so what do you think???

[thrall]

As per all of your recommendations.....i made the stop at Astors in NYC.....

i bought a bottle of Vizacya vxop cask no. 21 rum.....and Ron Zacapa Sistema Solera 23 Rum


and i was wondering if anyone had any thoughts or opinions about these rums.....

Sad to say....i wont get to it for a bit....its on a UPS truck working its way home.....mainly because i dont want to have to wrestle some TSA person down when they would try and take it away from me....lol

[Mistahunter]

I think you made two good choices for your collection.

While they are both on the "sweeter" side...they definitely have their place in everyone's rum collection.

The Zacapa is always a fan favorite. It is not my "best" rum, but I do enjoy it on occasion. I call it a "closer" rum because it is a good way to finish the night. I also found it to be VERY good in a Hot Buttered Rum concoction (some people may kill me for that).

The Vizcaya is a "sleeper" rum. I am surprised it does not receive more fanfare. Not as sweet as Zacapa...but just as flavorful.

What other rums were you considering?

[RonJames]

VIZCAYA is considered by many cultured palates, as one of the best. Zacapa has a broad following and for the ones that don't like it, the reason is because its too sweet. Good choices lad, and good choice mailing it back. The TSA is going to be tighter than ....well...lets just say that they will be tight.

[Ben]

I am currently going through a bottle of Zacapa 23 Solera, and I agree with Ron James. A very good rum, a favorite for some, but a little bit shy for my taste.

[rumdog007]

As per all of your recommendations.....i made the stop at Astors in NYC.....

i bought a bottle of Vizacya vxop cask no. 21 rum.....and Ron Zacapa Sistema Solera 23 Rum


and i was wondering if anyone had any thoughts or opinions about these rums.....

Sad to say....i wont get to it for a bit....its on a UPS truck working its way home.....mainly because i dont want to have to wrestle some TSA person down when they would try and take it away from me....lol





Of course, it is not permitted in the airplane cabin unless it's a mini (nip). But, I regularly have 2 or 3 bottles in my luggage wrapped in bubble wrap and underwear. It always passes the TSA. They sometimes unwrap it and re-wrap it to see what it is. In fact, it is within THEIR published rules on alcohol as long as it conforms to the airline's pound limit per bag, less than 140 proof, and less than 6 litres per passanger (total, in all, one flyer's luggage). As Ed, has written, you may still run into the TSA lone wolf that does not know the rules. Overall, I believe those days to be behind us.

But, I often send the rum via _______ (fill in the blank) when I have a lot of bottles. I do not endorse this, whatsoever, as it is illegal if going across US State lines.

[leisure master]

I have never had a problem transporting bottles in my checked luggage - domestically or internationally - both to and from the US ("from", because I gotta have a sipper on hand in case I can't find something for the hotel room the day I arrive).

In fact on one trip home from Puerto Rico to NY (pretty much a domestic flight), I checked luggage containing eleven 750ml bottles (yes, I know), and carried on 6 more that I purchased in the terminal duty free.

I am always more worried about breakage than confiscation - and fortunately have experienced neither.

PS - good rum choices, you will enjoy them!

[Saxman]

You made two great choices there, I am sure you'll enjoy them!!

[erickaye]

I've never understood how flights from Puerto Rico count as Duty Free, when you don't need a passport for the flight...

[Edoc]

I'm sure you'll enjoy both. I've become a big fan of the Vizcaya-- it has a terrific nose and a nice range of flavors: vanilla, toffee, banana. I first sampled it at the NYC Rum Festival, and my companions also came away greatly impressed.

[Edward Hamilton]

. . . In fact, it is within THEIR published rules on alcohol as long as it conforms to the airline's pound limit per bag, less than 140 proof, and less than 6 litres per passanger (total, in all, one flyer's luggage).

Actually there isn't a limit on volume for checked baggage, that is left up to the airline. The only thing TSA has been interested in is that it is well packed and that it is less than 140 proof. If the bottles have been opened you might have a problem with some TSA people, but I've never had a problem. But I use commercial packing - styrofoam cases and they've always been happy with that.

The old rule was no more than 5 liters as carry on, which I never understood. 5 liters of 140 proof alcohol can do a lot of damage. But there is no smoking in the cabin now.

[rumdog007]

Hi, Ed. I typo'ed 6 instead of 5. Anyway, it really is a TSA guideline. Below is the link:

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/editorial_1189.shtm

Whether it is a hard and fast, no-exceptions-allowed, rule, I don't know. But, I would not chance loosing one of my precious bottles because of it. :)

But, I do get you to mean that if you want to pay for extra, well-packed, boxes, one might be able to do so. I do not know about that. But, I only speak of the regular compliment of check bags for the 5 litres.

No such limit for most wines (less than 24%).

[thrall]

I never considered transporting the bottles of rum in my check though bags.......i want them to arrive on the other end......and in one piece...lol

Its not so much about weight for me....im 1k so i can take on as much as i want for free....but i can see how trying to pack bottles of rum can become a BIG consideration.....several bottles could cost you a good deal...

united charges....(if your not exempt: 1k or first class) your first bag is $20 and the second bag is $30 ...and those are up to #50 per bag.....So right there its $50......if your bags are over #50 its $125 per bag.....I would think its safer and less expensive on the whole to just ship what ever it is you purchase....

LOL....don't even get me started on the TSA...they are a rant thread all on their own.....

[rumdog007]

I have to have a bag or 2 checked, anyway. So, the initial cost is a wash. I've never lost even 1 of the, maybe 200, bottles which I've bagged. party1.gif

[Edward Hamilton]

I fly Southwest almost exclusively and they don't charge for the first two bags.

[Edward Hamilton]

Hi, Ed. I typo'ed 6 instead of 5. Anyway, it really is a TSA guideline. Below is the link:

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/editorial_1189.shtm

Whether it is a hard and fast, no-exceptions-allowed, rule, I don't know. But, I would not chance loosing one of my precious bottles because of it.

This is probably a case of one end of the horse not knowing what the other end is doing. I've been carrying a case or more ever since they quit allowing me to carry it on and haven't had a problem in a dozen airports. The boxes are reusable though a bit bulky to carry in the back of a rental car, but it's cheaper than shipping if you're flying SWA and can carry some shirts on board.

[rumovertime]

But I use commercial packing - styrofoam cases and they've always been happy with that. Where can you buy the styrofoam cases?

[rumovertime]

A follow-up question. Is there a way to mail Rum from Abroad to the US avoid bringing it in your luggage?

[UnkleNeeko]

I carry in my checked luggage up to my weight limit in bottles each time I fly home, never had a problem with TSA or any specific airlines for rum - I have had my bags checked numerous times and they just leave me the notice of inspection inside my bag. However I have had a few leaky bottles and it was difficult to get the rum out of my clothes (some dirty)...but I managed it.

I have used DHL for international shipping, best to fill out the customs declaration clearly and accurately to avoid delays and heavy duties.

That being said...it may not matter what you do, I believe it really all depends on which "wise guy" inspects you and yours - kinda a gamble. Have had significant delays, missed flights, and lost $$ for ridiculous searches, questioning and the like. Reader beware of regular inconsistency in practices of foreign or US customs, TSA and other "above the law" attitude federal types.

Cheers,

[thrall]

lol...well the thread sorta took a side trip into shipping and receiving.....lol


The door rings and its my bottle of Vizacya and its a bbbiiiigggg box. YAY!! I think the boys at Astors may need a little help!


Razor knife in hand is slit the tape.....and whoa what do my eyes see when i fold the flaps back....a pulverized styrofoam cylinder....http://smileys.on-my-web.com/repository/Surprise/surprised-024.gifhttp://smileys.on-my-web.com/repository/Surprise/surprised-024.gifhttp://smileys.on-my-web.com/repository/Surprise/surprised-024.gif Im thinking the worst....the bottle is damaged....but happy to say it survived what ever it was that crushed the box.....

Lets see Astor boys a few pointers.......don't put an oval bottle in a round box...and certainly don't put it one that's not twice as tall without support......LOL...

I thought you would all laugh considering.....cheers.gif

[Edward Hamilton]

A follow-up question. Is there a way to mail Rum from Abroad to the US avoid bringing it in your luggage?

Unless you have a federal permit you aren't supposed to be able to receive alcohol from overseas even if it is for your consumption. Not to say it doesn't happen but if you loose it you have no recourse.

And . . . it is illegal to ship rum between some states, even within the freest country in the world.

[Edward Hamilton]

Glad you got your bottle of rum thrall. In regards to the packaging, they probably didn't have a custom box for that oval bottle.

For the airlines I usually just wrap things up in dirty clothes. Putting bottles in plastic bags is a good way to avoid spills from leaking caps. Also check the cap before you pack. I've also had TSA bubble wrap more than a few bottles for me. I'm usually carrying at least a few bottles wherever I'm going.

[joergen]

Im thinking the worst....the bottle is damaged....but happy to say it survived what ever it was that crushed the box.....

You're a lucky girl! Enjoy the Vizcaya! gzzg