Barrilito - Puerto Rico - B

I had quite an argument with an ex who insisted this was some of the worst rum they had ever tasted. And that's after dating me, which garnered them over thirty rum brands' flavors to their palate. They insisted it tasted like lighter fluid. I don't agree.

No, Barrilito, which some Boricuas consider to be the pride of their island, is not the best of rums. It can't compare to the neighbors of Cuba, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic. It has a bit of a harsh taste that compares unfavorably to plenty of other rums that it tries to competes with.

Nevertheless, I can drink this one straight with nary a wince. Perhaps you might not be so interested, but Barrilito still holds up as a mixing rum. Try it for yourself, perhaps without the preconceived notions I've offered you. But, for sure, not every island has a viable claim to the best rum in the world.

Rum and the Bail-Out Bill

The $700 Billion economic bail out bill that seeks to socialize debts and aid banks and bring about more consolidation, apparently might cheapen your rum. That's right, tacked on to the bill that passed the Senate was a tax break for rums from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. That means we're talking cheaper shit like terrorist Bacardi, Captain Morgan, and Palo Viejo (read reviews on this site), but also of rums like Cruzan.

The Virgin Islands' non-voting Congressional representative and industry lobbyists claim this tax break is nothing new, but actually a ninety year old tax break that expired at the end of last year. The cost in revenues to the federal government is estimated at US$192 million over 10 years.

Now, at first I heard this and decided I had to suddenly support the terrible bail-out bill. Hey, cheaper rum. But realizing what kinds of rum meant I have to go against, because it means these transnationals and tourist rums have better prices than the superior brands that I have reviewed on this blog, like Appleton Estate and Mount Gay.

Captain Morgan Parrot Bay Mojito - B-

Nothing beats a real Mojito, and I'll eat my hat if a pre-prepared malt bottle from some tourist rum could ever compare. But I have to say, Captain Morgan has the best bottled malt mojito on the market. It actually tastes minty, and is far superior to Bacardi Silver Mojito, which is just trash.

If you must go for this, trust the Cap'n over any alternative. And if you find any other rums cheapening mojitos (or trying to trademark a fine cocktail: hmmm, how free market is that?), let me know and I'll be sure to seek it out.

By the way, today I'm drinking Appleton Estate.

Appleton Estate - Jamaica - B+

Here we come to a brand that ought to be your regular. At the bar, liquor store or grocery, you'll likely have a chance at Jamaica's best known.

There are two bottles of Appleton Estate you will typical find. Silver or gold bottles of special, which can be among your cheaper options, and the more elegant V/X bottle, which should be a mid-priced bottle.

Appleton Estate V/X could become your staple rum. It is a popular mixer but as good a bottle for sipping as you will need to have on hand. With just smooth enough a flavor to offset the bite, it is worthy for any occasion, from partying to relaxation. V/X takes very well with any of the major rum mixes that prefer golden brands, particularly with egg nog or cola, and the taste difference with cheaper gold rums is noticeable. And because it is really easy to find, and price drives around $18, you never need be without. With a little more difficulty, you can also find higher quality bottles, like Appleton's Extra or Reserve.

AE Special, on the other hand, is the cheaper bottle, shaped and serving you like a Palo Viejo, and usually not more than a buck or two more. For what is basically a bottom shelf rum, Special
is mainly a mixer or for the poor drunkard who can't afford what their tastebuds deserve. And it comes in gold or silver, so here you have as good a choice for daiquiris or mojitos.

Rhum Barbancourt - Haiti - A

Haiti's Barbancourt is one of the few challengers, in my view, to the rums of the Spanish-speaking Caribbean basin. It is smooth and syrupy, a wonderful all-around sipper. It can be spicy, with hints of vanilla and ginger, and even a bit citrusy. I have had the bottles aged 4 years, 8 years, and 15 years, and each is a high quality option, though I've neglected the silver variety, the only one really meant for mixing. Most bottles have a higher alcohol content, but I don't find that there's any extra kick. I can't promise you'll find this bottle everywhere, but particularly at upscale stores it's a must. It is also interesting to note that Barbancourt was found in the latter half of the 19th Century, long after the Haitian revolution that eradicated slavery from the country.

10 Cane - Trinidad - B+

There was an unscientific study in a local paper claiming that 10 Cane, as expensive as it is, did not come out on top in taste tests compared to some other common options. If capitalism is in large part about psychology, 10 Cane has gotten to my head. A smooth, tasty rum, overpriced as Hell, some high class bars keep it on stock as their staple. Not my favorite pick for mojitos, or perhaps that was the preparer, but I loved downing an entire bottle with a wealthy friend, and had no problems the next morning.

Sailor Jerry - Transnational - B

Admiral Nelson. Captain Morgan. But Sailor Jerry is my top pick for spiced rums, with a more refined taste, a higher proof, and a dancing lady tattoo in the bottle. Beat that, tourist rums. Admittedly, I’m not a regular, but good for gringos in frats and sororities, beach kids, people at the resort, and still sometimes cheaper than the far more common Captain.