The Gifted Rums - Robert Burr's hand-picked list of distinctive rums

White Or Clear Rum Ideal for mixing in cocktails, white, silver, clear or crystal rums are generally without strong flavors. They're often aged for a minimal amount of time and frequently filtered to remove most, if not all color.
10 Cane	Moet Hennessy	Trinidad	made from select first press cane juice, aged up to 6 months in oak, this premium white rum is double distilled for an uncommonly light and smooth flavor, produced by one of the great French distillers
Appleton Estate White	J. Wray & Nephew	Jamaica	aged for up to two years and charcoal filtered, this medium bodied rum has plenty of character for mixing fine cocktails
Barbancourt Traditional White	Barbancourt	Haiti	distilled from pure cane juice with a light perfume and subtle spicing, it mixes well with cola and fruit juices
Charbay Alambic Clear Rum	Domaine Charbay	Napa Valley, California	a fine white rum, created by wine and spirit masters Miles and Marko Karakasevic at the Still On The Hill using slow and sure old-world methods in a rare copper alambic charentais pot still
Don Q Cristal	Serralles	Puerto Rico	a premium white rum aged one to three years with superior filtering to produce a clear, light, smooth spirit
Flor de Cana Extra Dry 4	Compania Licorera de Nicaragua	Nicaragua	aged four years and filtered to produce a dry, light bodied rum with character that makes fine cocktails
Havana Club	Bacardi	Puerto Rico	Bacardi presents this smooth, interesting clear spirit as the heir to the throne of greatness inspired by the world-famous Cuban brand established by Josè Arechabala in 1878
Matusalem Platino	Matusalem	Dominican Republic	a blend of triple-distilled hand-crafted rums filtered and refined for a crisp taste with delicate citrus and tropical flavors
Montecristo Premium Blend	Montecristo	Guatemala	a blend of one and three year old rums made from hand-harvested pure sugar cane juice with smooth, creamy vanilla overtones
Oronoco	Diageo	Brazil	a very fine premium rum from Brazil (not be confused with cachaça) blended with aged rums from Venezuela offering a surprisingly mature taste and smooth finish
Prichards' Crystal	Prichards' Distillery	Tennessee	distilled five times, this crisp, clean rum can be enjoyed chilled, straight up or on the rocks, in addition to serving as the base of many fine cocktails
Rubi Rey	Bacardi	Puerto Rico	a smooth, fine white rum aged two to three years in oak barrels, then blended and finished in a single oak barrel at 86 proof

Gold Or Pale Rum As rum mellows in barrels over time, it takes on amber or golden hues. These golden rums usually present a more flavorful profile than the white or clear rums. Gold rums are used to make cocktails in which a stronger flavor is desired. They are often aged several years or more and some coloring may be added to provide consistency. Subtle flavors may be present from the type of barrels used or in some cases, from added ingredients. Gold rums are often enjoyed on the rocks or neat, in addition to being used in cocktail recipes.
1 Barrel	Travellers Liquors	Belize	bright golden color and distinct aroma of sweet butterscotch with a hint of maple syrup, mellows out on the rocks or with a splash of water
Appleton Special	J. Wray & Nephew	Jamaica	a blend of full-flavored traditional pot-still rums with lighter character column still rums ideal for creating cocktails with a rich rum flavor
Barbancourt Three Star	Barbancourt	Haiti	distilled from pure cane juice and aged in oak for four years, it displays a light perfume and subtle spicing, mixing well with cola and fruit juices
Botran 12	Industrias Licorere de Guatemala	Guatemala	a fine blend of rums produced with sugar cane honey, aged in American oak for twelve years for a very smooth finish which can be enjoyed on the rocks or used to create premium cocktails
Brugal Añejo	Brugal	Dominican Republic	a family of rum makers from Dominican Republic creates this fine rum from select sugar cane stock, distilling it using old, tried and true methods to produce a fine rum that can be enjoyed in premium cocktails or on the rocks
Cockspur 5 Star	Hanschell Inniss	Barbados	a fine rum from Barbados aged in American Oak barrels which is slightly spicy on the palette with a smooth warm finish, which can be enjoyed mixed or on the rocks
Doorly's 5	RL Seale	Barbados	a moderately priced blend of authentic Barbados aged rums created by master distillers at RL Seale
Don Q Gold	Serralles	Puerto Rico	a transparent amber rum, aged from three to five years for a smooth, light flavor ideally suited for mixing in cocktails
El Dorado 5	Demerara	Guyana	a surprisingly sophisticated rum aged five years, with great rum flavor for mixing in cocktails
Flor de Cana Gran Reserve 7	Compania Licorera de Nicaragua	Nicaragua	a full-bodied blend of rums aged seven years with a smooth finish which can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks or mixed
Gosling's Gold	Gosling's	Bermuda	a unique golden rum, with hints of vanilla, mango, apricot and lightly smoked oak for a decidedly tropical flavor in mixed drinks
Matusalem Clasico	Matusalem	Dominican Republic	a blend of select rums aged in new world oak, married in a 10-year solera system for a rich flavor and smooth finish
Santa Teresa Gran Reserva	Santa Teresa	Venezuela	a blend of light golden rums aged two to five years in oak barrels with a smooth character for mixing or on the rocks

Dark or Black Rum Many cocktail recipes call for dark, full-flavored rums. Usually dark brown or reddish-brown in color, these rich flavorful rums are frequently matured in barrels longer than gold rums and may contain extra dark coloring. Navy rums are often a blend of dark rums, traditionally from English colonies such as Guyana, Trinidad, Jamaica and Bermuda.
Coruba	J. Wray & Nephew	Jamaica	a traditional planter's style spirit, distilled in small batches in copper pot stills for a full-flavored dark rum
Cruzan Black Strap	Cruzan	US Virgin Islands	perhaps the richest, most viscous and flavorful of the dark rums made in the tradition of the English Navy, this rum stands alone with a uniquely molasses-based profile
Gosling's Black Seal	Gosling's	Bermuda	one of the world's great dark rums, with distinctive hints of exotic tropical flavors and rich molasses; originally created by James Gosling in 1806, it's the key ingredient in the Dark & Stormy cocktail made with Bermuda ginger beer
Myers 10 Legend	Myers and Son	Jamaica	the legend comes in a unique bottle resembling a buoy, wrapped in delicate rope, offering a rich and sophisticated full-bodied flavor that deserves to be enjoyed on the rocks or neat
Whaler's Rare Reserve Dark	Whaler's Distilling Company	unknown	said to be made in the Hawaiian tradition, this rich, dark rum adds a distinctive flavor to any drink

Premium Aged Rum The more sophisticated rums are designed to be enjoyed without being mixed in a cocktail, although some rum enthusiasts use them as premium ingredients in libation recipes. Many premium rums are served as one might serve a fine single malt scotch, neat or on the rocks or in a fine cognac snifter. They often contain statements of the age of the rums blended in the bottle.
Abuelo 7 Anos Reserva Superior	Varela Hermanos	Panama	a delightful blend of quality rums aged for seven years in oak barrels by a master blender and distiller
Angostura 1824	Angostura Limited	Trinidad	hand casked, hand drawn and hand bottled (each bottle with a unique number) capped in red wax, this fine spirit is a blend of rums at least twelve years old, re-barreled until matured to perfection, featuring a robust, slightly sweet, spicy, woody flavor with a medium long finish
Angostura 1919	Angostura Limited	Trinidad	soldiers from Trinidad in WWI were sent "care packages" of this 8 year old rum to lift their spirits, earning it a world-wide reputation for smooth flavor, with hints of creamy vanilla and bourbon from the used barrels
Appleton Estate 21	J. Wray & Nephew	Jamaica	from a company that began producing rum in 1655, here is a classic full bodied, smooth, amber spirit with rich mellow flavors; a blend of this venerable distillers best, aged at least 21 years, then blended and aged two more years
Appleton Estate Master Blender's Legacy	J. Wray & Nephew	Jamaica	a new addition to the Appleton Estate line, a unique blend created around a rare and exquisite 30 year old rum, a testament to the art of the master blender
Appleton Estate Extra	J. Wray & Nephew	Jamaica	the Extra features bold, smooth taste inviting favorable comparison to the world's finest cognacs and scotches, a blend of rums aged from 12 to 18 years
Appleton Estate Reserve	J. Wray & Nephew	Jamaica	a classic Jamaican-style blend of 8 to 12 year old rums, aged in hand crafted oak barrels, blended by a master artisan to produce a smooth, mellow, premium spirit with a long elegant finish
Appleton Estate V/X	J. Wray & Nephew	Jamaica	a full-bodied blend of premium 5 and 10 year old rums boasting a warm golden color, rich satisfying aroma and an exceptionally sophisticated flavor at a price that's quite accessible
Barbancourt 15 Reserve du Domaine	Barbancourt	Haiti	the gold standard for rich, aged, cognac-like rums, this spirit, distilled from cane juice, is at home in a snifter as well as neat or on the rocks
Barbancourt 8 Reserve Especiale (5 star)	Barbancourt	Haiti	considered by noted experts as one of the world's best, the five star Barbancourt is among the most popular Caribbean rums, distilled from cane juice since 1862 by a family known for making fine cognac
Barcelo Imperial	Barceló	Dominican Republic	smoky, woody, deep rich earth tones and a complex character have earned this rum a reputation and many top awards
Barrilito 3 Star	Edmundo B. Fernandez	Puerto Rico	an exceptional rum blended from 6 to 10 year old spirits aged in charred oak barrels by a family of rum masters using the same method for more than 100 years
Botran Solera 1893	Industrias Licorere de Guatemala	Guatemala	distilled from sugar cane syrup, this is the pride of the Botran line of fine rums, presented in an appropriate bottle that suggests fine cognac
Centenario Fundacion XX Anos Reserva Especial	IWS Spirits	Costa Rica	a rich, sweet, full-bodied blend with a unique signature flavor, aged twenty years in oak, featuring a bottle covered in a leather pouch, this viscous rum rates favorably with those that prefer a sweet and smooth finishing rum
Cockspur 12 Vintage	Hanschell Inniss	Barbados	a fine rum from Barbados, now available in the US, this vintage rum reveals a rich, oaky character with hints of bourbon, best enjoyed neat or on the rocks
Cruzan Single Barrel	Cruzan	US Virgin Islands	a rich, sophisticated flavor with bright tones of oak barrel, this rum is the pride of the Cruzan line of fine rums, distilled at the estate since 1760
Cruzan 5 Estate Diamond	Cruzan	US Virgin Islands	a blend of 5 to 10 year old rums, Estate Diamond is priced moderately, but delivers a robust blend that stands well on the rocks, and makes a superior cocktail
Cubaney 12 Gran Reserva	Oliver & Oliver	Dominican Republic	produced in the Dominican Republic with pride by Cuban rum masters in exile, this deep amber 12 year old spirit aged in oak offers a rich, sweet flavor with a lasting warm finish
Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva	Licorerias Unidas	Venezuela	this fine rum stands alone with a unique blend that suggests a creamy texture and hints of vanilla, with a rich viscosity that coats a snifter and plays well as an after-dinner cordial
Doorly's XO	RL Seale	Barbados	a masterfully distilled rum aged in used oak barrels then finished in used Orolosso Sherry barrels for a unique flavor profile
Don Q Anejo	Serralles	Puerto Rico	a blend of light rums aged three to seven years in oak for superior cocktails or enjoyed on the rocks
Don Q Gran Anejo	Serralles	Puerto Rico	a special issue blend commemorating Columbus' discovery of PR, it goes beyond the acclaimed Don Q Anejo to offer a warm, inviting blend of rums aged three to 12 years in oak
El Dorado 21	Demerara	Guyana	only recently available in the US, the 21 year old El Dorado offers an unusually satisfying blend of sweet base with richly intense, woody complexity for sipping slowly with a fine cigar
El Dorado 15	Demerara	Guyana	a gold-medal winner many times over, this fine cognac-like rum is considered by many to have the most intriguing and complex character in its class
El Dorado 12	Demerara	Guyana	a younger version of the classic 15 year old rum offers a milder, less woody profile, with a hint of honey syrup, well balanced by the blend of fine aged rums
Flor de Caña 18 Centenario Gold	Compania Licorera de Nicaragua	Nicaragua	the pride of Nicaragua, this centenario gold reserve rests in oak barrels for 18 years resulting in a rich, complex and smooth spirit best served neat or on the rocks
Flor de Caña Centenario 21	Compania Licorera de Nicaragua	Nicaragua	a limited-edition premium rum featuring a blend of rums aged in used bourbon barrels at least 15 years, created to commemorate the 21st century
Gosling's Old Rum	Gosling's	Bermuda	also known as Gosling's Family Reserve, it is aged longer than the popular Black Seal and gains richer, mellower tones of tropical flavor and richness, then it's hand sealed in wax, individually numbered and presented in a wooden box
Khukri XXX Coronation Rum	Nepal Distilleries	Nepal	a rich, dark rum with hints of butter and caramel, this triple distilled spirit from the foothills of Mt. Everest comes in a hand-blown glass bottle shaped like the famous Khukri curved dagger used by the fighting Gurkhas
Matusalem Gran Reserva	Matusalem	Dominican Republic	labeled "The Spirit of Cuba" (founded in Cuba in 1872) this smooth and mellow, earthy blend of old rums is aged in seasoned oak, then aged via the solera method of progressive blending
Montecristo 12	Montecristo	Guatemala	a blend of 12 and 23 year old rums with rich amber color and a smooth finish, distilled from sugar cane and aged in American oak bourbon barrels
Mount Gay Extra Old	Mount Gay Distilleries	Barbados	aged in oak, this smoky, earthy and complex spirit from Barbados sets a standard for fine aged rum from some of the first rum producers in the Caribbean
Plantation Barbados 1995	C. Ferrand	Barbados	this amber gold reserve is aged in bourbon barrels for a full flavored, well balanced, long lasting finish, featuring a rich aroma and subtle elegance from maturing in old wood
Plantation Jamaica 8	C. Ferrand	Jamaica	a flavorful golden blend with immediate aromas of warm banana and buttery caramel, aged 8 years in small casks for a rich and satisfying character and a long warm finish
Plantation Trinidad 1993	C. Ferrand	Trinidad	Old Reserve 1993 from Trinidad is a light golden rum featuring warm subtle undertones, including hints of coconut and citrus with a long lasting finish
Prichards' Fine Rum	Prichards' Distillery	Tennessee	produced in Tennessee from table-grade high quality molasses using classic copper pot stills, the rum is filtered through maple charcoal, then sealed in small charred white oak barrels, a technique that imparts a sophisticated, rich flavor with echoes of fine whiskey
Ron Pampero Anniversario	Industrias Pampero	Venezuela	packaged in a distinctive leather pouch, this fine rum has a good reputation among premium consumers, offering a smooth and rich blend of earthy tones
Santa Teresa 1796 Antiguo de Solera	Santa Teresa	Venezuela	with the name referring to the date the hacienda was established and the solera method of distillation, this masterful blend of 4 to 35 year old rums offers a complex, balanced body of caramel, slightly smoky and smooth, earning it many top honors
RL Seale's 10	RL Seale	Barbados	the finest aged Barbados rum, rested in oak barrels for at least ten years, featuring a big body, wonderfully smooth and well rounded, butternut taste, light vanilla accent, lingering hints of roasted almonds
Trigo Reserva Aneja	Trigo	Puerto Rico	new to the US market, this exceptional blend of rums aged in oak for at least 12 years offer a unique flavor rich with woody, sweet tones and a warm, mild finish
Vizcaya VXOP	IMEX Spirits	Dominican Republic	distilled from sugar cane, this award-winning Cuban formula rum turns heads with its richly luxurious and smooth character, produced in the Dominican Republic
Zacapa Centenario XO	Industrias Licorere de Guatemala	Guatemala	a solera blend of very old rums at least 25 years of age derived from sugar cane honey, aged in used bourbon, sherry and wine barrels at an altitude of more than 7,500 feet in a mountain cave, finally blended and rested again in French oak barrels
Zacapa Centenario 23	Industrias Licorere de Guatemala	Guatemala	consistent winner of many awards, this legendary spirit is aged in oak for an average of 23 years in high mountain caves, giving a uniquely smooth and mellow flavor that makes it the clear favorite among many rum enthusiasts
Zacapa 15	Industrias Licorere de Guatemala	Guatemala	a solera blend of rums at least 15 years of age derived from sugar cane honey, aged in used bourbon, sherry and wine barrels at an altitude of more than 7,500 feet in a mountain cave, finally blended and rested again in French oak barrels
Zaya	Darsa	Guatemala	double distilled in small copper pots from sugar cane honey, this twelve year old rum opens with a sweet flavor and finishes long and smooth

Overproof Rum Most rums sold in the United States are bottled at 80 to 100 proof, or 40 to 50 percent alcohol by volume. Some exceptions are rums bottled at 125 to 160 proof or more. These rums tend to be more popular in the Caribbean Islands where locals prefer a stronger drink. They're also used in cooking recipes that call for rum to be ignited in flame (flambé) or drinks that blend a very strong rum into their recipe. Classic rum punches are often made with high-proof rum mixed with tropical juices (and sometimes flavored rums and liqueurs) to deliver a "punch" to those that enjoy them.
Bacardi 151	Bacardi	Puerto Rico	a classic over-proof rum used in rum punch, as a floater on potent cocktails and flambe drinks
Gosling's 151	Gosling's	Bermuda	with a signature deep, rich flavor and a high-powered kick, this overproof delivers tropical tones and heat to cocktails
Sunset Very Strong Rum	St. Vincent Distilleries	St. Vincent	with a nose like butterscotch candy, this 169 proof spirit offers a surprisingly powerful experience
Wray & Nephew White Overproof	J. Wray & Nephew	Jamaica	far and away the most popular rum sold in Jamaica, this potent 126 proof spirit gives rum punches and daiquiris a lift

Rhums Agricole From Martinique Martinique is the only geographic region in the world to have an AOC mark in the rum industry. Similar to the AOC marks for champagne, cognac and scotch whisky, the Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée for Martinique rhum agricole is a standard of production, aging and labeling.
Clément XO	H. Clément	Martinique	an exquisite blend of the best 4 vintage years of Clément rhum aged at least 25 years in both French Limousin and American oak; superbly blended for a refined and elegant finish, presented in a tear drop bottle that suggests fine cognac
Clément Cuvee Homere	H. Clément	Martinique	an exquisite blend of 3 vintage years of Clément rhum (1991, 1996, 1999) presented in a bold square bottle, featuring a luxurious blend of flavors that are quite satisfying
Clément VSOP	H. Clément	Martinique	a classic rhum agricole, the VSOP from Clément is accessible, but reaches for greatness with a blend of aged rums that is satisfying and sophisticated
Clément Premiere Canne	H. Clément	Martinique	a premium white rhum agricole produced by the Homere Clément Estate, established in 1887, using a select variety of pure aromatic Martinique cane crush, this premium spirit follows strict guidelines and laws established by the French government, which certifies its authenticity
Depaz Blue Cane Amber Rhum	Depaz	Martinique	distilled from blue cane (one of 12 species from which Martinique rhum agricole can be made) harvested from the Depaz estate; distilled in copper column stills, the fresh clear spirit is aged 2 years in charred, white oak barrels then bottled at 90 proof for export to the US
J.M. VSOP	Rhum JM	Martinique	a rich and smoky blend of 4 and 5 year old rums with a robust character that plays well on ice or in a snifter and compliments a good cigar; an excellent example of the blender's art
J.M. Rhum Vintage	Rhum JM	Martinique	as all rhums agricole carrying the AOC mark, distilled from pure sugar cane juice freshly pressed, fermented and distilled in Armagnac style stills; aged ten years in oak for a big, cognac-like profile
La Favorite Rhum Agricole Vieux	La Favorite	Martinique	Blended from stocks of rhums aged at least three years; aging the heart of the rhum in used American whisky and bourbon barrels imparts a dark brown color that reflects a deep reddish hue
Neisson Rhum Réserve Spéciale	Neisson	Martinique	the premium rhum from Neisson, the Réserve Spéciale is a blend of rhums aged up to ten years in French and American oak barrels in the distillery’s aging warehouse
St James Hors d'Age	St. James	Martinique	a blend of aged rhums at 86 proof, matured in small oak casks, distilled from sugar cane juice on a small plantation since 1765

Cachaça From Brazil A unique sugar cane liquor made in Brazil is called Cachaça (ka-SHA-sa). Made exclusively from fresh sugar cane juice, cachaças are often categorized as artisanal (small batches made in pot stills, aged in native wooden barrels) and industrial (large volumes made in column stills, unaged and inexpensive). In Brazil, artisanal cachaças are mostly enjoyed straight by connoisseurs, or made into premium cocktails; whereas most industrial cachaças are not aged, being consumed in caipirinhas by the masses.
Agua Luca	Heaven Hill	Brazil	distilled five times, it can be enjoyed on the rocks or in a cocktail for a premium cachaça experience
Beleza Pura	Excalibur	Brazil	a rich bouquet of fresh cut sugarcane, wild flowers, cucumber, white pepper and citrus notes
Cuca Fresca	Cuca Fresca	Brazil	with a distinctive taste of cane and a traditional signature cachaça flavor, makes a great caipirinha
Leblon	Leblon	Brazil	distilled in Brazil and aged in French oak for six months, this premium cachaça mixes well with fresh fruit juices
Moleca	Leading Edge Brands	Brazil	available in white and gold varieties, premium cane juice and distillation methods produce an exceptional flavor and fine finish

Flavored, Spiced Rums And Liqueurs Fine rums and exotic flavors echo the ambience of their tropical regions.
Castries Peanut Rum Cream	Castries	St. Lucia	a smooth and tantalizing peanut rum cream that artfully blends premium roasted peanuts with brown spices, vanilla from Madagascar and St. Lucian rum
Charbay Tahitian Vanilla Bean Rum	Domaine Charbay	Napa Valley, California	made from a perfect blend of Hawaiian and Caribbean can sugar syrups, infused with a unique extraction of Tahitian vanilla beans in a rare copper alambic charentais pot still by master distillers Miles and Marko Karakasevic at the Still On The Hill
Clément Creole Shrubb	H. Clément	Martinique	a tradition in the French Antilles, this orange flavored rhum agricole makes a great addition to tropical cocktails or can be enjoyed neat in a snifter after dinner
Crisma Caribbean Cream Liqueur	RL Seale	Barbados	a delicate flavored liqueur of cream and rum from RL Seale's Foursquare distillery in Barbados
El Dorado Golden Rum Cream Liqueur	Demerara	Guyana	creamy, delicious blend of cream and rum, perfect to end a fine meal or to be enjoyed alone as a unique treat
Flor de Cana Limon	Compania Licorera de Nicaragua	Nicaragua	a bright, natural lime flavor in a rum aged four years makes a great addition to mojitos and other topical cocktails
Foursquare Spiced Rum	RL Seale	Barbados	a splendid spiced blend made with aged rum that brings tropical flavors to cocktails, as well as playing nice on the rocks
Montecristo Spiced Rum	Montecristo	Guatemala	with a taste that suggests a holiday celebration, this fine rum offers a blend of spices and flavors that can turn eggnog or rum punch into a work of art
Prichards' Sweet Georgia Belle	Prichards' Distillery	Tennessee	award-winning fine rum liqueur with tropical flavors of peach and mango
Prichards' Cranberry Rum	Prichards' Distillery	Tennessee	made with pure Ocean Spray cranberry juice and refined rum bottled at 70 proof makes a fine drink on ice, mixed with lime or used in cocktails
Santa Teresa Araku Ron Y Coffee Liqueur	Santa Teresa	Venezuela	rich roasted coffee flavor, balanced with just the right sweetness makes this award winning liqueur stand out, enjoyed straight, on the rocks or mixed in a cocktail
Santa Teresa Rhum Orange Liqueur	Santa Teresa	Venezuela	with a distinct orange flavor and aged rums, this notable liqueur takes the prize at many competitions, offering a brandy like consistency for after-dinner enjoyment
Taylor's Velvet Falernum	RL Seale	Barbados	classic spiced Caribbean syrup liqueur created in Barbados in 1890, features tropical lime, almond and clove flavors at 23 proof; named after an ancient Roman wine
TW Lemonela	Empire	Florida	this new liqueur from Empire captures the unique flavor of the Meyer Lemon, faithfully reflecting this superior citrus fruit
TW Limonela	Empire	Florida	authentic Key Lime fruit infused into a molasses based fine rum by a master distiller, it takes like the real thing
TW Orangela	Empire	Florida	Temple Oranges are the base of this unique liqueur, brilliantly distilled from orange wine to capture all the flavor and richness of the fruit




	rum basics -- gifted rums -- the guide -- the judges -- tasting events -- RSVP for events -- email list -- home page