El Ron de Cuba

With that name... There better be some black-market Cubans there... It sounds like a good time...if I lived in FL, I'd be there. It's actually been about two weeks (!) since I've had tabaco, but I do like one now and then, ESPECIALLY with a fine rum. I have a bunch of puppies aging in my mini-humidor...and I'm getting the itch! Have fun there, Bruce PS-I guess I should try to remember that I'm a member of the cigar weekly forum, too...I haven't been there in months...

I'm pretty sure that the Solera is used for Madeira...or at least that's what I read. They got Madeira originally from overheated wine baking in the holds of cross-Atlantic ships in the 'ol days. So, the best way to duplicate that back in the old country was the solera technique. Bruce

It is a shame that the Matusalem Platino is like a vodka... Interestingly enough, I found out about the Skyy connection when trying to find Gran Reserva; they referred me to the local vodka rep! It seems that a rum named after a Cuban brand should taste a little more Cuban! I love the Cuban aged white ron; I can't get enough of the pungent taste...it makes mixed drinks come alive! Bruce

Thanks for the interesting posts, guys... I hadn't thought of Flor de Cana, but I know that Ed speaks highly of their stuff. I wish it were possible to get miniatures of all the rums you guys mentioned...then that way I would be able to test all at the same time (and not kill my college-student budget!) I believe another post said that Bacardi Anejo wasn't available in the states...or is that the same as Bacardi 8? The nomenclature has me a little confused... Anyhow, a trip to a "good' store is coming soon, so I'll be stocked with good suggestions! Best, Bruce

Ed, I'm not sure about Washington. FYI, Pennsylvania state store's website lists a similar option. I've never used it (I live in nearby WV), but they do carry most of the major "good" rums (Barbancourt, Matusalem, etc.) on special order, if not in the store. My birthday is coming up, so I'm going to take advantage by testing the selection at a state store somewhere in Pittsburgh as a birthday treat...I'll report back. Around me here, all you have is Bacardi, Appleton, Mount Gay, etc., and just the lower line ones from those brands, other than Bacardi 8. Bruce

Hi everyone, I'm just wondering what a good, US-available alternative to Havana Club is. I am a big fan of HC 3, 7, and Anejo Reserva rums (well, I like them all, but if I had to pick...) I took a trip through my college to Havana over spring break and came back with a new respect for rum (I thought Bacardi was all there was before!) Right now, I'm using Cruzan White and have a little Bacardi 8; I'd like a white for mojitos and sipping with a little more "distinguished" taste...maybe more burn, and more complex palate. The Cruzan is a little too fruity or something. The B8 is alright, but I'm definately not in love...it's a little too plain for my tastes. That said, are the Matusalems (newly available around me) reasonable substitutes? I really like the general composition of the Cuban rums, which seem to be strong and complex, but not rough. Any help is appreciated...I can't get to Cuba anytime soon, and my six bottles of HC and Veradero are going FAST!!!!! Best, Bruce