# What's the best rum available in the US? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [June 17, 2004, 6:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-best-rum-available-in-the-us/250827 "2004-06-17T06:23:44Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Electronic\_Chaos](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/bbe5ce/32.png) [@Electronic\_Chaos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Electronic_Chaos)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2004, 6:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-best-rum-available-in-the-us/250827/1 "2004-06-17T06:23:44Z")
As stated in another thread I started in MPSIMS, my 21st birthday is fast approaching, and I want reccomendations on liquor. Quite frankly, the only alcohol I can truly handle is rum. Everything else tastes vile to me, but rum might as well be ambrosia. Anyway, probably one of the things I ask for will be a bottle of rum, and I want to know what the best I can get is. Since it IS a birthday present, money isn’t really an object (if nothing else I’ll just get money and buy it myself). So, what’s the best rum you’ve ever thrown past your lips? ---
**Author:** ![Chaco](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/d26b3c/32.png) [@Chaco](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chaco)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2004, 7:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-best-rum-available-in-the-us/250827/2 "2004-06-17T07:30:05Z")
My favorite rum is Flor de Caña. I would suggest that you get the 7 year or better yet the 12 year, if you can find it. You can probably find the 7 year at BevMo. I recently had Montecristo and Zacapa. Montecristo has a great aroma and taste. Zacapa is a bit stronger but has a great after taste. ---
**Author:** ![picker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/picker/32/13969_2.png) [@picker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/picker)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2004, 7:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-best-rum-available-in-the-us/250827/3 "2004-06-17T07:35:58Z")
Gosling’s Black Seal. It’s divine, although it’s a **dark** rum, none of that Bacardi White frou-frou crap. It’s even better with real Ginger Beer and a twist on lime in a highball glass. It’s called a ‘Dark and Stormy’ and I know of no better way to pleasantly and refreshingly obliterate life’s concerns and many brain cells. ---
**Author:** ![picker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/picker/32/13969_2.png) [@picker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/picker)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2004, 7:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-best-rum-available-in-the-us/250827/4 "2004-06-17T07:37:04Z")
Whoops! [Link](http://www.goslings.com/) ---
**Author:** ![bienville](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/4bbf92/32.png) [@bienville](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bienville)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2004, 7:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-best-rum-available-in-the-us/250827/5 "2004-06-17T07:52:57Z")
A friend of mine had a party once and he effectively conned the folks at **New Orleans Rum** that he was promoting a major concert event (he got a local band to play the party :dubious: ). So, the N.O. Rum folks agreed to sponsor the “event” and donated two cases of rum (one dark the other regular). Free rum for everybody! I even got a free tour of the New Orleans Rum HQ. Got to see to big ol’ aging barrels, the label maker, and get old dirty rum all over the bottoms of my shoes. I can tell you with great confidence that New Orleans Rum is _NOT_ the best rum available in the U.S. :puking smilie not available: ---
**Author:** ![bienville](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/4bbf92/32.png) [@bienville](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bienville)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2004, 7:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-best-rum-available-in-the-us/250827/6 "2004-06-17T07:55:11Z")
> [@bienville](#): > > :puking smilie not available: Damn! that was “puking smilie not available” meant to be my own little coding “joke”. Mr. tounge guy snuck in there without my consent! :mad: ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2004, 8:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-best-rum-available-in-the-us/250827/7 "2004-06-17T08:07:30Z")
There are some vintage rums out there which sell for $100 a bottle. Bacardi’s Anejo is reasonably priced, and very good, as is Cruzan “single barrel estate rum”. Appleton makes some good rums, such as " Without question, the finest rum at the LCBO is the Appleton Estate 21-Year Old Jamaican Rum ( $89.95). The youngest rum here is 21-years-old!"- which i think it too expensive. A good rum should be about $20 a bottle at a discount house. Darker the better, and none of the flavoured crap. :mad: ---
**Author:** ![Binarydrone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/3da27b/32.png) [@Binarydrone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Binarydrone)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2004, 8:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-best-rum-available-in-the-us/250827/8 "2004-06-17T08:09:38Z")
> [@bienville](#): > > …Mr. tounge guy snuck in there without my consent! :mad: A common lament. ---
**Author:** ![ccwaterback](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/df705f/32.png) [@ccwaterback](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ccwaterback)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2004, 8:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-best-rum-available-in-the-us/250827/9 "2004-06-17T08:10:27Z")
The rummies I knew liked Mount Gay. I don’t drink the stuff though. > **[Mount Gay Rum](https://www.mountgayrum.com/)** > > Explore three centuries of Mount Gay Rum’s history, craft, and sailing heritage. From rum’s beginnings in 1703 Barbados, a detail of island ingredients, to contemporary cocktails recommended for each blend. ---
**Author:** ![Hunter\_Hawk](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/50afbb/32.png) [@Hunter\_Hawk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hunter_Hawk)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2004, 10:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-best-rum-available-in-the-us/250827/10 "2004-06-17T10:59:20Z")
Ron Zacapa Centenario. _Highly_ recommended. ---
**Author:** ![bump](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7c8e57/32.png) [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2004, 4:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-best-rum-available-in-the-us/250827/11 "2004-06-17T16:18:43Z")
> [@picker](#): > > Gosling’s Black Seal. > > It’s divine, although it’s a **dark** rum, none of that Bacardi White frou-frou crap. > > It’s even better with real Ginger Beer and a twist on lime in a highball glass. > It’s called a ‘Dark and Stormy’ and I know of no better way to pleasantly and refreshingly obliterate life’s concerns and many brain cells. Hey! I have some Idris Ginger beer, and a bottle of Lamb’s Navy Rum. What are the proper proportions of rum & ginger beer for a good Dark & Stormy? ---
**Author:** ![AHunter3](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ahunter3/32/368_2.png) [@AHunter3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AHunter3)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2004, 5:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-best-rum-available-in-the-us/250827/12 "2004-06-17T17:08:56Z")
Not all that is Bacardi is necessarily bad rum. Bacardi puts out a quite nice amber-brown Añejo of which I’m rather fond. ---
**Author:** ![Tapioca\_Dextrin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Tapioca\_Dextrin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tapioca_Dextrin)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2004, 5:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-best-rum-available-in-the-us/250827/13 "2004-06-17T17:18:34Z")
If you can find it, anything made by [Barbacourt](http://barbancourt.net/barbancourt/en/home/home.html) is divine. I’ll second Mount Gay ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2004, 6:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-best-rum-available-in-the-us/250827/14 "2004-06-17T18:29:46Z")
I’ll third Mount Gay and Cruzan for good Virgin Island rum that won’t break the bank. Actually, I guess MG is from Barbados. ---
**Author:** ![Inigo\_Montoya](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/inigo_montoya/32/124_2.png) [@Inigo\_Montoya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inigo_Montoya)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2004, 6:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-best-rum-available-in-the-us/250827/15 "2004-06-17T18:46:36Z")
I can’t believe no one has mentioned (So Pit me 🙂 ) FREE rum! **bienville** , I’m very disappointed that you didn’t allow for the cost of that N.O. rum! ---
**Author:** ![Hunter\_Hawk](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/50afbb/32.png) [@Hunter\_Hawk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hunter_Hawk)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2004, 6:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-best-rum-available-in-the-us/250827/16 "2004-06-17T18:47:46Z")
Another possibility: Pyrat Pistol is quite good, but is _very_…umm…aromatic. (In other words, it smells and tastes kinda funny till you get used to it.) If you’re relatively new to drinking, I’d pass on it for now, but keep it in mind for future reference. I haven’t had a chance to try the other Pyrat rums yet. You might also want to do some reading on the [Ministry of Rum](http://www.ministryofrum.com/index.html) site. ---
**Author:** ![Ms\_Ann\_Thrope](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a9a28c/32.png) [@Ms\_Ann\_Thrope](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ms_Ann_Thrope)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2004, 7:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-best-rum-available-in-the-us/250827/17 "2004-06-17T19:09:55Z")
I couldn’t possibly pick just one, there are too many fine rums out there. There are regional differences (Puerto Rican rum vs Jamaican, for instance), and variations in strength and depth of flavor. Here’s my list of favorites that I’ll drink like a fine brandy, i.e. straight up in a snifter: Appleton 21 year old (Jamaica) Cruzan Estate Single Barrel (Virgin Islands) Rhum Barbancourt 15 year old (Haiti) Pampero Anniversario (Venezuela) I think these are excellent for mixed drinks: Mt Gay (Barbados) Gosling’s Black Seal (Bermuda) ---
**Author:** ![Hunter\_Hawk](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/50afbb/32.png) [@Hunter\_Hawk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hunter_Hawk)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2004, 7:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-best-rum-available-in-the-us/250827/18 "2004-06-17T19:21:07Z")
Whoops, forgot to put in the link to the [rum forum on eGullet](http://forums.egullet.com/index.php?act=SF&f=17). ---
**Author:** ![SPOOFE](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c5a1d2/32.png) [@SPOOFE](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SPOOFE)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2004, 2:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-best-rum-available-in-the-us/250827/19 "2004-06-18T02:18:55Z")
Bacardi rum is just fine. The best? Nah. But it’s worth every single penny. And besides, I’m of the opinion that, if you’re gonna spread some coin, it’s better to go for a high-quality whiskey or tequila. But that’s just me. Redrum is divine, and wonderfully cheap. One of the few types of alcohol that I can drink straight, just fine. Captain Morgan’s Private Stock is a very tasty rum. ---
**Author:** ![picker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/picker/32/13969_2.png) [@picker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/picker)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2004, 3:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-best-rum-available-in-the-us/250827/20 "2004-06-18T03:29:21Z")
> [@bump](#): > > Hey! I have some Idris Ginger beer, and a bottle of Lamb’s Navy Rum. What are the proper proportions of rum & ginger beer for a good Dark & Stormy? Well, this is how I learned to make them tending bar at a place frequented by a crowd of _very_ picky and thirsty Jamaicans… 2 1/2 oz. Black Seal Rum 7 1/2 oz. Ginger Beer in a highball or pint glass, over ice (crushed is best, cubed if not). Full Lime Wedge. Adjust proportions to suit taste. A true ginger beer is tangy enough to offset the sweetness perfectly, but different rums will need different levels of each to make the perfect mix. Drink Deeply. Repeat as needed. 🆒 Picker, MD (Doctor of Mixology :D) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-best-rum-available-in-the-us/250827.md?page=2)