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?