El Ron de Cuba

As a quick note: Appleton White is available in Maryland. I get it all the time for cocktails.

Ed, So this means that the Bacardi Anejo (made in Mexico) that we have in stores here in the states, has changed? I had a bottle about a year ago and thought it was very nice, if mild. Bruce

As I sit here reading my 2-year old bottle of HC7, it says Spirits World Championships in Chicago in 1997 and 1995 for the 7 anos and in 1997 for the Anejo Reserva. As for being contraband, isn't there some sort of deal where if you get it through customs "you're golden"? I brought back 6 bottles with me in spring 2004 right before the US gov't. tightened up the travel restrictions.

My concern would be consistency; it seems that lately Cuban rum, like some Cuban cigars, has been a little up-and-down. Is this anyone else's experience? Also, when I went to Europe in fall '04, I couldn't find HC in any duty free stores in Austria or Germany...very disappointing!

I use the Barbancourt White to mix, but as you say, it is a little strong; I usually reduce the rum portion a little bit to cancel out its more present taste... Bruce

Yeah, I'm with you guys... When I went to Cuba a year ago, my teacher told me to pass on the HC and go with Varadero 7 anos (which used to be $5.75 a bottle.) Ever since then, I've wished that I had brought back another bottle of HC7. I think I actually gave the Varadero away at a party...lol

So I was looking at the PA state store outlet in Washington...and found bottles of Brugal Anejo for $13.50! Even though I have plenty of r(h)um now, I was sure I could find some space for a bottle of it. I haven't opened it yet (maybe tonight?), but am waiting expectantly. Ed and others, any tasting notes? Neat, rocks, lil' bit 'o water? Happy New Year! Bruce

I'm going to disagree with both of you on this one :) ctgm, I'd try the HC Reserva with some water...just a little tiny bit of water. I think it opens up the taste a lot and brings some character out. If I were drinking HC7, I wouldn't do that...I think it's good completely straight. As for Cuban stuff, yeah, it does sell because of the "taboo" factor, but I can genuinely say that I like the Cuban-style rums a lot more than say, Jamaican or Martiniquan r(h)ums, etc. Most Americans haven't had actual Cuban rum, for the reasons you mention. I've got to say, as a bargain-seeking American, it's tough to pass up a bottle of HC 7 anos in Cuba when the price is $10.60 a bottle! Were are you from? USA. I thought all Americans liked Cuban Rum. The name Cuba is often used as a marketing trick. Cuba sells, its hot. There are not many people (yet) who want to pay a lot of money for Panama Rum. So put the name Cuba on it and you sell more bottles for a better price. Thats a win-win situation for the salesmen. That's marketing these days and the buyer gets to pay for it (although its his own stupidity). ←

Okay, I might be an oddball, but... When things get cold here in WV, I tend to go more for wine and bourbon. Not that I don't do rum, it's just that when it's 30 degrees out, drinking a mojito or some Barbancourt 8 seems a little weird ;) Bruce

If we're talking mass market beer, I do actually like the Mexican brews. Although I appreciate a good microbrew (we have a decent brewpub here in Morgantown), I usually go for the "heavier" (if you could call them that) Mexican beers. I agree with the above posts about the yukkiness of Corona; I think it would be fine as a thirst quencher...if it were priced at a point against Bud Light!!!!! The Mexicans I would recommend are Negra Modelo (Viennese lager style) and Tecate (a light lager). I hear Carta Blanca is good, too, but can't say from my own experience. Bruce

Ed and others, Here's the skinny: Right, I wasn't sure about Saint James' nomenclature system. It doesn't have French terms on the bottle (I don't think any rum is bottled XO or whatever like cognac, though, right?); "Extra Old" is above the St. James engraving in the bottle in English. The alcohol content is 42%. Color fits the "mahogany" profile well. I must say I'm a little disappointed myself...I was expecting something a little smoother. I generally like the distilled-from-pure-cane-juice taste, but it's just not happening with this particular rum...okay, but not stunning. As for the distillery location, I'm not positive. On the left side of the label (on the side of the bottle) it says "Product of Martinique" with "France" below it in the same type. I don't know if this is just referring to Martinique being a French colony (though it's probably independent now) or what. Ideas? Bruce

Just got some St. James Extra Old last week...and boy is it nice stuff. I really am a fan of the color (a beautiful reddish tint), although I'm not sure that it's natural... I was just wondering if their nomenclature has changed; in the MoR profiler, it didn't list "Extra Old"... What are your opinions on this stuff? Tastes a little similar to Barbancourt 8 to me, although my tastebuds aren't THAT refined...think I might like the B-court better... Bruce

Hi everyone, Just asking for some tips since I am mostly an aged-rum drinker. I'm getting into bourbon a little more now, though, especially since I have a weak point for manhattans...passed on from my dad, of course! However, I do like the stuff straight, too...I suppose now my fav is Makers' Mark just because it is easy to find and so smooth. However, Van Winkle intrigues me...what is their best blend, in your opinion? Their 12 year Special Reserve got very good marks, but I am familiar with 15 year (story below.) My grandfather received a case of Rip Van Winkle 15 year from his daughter in law's family back in the 70's...they were tied into Kentucky "high society" and so I guess this was a common gift...in any case, there are two bottles of it left (both read "Bottled Expressly for (my grandad)"...how cool is that? And man, is it the best stuff! Anyhow, don't be shy...opinions needed! Bruce

Okay, Thanks for the opinions. Yes, I like "real" fruit juice a lot better, but... It was pretty good. I don't think the cherry taste is so strong that it obscures the other flavors, but then again, I had it on ice, and it seems I don't taste things as well on ice. However, it's probably $10-15 a bottle, so worst case scenario you buy it, don't like it, and end up mixing it with coke or something. Not the end of the world! I am not a fan of spiced rums at all, but I did like this one. Best, Bruce

A question, Ed, I was down at the local brew pub Monday night, and was talking with a girl that I know from my trip to Cuba over SB '04. She introduced me to "Sailor Jerry" rum. It's spiced with a little bit of cherry essence. She bought me a tumbler of it, and I thought it was pretty interesting. I don't usually go for flavored rums (I like to taste the rum itself, I guess), but this was okay. A little difficult to get all the flavors since she had it on the rocks, but okay nonetheless. Do you have any experience with this rum? Just wondering... Bruce