Rum in Dominican Republic

[peros]

So this my first post int his forum as I am only begining my journey into this wonderful world of rum-dom!!

Anyhow my question:

I will be in Playa Dorada, Puerto Plata, Domincan Republic in August.

Being a lover of fine rum and I was wondering if anyone can suggest a good store that carries rum (preferably both Dominican and other countries) - and of course any brands that I should look out for.

I'm hoping to find a store that carries rums from other islands too - so I can indulge.

Thanks.

[Wilfrid]

Brands: the two dominant brands in the Dominican market are Brugal and Barcelo, and they compete fiercely. You should be able to sample their regulars line for about 30 cents a glass US.

They each have deluxe styles, too. I sampled a very expensive Barcelo from the rum trolley at Alain Ducasse NY - not for drinking, you understand, but for pouring over the Rhum Baba. I can't give you the deluxe brand names from memory, and sadly the company web-sites are uninformative - but I bet someone else here can help out.

[anil]

Brands: the two dominant brands in the Dominican market are Brugal and Barcelo,........

Twice when we landed ini SDQ, we were given Brugal courtsey of the company - Puzzled as my SO was, I swigged it

Brugal reminded me of Army issue XXX Rum, available in the army canntonments in India, which were really strong (read - % Proof more that available to civilian population )

[peros]

Thanks for the replies folks - will try to scout a good rum shop if I find one will post a review here.

I think I'll pick up a nice Barcelo Anniversario and a Bermudez Don Armando.

I'm hoping that due to the proximity of Haiti I might be able to score some Barbancourt 15 yr old too.

[Wilfrid]

You can get that in the Dominican Republic. I say that because a Dominican friend gave me a bottle, and I don't think they went to Haiti to get it.

[Thomas Secor]

As pointed out above, Barcelo and Brugal are the dominant distilleries, and much of the Dominican population falls into the camp of one or the other. It is quite easy to find yourself being passionately preached to regarding the superior qualities of the speaker's rum of choice (according to many men I have met, Brugal has certain viagra like qualities, this trait is disputed by Barcelo lovers, who attribute male impotence to Brugal. Many Brugal lovers also insist that Barcelo will give you the shits, because they use coconut oil in the distillery process somehow, all quite amusing).

Also, as Wilfrid mentions, each distillery issues rums of various quality and ages, and each distributes a white rum (good for nothing much to my mind, except maybe starting a fogata (dominican spanish for bonfire, that is). The best in my opinion, which is still reasonable at US$10. or so a bottle, is the Brugal Anejo Viejo, essentially the extra old. This is distinguished from the Brugal Viejo, and the standard Brugal. There is also a Brugal cententennial (Siglo something or other), which comes in a fairly garish blue bottle which is quite good but not worth the US$50 or so it costs, and is generally only seen in duty free on the way out of the country or in all inclusive (and indigenous exclusive) resorts.

The Brugal Anejo Viejo probably wont knock you away if you have already been exposed to great rums, but I first had it when rum to me meant Bacardi, and it opened whole new worlds. It is certainly tasty and smooth enough to drink straight, although I have to admit a certain fondness for mixing it with juices. I recognize that is not the most respectful way to treat a good rum, but I find that white rum which is often suggested for mixed drinks adds nothing to the flavor except the alcohol burn, while a strong flavored dark rum can actually add a different nuance to a mixed drink. I recommend fresh pineapple juice, with Brugal Viejo and a liberal slice of lime, all over ice. Now go lie under the palm trees in the hammock and let that knock your socks off.

[Jason Perlow]

Brugal Anejo makes for a great Rum and Coke.

[JOHN REEKIE]

Peros...Now that you have found yourself in a hammock tied

between two palm trees,and wondering what blew your socks off.

Its back to your room and recoup,then on to the rum trail.

Two brands (Distillers) of DR rum as yet not mentioned. The first is

the third "B" distillery and the oldest, established in 1853,

that is J ARMANDO BERMUDEZ & Co.Cpor A. I forgot to check which

town their distillery is located in. (if You want to tour the plant).

They have a good selection from very young white to a gran anejo.

All their and other DR rums are molasses based and column distilled.

The fourth is a brand -CUBANEY- ,I do not know their distillery or

location or parent company. But they have four rums, 3yr,5yr,7yr.10yr.

and distributed in the Caribbean,Spain,Spanish Caribbean and Cuba

and was launched in 1996. If you have a copy of Julie Arkell's

-'Classic Rum'- look at page 113.

As to where to buy rum. Try to go to the Distilleries. then you can say

it was original. Avoid the airport duty free shops they never have

everthing. or in the size you might want, its also too last minute for me

to find they dont have a rum I wanted. You could check it out on

ARRIVING in DR, before getting in to a taxi.

I find the local, big suppermarkets, a taxi will take you there, always

have the best selection and often have many rums from other islands.

The local village corner rum shop are good for local rums but language is

often a problem. Down town in the main tourist areas often have

Wine shops and expensive rums. Well worth while when looking for

top shelf rums.But if you compare a 15yr old Clement or a very old

vintage St james that I bought in St Baths, for $32.us.each which in

Canada, if had been available would have been over $85.can.

Happy shopping and watch out for falling asleep in hammocks.

John Reekie ....again Rum searching.

[JOHN REEKIE]

Having checked a few bottles at home , I have the following

information about the distilleries. you might want to visit them.

Bermudez & Co....est 1853....Licoreria no 35........Santiago, DR.

Brugal & Co.........est 1888....Licoreria no 31........Puerto Plata.

Barcelo & Co.......est.1930....Licoreria no ?..San Pedro de Macoris.

also:

Pedro Justo Carrion & Co... Bought by Brugal in 1995 ( I think they

are around San Pedro de Macoris as there best known rum, localy,

as Ron Macoris - Anejo Superior.

You did not say if you were looking for good mixing rums or good

sipping rums. In my experience when traveling, it's always wise to

buy the very best available,of different rums, buy six to ten bottles,

then pay the Canadian taxes and duties.

It still is cheaper than LCBO and you have rums that would never

reach LCBO shelves.and an envy of your friends.

I would never buy a white B......i in 2lt plactic bottles for around

$15.00, then a couple of rum punches parties later and what do

you have to remember your trip. Buy the best you can afford !.

I always budget $ 200.00 us. into my trip, for rums, packaging,

taxes and duty.

And the wonders of Spell Check on our forum- one spells funny

things when in a hurry...... St Baths should have read St Barts for

St Barthelemy F.W.I. (and to be correct F.W.I. should read France)

John Reekie.

[Ed Hamilton]

Looks like people have been researching the DR rum market pretty well. I have to agree with looking in the supermarkets and ask the manager if they have any others. I've found some amazing rums tucked in the back corner because they weren't selling. And most of the time these lost bottles were the high end rums that aren't generally consumed in mass by the locals.

I also have to agree that there are few bottles worth the $50 charged by the fancy resorts or duty free shops but if you spend the time to visit the distilleries you'll be more than rewarded for your efforts.