.gif

[Rum Runner]

"Proper negotiation and division of common/conjugal space is essential to longterm happiness in any marriage."
Dr. Rumdog 007 party2.gif

The Doctor is IN! Btmup.gif

[RonJames]

an understanding wife is more valuable than a case of maximo. 007 I didn't think you kept them for too long...party1.gif Vanpatt and Shock therapy, glad to hear that you guys have a man land, I find it one of the simplest pleasures in the world. Under 2weeks to baseball starts vanpatt, go redsox!

[rumdog007]

God, another BoSox fan to deal with!!!!! My sister, used to live in Sudbury, has a dog named Fenway Bark! JTR.gif

[krustykrab]

HA - We are EVERYWHERE!

Go Red Sox! :D

Only 10 days till opning day!

[rumdog007]

HA - We are EVERYWHERE!

Go Red Sox! :D

Only 10 days till opning day!

Actually, I admire your spirit! glass.gif

Go, Angels! (of Anaheim, Los Angeles, California....etc.)

[forrest]

Forget that--Go rum!

[rumdog007]

forrest! You're up AND online! What the hell do you know about rum or baseball? Crap, I meant baseball! glass.gif

[captjack]

HA - We are EVERYWHERE!

Go Red Sox! :D

Only 10 days till opning day!

+1 on the Red Sox KrustyK Btmup.gif RED SOX NATION !!!

I'm new here at the MOR I just want to say what a great place. I look forward to learning and speaking to you all about fine Rum.
On the subject of saving Open bottles of Rum or any good spirits I try to drink open bottles within 1 year of opening. I store them in a cool dry place and I seal them with a "VacuVin" and rubber stoppers ( a little hand pump used for wine bottles ). I have tried the inert gas method for wine bottles and I'm sure it would work just as well for spirits also. I love collecting fine wines and spirits but Rum is near and dear to my heart ( I come from a family of Rum distillers and Great Sailors ) . But I get the greatest enjoyment out of opening them and sharing them with my family and friends. So when I open the good stuff I call and let them all know and we go through it pretty fast lol.!!party2.gif

[rumdog007]

But I get the greatest enjoyment out of opening them and sharing them with my family and friends. So when I open the good stuff I call and let them all know and we go through it pretty fast lol.!!party2.gif

captjack, while checking a certain line of my geneology, I just have discovered that I am one of your relatives. I'll be over tomorrow! BTW, I will need a small loan for plane fare....thankyou.gif

[Rum Runner]

+1 on the Red Sox KrustyK Btmup.gif RED SOX NATION !!!

My first visit to Fenway was in 1967. Lonborg was on the mound. Yaz in Left field, Reggie Smith with that cannon arm in Center and Tony C. in Right.

I remember Rico at shortstop, Mike Andrews at Second. I think George "Boomer" Scott was at third. I can't remember who was at first or catching.

I remember they were playing Minnesota in a double header. Harmon Killebrew was a big swatter then. The Sox Split it.

[Folly Cove Kath]

Rumdog, I know I'm a little late on this, but I think a Bostonian would p'nounce that wondaful dog "Fenway Baahhk". Wicket good name. No r's heah.
Chees,
Bob

[Rum Runner]

Rumdog, I know I'm a little late on this, but I think a Bostonian would p'nounce that wondaful dog "Fenway Baahhk". Wicket good name. No r's heah.
Chees,
Bob

Just try to understand someone from the suburbs of Revere or Dorchester say it! AAYuht.

[rumdog007]

Rumdog, I know I'm a little late on this, but I think a Bostonian would p'nounce that wondaful dog "Fenway Baahhk". Wicket good name. No r's heah.
Chees,
Bob

Ha!

cheers.gif

[MHK]

Since I have been recently building my collection, I have found that I get "attached" to a particular rum both based on my mood or what I am doing for the day. I find that I will get through a bottle that I like rather quickly, while the ones I don't care for as much accumulate on my shelf. I have not been building my collection to "save" them, but to try as many as possible. The ones that "hang around", I tend to either pour for friends or guest when they come over if they don't want a particular rum (shame on me), or I use them in combination with ones I like to come up with creative concoctions/mixed drinks.

[RobertBurr]

I started out coveting my favorite rums and bringing them back from the islands regularly more than 25 years ago. Three years ago I probably never had more than 8 bottles on hand, but always had some excellent choices. When I began to earnestly attempt to acquire a bottle of every rum I could find, the obsession took over. I felt compelled to know every rum... the flavor, the aroma, the style, the terroir, the distillation method, the environment, the culture, the family behind the product, the history, etc.

It's so easy to find a lot of rum these days in South Florida and the Caribbean islands! I know Bob Davies has a similar obsession in the Turks & Caicos Islands. Cruising the liquor stores, always looking for something you don't own. When you find a really interesting store, you get pretty excited. Finding older bottles that are not available widely is a thrill. Stocking up on a good deal is comforting.

You can only drink so much rum. Acquiring the rum is such a thrill, that it easily out-paces consumption. When the collection becomes large, you begin to evaluate your moods and select choices that reflect your state of mind, or make a point of enjoying rums of a certain type, or from a certain region. I make more cocktails than I did in the past, ever since I've been exposed to some serious world-class cocktail artists.

How do you save rum? By enjoying the collecting of rums at a greater pace than you could ever consume them.