Bill Poster

Its the region. Only rums from Guyana can be called Demerara, and the same for sugar.

I have only tried bois bande rum once. Bois bande is a tree bark (native to parts of the caribbean) which the locals soak in rum or tea for its aphrodisiac effects. It probably was one of the worst tasting rums I have tried, tho I don't know if that was down to the rum or the rather earthy Bois Bande taste. Dunno if you can get it where you are. Here are some- Kweyol bois bande Macoucherie Elixor of Bois Bande BlackBeard's Bois bande

What are your views on Bacardi returning to Cuba when Castro croaks? Just thinking we are a little off subject..

DERF, are you drinking Bois Bande rum??

DERF, your making me really thirsty. I've only got Diet Coke in the fridge and a bottle of Santa Teresa. Oh what the hell..

We can get crucified together then; I like a rum and coke and choose Havana 7. The dryness and the strong molasses flavour go really well with coke. I prefer not to add lime or lemon.

Since a friend brought some of this back for me last year, i have been hooked. So everytime he goes back I ask him to bring me more. Its not as dry as Urquel; more like belgian than czech beer. Anyone tried this?

I heard this film adaptation starring Johnny Depp is out this year. Thought the book was dull(never finshed it) but maybe the film will increase Rum Awareness!!

Interesting to see the different points of view on taste. The one good thing about this product is it helps put rum on the map. But how did they say it should be drunk? I have'nt tried it but i guess it has that 'olive' smell and taste that agricoles have. Does it make a good cuba libre? Does'nt sound like it. Why sip this when you can spend less on a top sipping rum? See, I'm a little confused by their marketing. I am thinking it will be in the same bracket as ultra premium vodka- To be pushed as a mixer on expensive cocktail lists to rich idiots who don't know the difference Sorry to be cynical, but it is a very contrived product.

If trying a sipping rum for the first time, I pour one neat and one with a touch of chilled water. Do try Santa Teresa 1796 if you can get it. My current favorite.

Anyone tried the Flor de Cana 12 yr? Am I right in thinking it is similar in character to some of the Guatemalan rums?

In England we have had several saki/vodka/sochu fusions. Its all marketing b*****ks, and they are always given a daft name too. As a result, i am now confused with what shochu actually is.

My range would be classic white (molasses?) rum triple distilled with a touch of spice possibly(for aroma) Same as above but blended with a 5 yr aged rum(20%) A premium quality Bois bande spiced rum(not dark) An aged 'reserve' rum, not sure what style.

Seems like I'm the only one that finds Sailor Jerry'difficult' to drink! hmm.. i can't help thinking one or two of the expensive rums(mention no names) have been spiced to bolster the flavour.

How does it compare with its rival 10 Cane?

That aged spiced rum would do very well. There is very little choice apart from at the budget end(in the UK anyway). Out of interest, at what point would you add the spice?

Cadenhead and Rossi&Rossi I don"t know anything about. I will try and locate a bottle of the former. I know of the Bristol rums, all of which look v interesting. Could'nt they bottle them half size and make a box set?

Any rum aficionados in London want to come along?

Have contacted Sharon@Antigua Distilleries to ask where I can purchase some of their product in the uk.. well, these two rums in their stable will be launched in the UK on 27th-28th(trade fair?)! To get more info shortly. Will

Books for cooks no way! I used to date a girl who worked there(the shop in portobello?)

Mine would be a premium quality pink coloured spiced rum with bois bande, in a simple but sexy bottle

It's not illicit but you should check out Temperley's apple cider brandy. Nice bottle, very posh and understated. It is an aquired taste, but you can get addicted. This is very popular for those-in-the-know and particularly with the upper classes(!), especially at christmas(goes very well with cheese obv). Try Partridge's in Sloane st Chelsea. The guy who produces it is the father of the famous fashion designer Alice Temperley. He had a real battle with british customs excise to get permission to produce this apparently, so it has that almost illicit thing going. I did'nt make all this up (honest). If you need any other suggestions let me know.

Good luck.. Best save up for a holiday in the caribbean!

Here is my 10. Some I want to try. Had to be affordable. white Clement grappe blanche Oronocco* Aged/dark Clarkes Court Special Charbay* English Harbour 5 Yr* El Dorado 15 yr. Santa Teresa 1796 Flor de cana cent. 12 yr* Ron Zacapa 23 Pyrat XO* *yet to try

Santa teresa 1796 is my current favorite. I now prefer it to Ron Zacapa 23(shock) Would like to try Orinnoco(?)as the blend of triple distilled cane rum(cachasa?) and aged molasses rum sounds intriguing.