Brugal Extra Viejo

[Phil-B]

I was very happy to find your site, and become a member today. I'm not much of an expert (yet), as my only experience with rum was with grocery store Bacardi & Mount Gay Eclipse until my daughters came back from the DR last summer with a bottle of Brugal Extra Viejo. I was blown away by how flavorful and smooth it is. I'm about out now, and can't find a way to get it in California. Mission Liquor, Beverage Warehouse, and Hi Times say they can't get it, even though they do carry other Brugal selections. There are 2 internet sites, in the DR and in Spain, that say they ship direct to your door, for about $40/bottle. It's good, but I'm not sure it's that good! Beverage Warehouse indicated that that was probably illegal in the US, and might be a problem.

Anyway, is there an available substitute, carried by the California dealers, at a reasonable price (less than $30), that anyone might recommend?

[Hank Koestner]

Phil, there are a number of rums that you will be able to try that are comparable to Brugal extra anejo. I have tasted it, and wish I had a bottle. I have the anejo, but not the extra. You might like Botran 1863 or 12, Pampero from Venezuela is another in the vein of Brugal, but a little richer. (although, Brugal has a unique flavor.) Also, Ron Matusalem Gran Reserva, which is also from the DR. These are just my suggestions, others may or may not argee.
You should be able to find these in Cal. Taste and enjoy!

[Phil-B]

Thanks so much, Hank! I'll definitely try all those! I picked up a bottle of Ron Zacapa Centenario 23 yesterday. It's excellent, of course, but at least so far, I still prefer the Extra Viejo (more flavor). Perhaps, as my tastes become better educated, I'll think differently. Education is wasted on the young!

[Edward Hamilton]

The Brugal Extra Viejo you've found in the DR isn't exported to the US, you can find it in St Thomas and a few other places in the islands. I horde the last few drops of the last bottle I have but will be buying some more in St Thomas in about two weeks. My writing mentor and I will be sailing his 42 foot sloop from St Thomas to Florida.

[Phil-B]

Hey, Edward, want a new career? Import Brugal EV to the US!

Seriously though, since you are a recognized connnoisseur, do you agree with Hanks recommendations, or can you think of a rum that is available that is a better substitute?

[Edward Hamilton]

I can't think of a rum with the same character and certainly not for the price of Brugal Extra Viejo. But I have confidence you will find some rums that you will appreciate. You might want to try Santa Teresa's line of rums. Their best doesn't have as much character, like the Zacapa Centenario it is good rum but my favorite from Zacapa is their Solera because it has more character in the mid-body.

[Edward Hamilton]

Last week I opened a bottle of Abuelo Aсejo and was reminded of Brual Extra Viejo. Is it really similar? Well it did remind me of Brugal's EV, but it certainly isn't the same rum. What do you think?

[Phil-B]

Edward:

Not sure where I can find Abuelo in the LA area. Mission Liquor doesn't list it.

Phil-B

[The Rum Ambassador]

You'll have to take a trip to Florida. I did see some bottles of Abuelo in an ABC wine store in Tampa. I love the 7 years old. I remember first tasting it with Ed and Abuelo's Master blender in Ybor City last year.Hmmmm ?

[Hank Koestner]

Well, I just received two bottles of Brugal Extra Viejo. The site ships from the Bronx, NYC. They only sell in two packs at 39.95, and the shipping was 22.00. (from NY to Florida)
So, I paid 62.00 for both bottles. I have not tasted it yet, but I will this weekend. As for Ed's curiosity about the importer, there are no stickers or info on the bottles as to who imported them. There is no stamp of any kind.
The bottles are sealed properly. They look as they would if you purchased them in the DR ( I imagine....). Any comments?

[Phil-B]

Hank: Glad to hear that yours arrived, and fairly quickly too. Hope you enjoy it!

I just ordered my bottles. With shipping to Calif, $72.33 for two 750ml bottles. I think my daughter said it is around $9 per full liter in the DR, but round trip airfare makes shopping in person a bit expensive.

[Hank Koestner]

Greetings, Phil. It is quite delicious, and very unique in flavor. I also have the Anejo which is very good, but not nearly as good as the Extra V. I also found a bottle of Ron Abuelo Anejo, and it does have similarities to the Brugal, though as Ed said, not the same Rum. I wish I could find a bottle of the seven year old Ron Abuelo.

[Milicent]

Hank,

You didn't mention from exactly which you site/store where you ordered this. I'm interested in checking it out. Can you let me know where you ordered it? Thanks in advance.

[Hank Koestner]

Hello Milicent,
The site is www.shopdr.com. I am a computer knucklehead who does not know how to upload a link!:rolleyes:

[Milicent]

Thanks, Hank.

[dutchmastakila]

A good friend of mine gave me a bottle of the extra viejo that he had for over 15 years. It's been sitting around and I just found it. Is it still good and how do you find out exactly how old it is?


Chris

[Edward Hamilton]

If the bottle hasn't been opened and was properly sealed it will last many years. Once rum is bottled it doesn't age anymore so it really doesn't matter how old it is.

[gpers]

I just got back from DR yesturday... and though I stayed in Punta Cana... my thoughts and prayers go out to the people of Haiti.... In my possestion I had (1) 750ml RON BARCELO grand veigo.... that I gave to my friend for watching my cat... it was great straight on two cubes of ice... we were only gona taste it... I think me him and his wife drank half the bottle... nice smooth taste... not too sweet, nore too bitter... (1) 750ml Flora de Cana 12 year aged viejo.... my dad just snuk away with it box and all. (1) 1liter bottle of BRUGAL extra viejo... this is simmilar to the rum I was drinking on the resort.. although I beleive it was the viejo(not Extra Viejo). at the resort they wanted US$35.00/bottle.... off the resort they asked 15-28... and at the airport in punta cana they were US$28.00/1l bottle.... if its what you crave... paying the website $40, or 2 bottles for $60... it might be worth it... On the other hand... An all-inclusive escape to Punta cana for about $1500.00/person/week where you can drink your fill and come home with your choice.. might also be well worth it....

[Mattia Volontи]

Hi People,
Last week I've buyed a bottle of Brugal Extra Viejo, and....it smell and taste like strong mildew. A taste that cover everything, it's undrinkable!

What happen!? I like brugal (especially ExtraViejo and the Anejo) But this is not brugal.

Maybe an infected bottle before bottling? What do you think?

[Sylbaris]

I love this chat! I have been sipping Dominican Rums since my brother married a Dominican Gal 25 years ago! Our typical itinerary was relaxing a day or two with her wonderful Mom in Santo Domingo followed by a week of golf and tennis at Casa de Campo in La Romana. We played the Teeth of the Dog every other day chasing our bogies with Brugal & Barcelo cocktails from a cooler carried religiously next to the clubs in the back of the cart while we smoked the best hand rolls the island had to offer. However,tonight I just cracked the seal on this new libation gifted to me by one of the sweetest Dominican ladies I know. She brought it back especially for me with high recommendations. They were not wrong! This rum is the creamiest stuff I have tasted since my first trip to the white sandy beaches and tan backsides of Boca Chica! It rolls on the tongue like a sweet island breast tantalizing the tastes buds with hints of caramel and vanilla and slides down the palate with a soft sunburn more like the achey little sting of a playful love spanking.
Thank you Ms. Santana!!!Trust me, if it were not for the late hour I would wax on there are no sloppy seconds here!
Ron Caribe Azul Gran Reserva De Lujo, the favorite rum of Gran Almirante Cristobal Colon and I guess he should know! Brugal what? Find a bottle of this and immerse yourself!

[RonJames]

Now that, Syllabus, is a rum desription! You transported me to the DR with a drink in hand beautifully.cheers.gif

[Michael]

We love Dominican rums, particularly Barcelo Imperial, and will keep on the lookout for Ron Caribe Azul Gran Reserva De Lujo. While the descriptive text accompanying a listing for this rum found online indicates that Hispaniola was "la isla favorita del Gran Almirante Cristobal Colon", it would seem dubious to claim that Christopher Columbus drank Ron Caribe. glass.gif

[Gecko]

O how I miss DR, From Santo Domingo to LaRomana, Boca Chica to Santigo. I just love the place.........

I love the rum, the golf, the food, speaking of which have you ever eaten at David Crockett Steak House. Its one of the best in the world for the price. I've eaten a number of great steakhouse worldwide and this one is right up there for the money. Here the address if you are in Santo Domingo.

Calle Gustavo Mejia Ricar
t No 34
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic 809-547-2999

[Patapouf]

I always found the Extra Veijo had a 'musky' scent to it... reminds me of cigars. Personnaly, I enjoy this flavor.

Sigh... Just arriving from the DR and I would go back in a second!!

[silverfish]

According to Luxist (http://www.luxist.com/2010/04/22/brugal-rums/) - Brugal Rums Now Available in the US.

[Michael]

According to Luxist (http://www.luxist.com/2010/04/22/brugal-rums/) - Brugal Rums Now Available in the US.

And they have been available, with the exception of the Extra Viejo (and Siglo de Oro of course), for some time.