[Hypothetical question about 10 "top shelf" rums]

Has anyone put forward Ron del Barrilito yet?

In either its two or three star versions, I think it belongs on any top ten list.

[Brazilian rum/cachaca]

My wife and I are going to be in Brazil this week. Any recommendations for good local rums or cachacas?

I've not tried many cachacas, but I want to be open.

Thanks.

[Rum advice for Miami and/or Spain?]

I'm visiting Miami and Spain in an upcoming vacation. I'd love advice on shops/bars/restaurants or whatever that is rum-related in these destinations?

I was particularly hoping that Miami, with proximity to Cuba and the Caribbean, might have something rum to offer.

Any ideas? Thanks!

[Flor de Caña-Nicaraguan's Brand of Rum]

I'm not in love with the 5 and 7 year blends, but the 18 year is incredible!!

Kirk

[Olde Brigand 10-year vs. Ron del Barrilito 3-star]

Haven't tried Brigand. But, giving away Barrilito must mean love!

[Looking for rum shops in San Diego]

You should go and visit Tijuana and look in some of the liquors stores along Ave. Revolucion. There are a couple there with some good rum that is hard to find in the U.S. and also cheaper than the U.S.. Keep in mind you can only bring 1 bottle back per person.

[Ron Marques de Cuba - opinions?]

Just was given a bottle of Ron Marques de Cuba. Would like some opinions before opening.....

Thanks,

Kirk

[Rum in Mexico?]

Mexico trip was fun. Found some good rums, nothing that isn't findable in the U.S., but prices were nice and low. E.g. Flor de Cana 12 year for $14 vs. ~$30 in the U.S.

["Plantation" Rums?]

I've seen a line of "Plantation" rums - they share common branding but come from different Caribbean locations e.g. Jamaica, Trinidad, etc. etc.

Does anyone know anything about this line of products? Are they worthwhile etc.? Opinions?

Thanks

[Rum to pick up while out of country?]

I highly highly recommend a rum called Santa Teresa 1796. Possible, but not easy, to find in the U.S.

Kirk

[Cruzan Blackstrap Rum?]

Westsail, if you remind me via e-mail I'll try to find a way to get you some Cruzan Black Strap. I know a guy..... I'm at khoiberg@mba2000.hbs.edu

By the way, I've occasionally had good luck finding some interesting rums in Tijuana liquor stores. For example, the huge Gigante grocery store on Ave. Revolucion.

Kirk

[Cruzan Blackstrap Rum?]

I've tried the Cruzan Black Strap - definitely more substantial than the flavored rums - I liked it enough to buy a bottle.

Wetsail, where are you in CA? I may be able to recommend a way for you to get some Blackstrap. Its worth trying.

[Rum in Mexico?]

Thanks for people's advice on this! Not totally unexpected news: not much good rum in Mexico.

I have had one Mexican rum called Ron Mocambo Solera - not great - but a little change from Bacardi.

I guess I'll have to stick to tequila and mezcal for this trip....

[Rum in Mexico?]

I'm visiting Mexico around Christmas. Specifically, we'll be in the northern central region - the colonial heartland.

Off chance question: does anyone know of any rums produced in Mexico that are worth seeking and/or trying?

Thanks

[Pyrat XO Reserve vs. Pyrat Cask 23]

I've had both rums. I find XO to be more sweet, less smoky. I'd say Cask 23 is much more sophisticated and structured and smooth. At the German price points, I wouldn't buy the XO. Instead, save up for the Cask 23.

[info on Cachaca]

Thanks for this info and for the welcome to the Forum.

What are people's opinions of cachaca and aguardiente?

Best,

Kirk

[Back from P.R. and Saint Croix]

Sounds like a great trip.

How did you bring so many rums back? I've heard there is a limit of around 2 liters per person.

Thanks,

Kirk

[info on Cachaca]

As I've been trying to expand my portfolio and experience with "rum", I've come across cachaca. Can anyone help with:

1. Differences, if any, between rum and cachaca

2. Recommendations for cachaca

Thanks!

Kirk

[What to get from Puerto Rico?]

To echo other comments and add 1:

1. Get Barrilito

2. Get Don Q Grand Anejo

3. Get Bacardi Reserva Limitada from the distillery - its quite good

4. You may even consider some basic "Bacardi Reserva" - not sold in U.S. where Bacardi thinks it would cannibalize Bacardi 8. I like it a little more than Bacardi 8.

[Northern California rum bars?]

Can anyone name any good rum bars in Northern CA?

I know of one: Bodeguita del Medio located in Palo Alto has a very good collection.

Are there others? Perhaps in San Francisco?

Thanks,

Kirk

[I want to start again]

Here would be my list:

1. Zaya rum from Guatemala

2. Ron del Barrilito from PR - 2 or 3 stars, doesn't much matter

3. Flor de Cana from Nicaragua

3. Mocambo Solera from Mexico - cheap and good