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

Haven't had FdC... The 5 star (and Barbancourts in general, it seems) have a strong nose, maybe due to being distilled from pure cane (I'm used to molasses-derived rums.) The taste isn't as different, though. It takes a little getting used to, but really isn't that heavy, in my opinion. I think it would be worth it to go get a bottle. Mine was like $19.99. Haven't tried 3 star yet.... Bruce

Alpha, Matusalem is $22 in PA in October???? I'll pick up a bottle if it is. I don't really need any more rum at the moment, but I've had an itching to try the Gran Reserva for a while. I'll definately do it if it's on sale. Also, I've heard that the middle Matusalem, Clasico, is supposed to be more like the "real" Cuban Matusalem. Less vanilla taste than the GR...can anyone confirm/deny this? Clasico is aged 10 years. Thanks! Bruce PS-Alpha, any idea if you can get the other Matusalems in PA???

Are you in Cuba now? Just wondering... When I was there, I was able to have a little bit of the Havana Club reserve stuff...NOT Anejo Reserva, and I don't think it was the HC 15, either. They were selling this stuff at the outside bar behind the Hotela Nacional in Vedado, Habana. It was phenomenal, but expensive. I believe it was quite high ABV, but remember it being smoooooooooth. The guy said it was a numbered series of bottles, and that they were old casks of Matusalem from before the revolution...can anyone confirm this??? I have always been told that it was better to stay away from the Cuban 15 year products. Their specialty is the 7 Anos. Besides, the 15 anos carries a HUGE price premium. For me, it's insane to buy a bottle of $50 Cuban rum when the 7 year is so good for $10.60 (in Cuba, that is.) I've heard of Liberacion, but if you're going to go for a 15 year, I'd hit the Havana Club or the Ron Santiago 15 year. They are probably the most respectable Cuban brands right now (Veradero is also quite good.) Bruce

Ed, I've had the bottle of Five-Star open for a while. I notice the nose is a lot hotter than the other aged rums I am used to. Is this a Barbancourt characteristic, or is it just that I am used to rums distilled from molasses rather than pure cane juice? Just wondering... Bruce

Alpha, Just wondering: is this the same as the "Mt. Gay Sugarcane Brandy"? Oddly enough, I found this at Deep Creek Lake, MD in McHenry Beverage on Rt. 219...did not expect that at all! Bruce

Ed and Alpha, Thanks for the help. I'm putting it all in the "memory bank"...let's hope there's more in there than in the "real bank" :) Alpha, I was under the impression that there were some "specialty" stores in Pittsburgh that might carry the Flor de Cana whites or something like that. However, I just looked on the PA state stores directory, and sure enough, there's a good selection...except for whites...go figure...Cruzan is the only really "good" brand we have here in WV (and it's special order); Bacardi makes some good stuff, but I like something with more character. Ed, thanks for the tips. Do you drink any whites straight? Just wondering...I don't know what my thing with white rum is now...just trying to find out about more of them, I guess. Maryland carries some of the Rhum St. James line (no whites or the paille), so I did get some extra old. I am looking forward to that when it comes in. I just get disappointed that some places don't carry good rums. It seems like a good spirit to carry; I mean, whisk(e)y is great, but I mean, it comes from wheat and stuff you make bread from! Rum comes from sugar cane and, come on, how many plants that are distilled can you just break apart and eat on the spot? Maybe if people got some fresh cane to chew on they'd understand! Oh well... Bruce

Ooops... Forgot something... If possible, I'd like the white rum for mixing AND sipping... I don't mind if the character is challenging for sipping, but it just should be "interesting" (any more vague terminology needed, anyone?) Thanks, Bruce

Okay, I'm about to begin school for the fall semester, and I'm leaving Deep Creek Lake, MD (my family has a place here.) There are a few decent liquor stores up here, and I want to take advantage before I go back to Morgantown for school (where there are NO good liquor stores.) I guess I could drive to Pittsburgh, PA for a few bottles, but it wastes gas and I'm in the process of fixing up an '85 Cadillac Brougham, so I need all the money I can get! So... They carry the major commercial brands (Bacardi, Morgan, Mt. Gay) plus Cruzan, Barbancourt, Gosling, and a few other notables. I most need a bottle of white rum (I've got plenty of good anejos at home) to replace a bottle of Bacardi that has run out in Morgantown (don't scream...it's the only "good" white you can get in M-town!) I'm thinking Barbancourt (I don't like Cruzan's white), but just wondering whether their "new" white is worth getting, or whether I should go for 3 star (is it white, too?) I was hoping we could share profiles of Barbancourt here...so let's shoot! Bruce

Bolivar, I wish I could have had a little bit of the Blanco. It was the one HC rum I didn't get to try before I left Cuba; I wish I could have. I brought back to the US 1 bottle 7 anos, 1 Varadero 7 anos, 2 anejo oro, 1 anejo reserva, and 1 3 anos. I really wish I would have forgotten about the oro; it's okay, but I honestly don't like it for a sipping rum and it's too bold to substitute for a white rum...so it ends up being mixed with coke a lot...I do really enjoy the 3 anos in mixed drinks (even straight), though, so I wish I had a few more bottles...and could try your blanco! In other news...if I want a Barbancourt rum for mixing or sipping, what should I go for? I'd like something white, if possible, or very light gold in color if only for the appearance of my drinks I just can't tell if the dark bottle means darker rum or what...lol Thanks everyone, Bruce

Yeah, I barely even drank before I went to Cuba...I made Cuba Libres with some Cap'n that my g/f bought me (yuk!), but that was it. After having mojitos (first at the Miami airport...good, but expensive), then I spent 10 days in Cuba. Suffice it to say that when I wasn't drinking a "Bucanero" lager, I had a little glass of Havana Club 7 Anos in my hand. I mean, when it's just $3 a double shot, why not sip it???? Glad you've enjoyed rum...I could give up almost all other alcohol (except for maybe red wine), but a fine rum is the BEST!!!!! Cheers! Bruce