Hello and advice sought!

[Logo]

Hello all (first post)!

So I am nearly a complete novice to rum. I don't drink much (read: hardly at all) and typically only had an alcoholic beverage at weddings and then only one at that.

That is until the last wedding I went to and my wife let me try some of her rum and coke. Very nice flavor.

But I tend to be a bit of a purist on things, even if they are things that I am just starting out on. So the whole idea of mixing rum with coke, unless it's a lower brand, etc, seems somewhat blasphemous with nice brands.

So after a good deal of reading up on brands, reviews, etc, I decided to purchase three different rums to sip on neat.

Ron Zacapa 23
Pyrat XO
Captain Morgan Private Stock (at my wife's insistence)

I don't care for the flavor on the Zacapa too much, and the Pyrat tastes like how I would imagine a fermented orange might (very citrusy). Both are VERY smooth, which I do appreciate.

While the captain morgan private stock is the harshest, least refined and least smooth, I like the vanilla flavor.

Is there a nice rum, smooth and complex, with a featured vanilla taste for smooth?

Thanks guys!cheers.gif

[Edward Hamilton]

Welcome to the forums Logo. It sounds like you have a very understanding wife. For what you've written in your introduction, thanks for that, I'd suggest Zaya from Trinidad.

As you peruse these pages you'll references to a Zaya from Trinidad and one from Guatemala, the latter is basically gone. But when you find a bottle of the Trini Zaya I am confident that you'll like it for it's pronounced vanilla smoothness.

I have to agree with you on the Captain Morgan Private Stock, though considering that most people who drink that rum mix it with Coke, they are happy with it, but as you describe it, it is the harshest of the three.

[Michael]

What about Angostura 1919, another rum from Trinidad which is distilled by the same company as the recent Zaya?

Angostura 1919 (http://www.ministryofrum.com/rumdetails.php?r=805)

[Edward Hamilton]

Good idea Michael, and it's less sweet than Zaya.

[erickaye]

I would second the Trinidad Zaya recommendation. Definite strong hints of vanilla in that rum...

[Edoc]

I wholeheartedly agree with the Angostura 1919 recommendation. It's much less sweet than Zacapa or Zaya (which I sometimes compare to maple syrup), or Pyrat-- which is sweet and citrusy, like a rum grand marnier. I think Pampero Anniversario or Vizcaya VXOP also have a nice vanilla character. On the low end, Sailor Jerry's has a lot of vanilla (too much in my opinion), and it's more of a sweet mixer that lacks complexity.

[Saxman]

You could always go for the El Dorado 15, there is some sweetness there, but its well balanced and full flavored. The above suggestions are good as well!


Cheers

[Seminole]

Agree with the Angostura and ED15 picks, two of my favorites. I recently bought a bottle of the Zaya and tasted it, way to sweet for my liking.

[chad3]

Don't post much, but I have to say that El Dorado 15 is my favorite of any rums I have tasted (lets not go with the huge cost ones). Love the flavor and there is some of the sweetness. Forget the spiced stuff and go with something more true and only use ice if you have to "mix" it.
Chad

[Edoc]

El Dorado 15 is also one of my favorite rums (with any Venezualen or Guyanese rum, generally, you can't go wrong). I didn't mention it, since it is a bit difficult to track down in my part of the country (NJ). Nonetheless, Pampero Anniversario is readily availble in my area, and it's very approachable for those either new to rum or those wanting a balanced set of flavors (vanilla being one of them).

[jjwest]

Since you keyed in on vanilla - Zaya is unquestionably the rum with the most vanilla notes without resorting to an out and out flavored rum. I very much enjoy it, but it is also a sweeter rum. Moving away from vanilla but still going for smooth sippers, a couple of rums to consider (but both will probably mean mail order for you) are Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva and Ron Atlantico Private Cask.

An earlier post mentioned the El Dorado line. If Ace Beverage in Washington, DC ships, they have a delightful three pack of extra large miniatures (nearly 2 oz. each) of the El Dorado 12, 15, and 21 for only $14.99.