Oh man, what a fantastic video; thank you for dropping rum knowledge on the masses. Rum is my absolute favorite spirit by far; it’s so, so versatile. Anyway, you need WAY more followers, especially if you keep putting out fantastic content like this. 👏
Out of those options, I'd go with: -White Stache, with Probitas as a runner up. -AE Signature, Plantation 5 as runner up -Denizen 8, with AE12 as runner up. -Smith and Cross, Xymaca runner up -OFTD, Hamilton 151 runner up I'm already really into rum, but this video would have been very useful when I was starting out. Great video!
I'm sorry, 665 subscribers? They must have left a few zeros off that number by accident, judging by the quality of your content. Great stuff and hope your hard work earns you much success. Just an FYI: for people outside the USA, Probitas is called Veritas. There was a trademark dispute that made them change the name in much the same way that Fortaleza tequila is called Los Abuelos outside the USA. BTW, leaving El Dorado, Chairman's Reserve, Diplomatico Planas, Privateer, R.L. Seale (10 year is $25 at Total Wine) and Ron Pampero Aniversario Reserva Exclusiva off this list are mortal sins. LOL
"BTW, leaving El Dorado, Chairman's Reserve, Diplomatico Planas, Privateer, R.L. Seale (10 year is $25 at Total Wine) and Ron Pampero Aniversario Reserva Exclusiva off this list are mortal sins." The 665 subscribers is actually why I can't afford all of those! I do have the Diplomatico but I filmed this video twice, the first time I used every Rum I had and that just seemed too long, too boring, and a little pretentious, so I found other ways to be pretentious! Eventually, I'd like to do videos on different regions and eventually islands (like St Lucia), countries etc... but for now the initial steps will prob be much more basic and more of a starting point for beginners. Plus I can't get too deep into the weeds yet, rum enthusiasts with crucify me. As for the RL Seale, IDK man. That bottle is just something else. Thanks for the comment and support!
@@makeanddrink Looks like you picked up 200 subscribers in the last 24 hours! You're on a roll! Here's the advice Roman Atwood gave to Matt Carricker (Demolition Ranch / Off the Ranch / Vet Ranch). "No matter what, just keep uploading. Upload, upload, upload. Don't get discouraged or think no one will be interested or be discouraged because it was done before. Just keep uploading!" I would add to that, upload lots of lists: The ten best X. The ten worst X, The 5 bottles you need to start your collection, The 5 bottles I'll never buy again, The five allocated bottles worth unicorn hunting, etc. People, and the algorithm, love these lists. I certainly do and I click on them as soon as a I see them to hear what they have to say. I often comment on them and that drives additional traffic. Even better are controversial topics like "Why Laphroaig tastes like burnt Band-Aids on dog poo." This gets tons of traffic as each side comes in to vilify or defend you. Controversy drives traffic! Follow that formula, plus the quality you offer, and you'll see unlimited growth. Eventually you won't worry about getting subscribers, you'll worry about getting an editor to prep all your videos and a moderator to police the comments section since each video will start generating hundreds or thousands of comments. I've seen that growth over the last two years for numerous whiskey-tube channels that follow the formula. Just keep uploading and make sure to make lists!
Just a correction: Hamilton Pot Still black is the same rum as Hamilton Pot still GOLD but with added coloring. It is *not* the same as the blonde. The Gold and Black are UNAGED despite what some folks are posting on the 'net (confirmed by Ed Hamilton). I am unsure what the age of the Blonde is.
Flor de cana isn't actually aged for as long as the number on the bottle suggests, it doesn't say - 4 years. It just has a number 4 on it. Same goes for their whole line up. (maybe the oldest rum in the blend was 4 years for example). I haven't bought a bottle since and I don't regret it, there is much better rum out there.
New to your channel, great video. I agree on using the Smugglers Cove book to categorize. The only change I would make is up the Doorlys 8 to the 12 or possibly the RL Seale if either is not available. Also having a demerara like El Dorado 5 or 8 would be a good addition.
Been mixing for a while, specializing in Mia Tia. I have two different grades, my top shelf of which I use Clement XO, and Myers Dark,or PUsser Gunpowder, but when I use the lower shelf, use Appleton 8, and Myers. Obviously the Clement is much more refined. Problem with Clements is the expense and rare to find here in Central Florida, same as Lemon and Hart and Hamilton. Agree with the Bacardi 8 and Appleton signature and for my light I do Flor de Cana. Plantation I have used but the sugar bothers me as drinks seem excessively sweet especially the tiki drinks when you add simple liquid sugar. Thanks love you presentation.
Best beginner rum selection I’ve seen. My five beginner/inexpensive bottles are: ElDorado 3 year (Demerara), Appleton Signature (Jamaican), Brugal anejo (light, column still rum), Rum Barbancourt 8 (sugar cane), Plantation Xaymaca (funk) 😁 Cheers!
About plantation: it's good you mention dosage. They were transparent from the start (not just "now on their website") and also SOME of their rum do not have dosage now (oftd, xaymaca that you mentioned for example).
Oh wow, I really don't know why this vid is showing up in my feed only now! I guess the algorithm is shaky like that, hiding your vid on Fassionola from me as well... Also, thank you for the explanation of "Hogo" which formerly struck me as some obscure local word but turns out it's just what "Haut Gout" (pronounced something like "oh goo", in case anyone cares) was bastardized into. Anyway, I'm somewhere between proud and embarrassed to find that, after little more than a year of dabbling in home bartending, I own most of the bottles you're presenting -- except for the Hamilton rums which, sadly, just aren't available in Europe. Yet. Currently searching my friends and relatives for overseas acquiantances who could help me out there. Does anyone know of a network dedicated to filling that kind of gap? 🥂
I experienced an acute case of liquor envy at that intro- great stuff. For a blanco rum, Flor de Caña is an easy win. I love it for daiquiris (real ones, made “up”). I am eager to get into aged rums, but they seem hard to come across in my neck of the woods. Got into a bottle of Bacardi 8 last summer as it was all I could find, and really enjoyed it neat. Anyway, great episode, informative, and good delivery.
As a newbie rum enthusiast I thought your selections were great, especially your rationale for selecting each. I have found that the best way to learn about rums is to start by mastering basic drinks one at a time, such as the daiquiri. Great job!
The Daiquiri is the perfect vessel to explore rums if you aren't into drinking neat... which I am not. One thing I do now as well is dial down the lime and sugar. It's not necessarily a better drink, but the rum comes through more if you're really trying to figure out what you like.
Great video, man. Big rum fan here and I’m quite jealous of your collection! The rums I’ve found I can’t live without are Smith & Cross, El Dorado 5 Year, Probitas, Appleton 12 and Plantation O.F.T.D. The Probitas I save almost exclusively for Daiquiris - I can’t imagine a rum that can be beat it for that drink (though I’m sipping on a Plantation Stiggins’ Daiquiri at the moment and it’s really damn good - taking inspiration from your bonus bottle recommendation). Thanks again, I really like your videos and appreciate your work on an awesome rum video! PS: Am I crazy thinking that Daiquiris are way better using straight sugar instead of simple syrup? I do 2 oz Rum, 3/4 Lime and 3 bar spoons white sugar and it makes me very happy.
All amazing. I just bought 2 more bottles of Probitas because I do think that one day it will be gone. What I love the most about Daquiris is how different moods or days I want something different. Hamilton makes them super sharp and clean and the Probitas is just another level awesome flavor. I even made on with the fake Havana Club last week and I enjoyed it. Appreciate your feedback! I have not done a straight sugar Daiquiri but believe me I will try it shortly. Something else I’ve been trying to find is Petite Canne Syrup. Hamilton imports it but I have to have it shipped. Can’t just $20 for a small bottle of syrup. Rum is just a great world. So many solid options under $25. The bourbon dudes out there selling their kidneys for a bottle that was $20 5 years ago.
@@makeanddrink Let me know how you like the straight sugar Daiquiri! I just give all the ingredients a dry shake for about 20 seconds before adding ice and shaking again. It dissolves pretty much all of the sugar no problem. Another thing I do sometimes is add a bit of lime peel to the shaker or express the oil some on top after. It gives it extra lime dimension.
Probitas makes a better Daiquiri than White Stache, but White Stache is VERY close and significantly cheaper. White Stache is a great rum for bars or if you're throwing a party. I use it to batch mojitos and they're always very popular.
I've been trying a lot of rums. My three favorites when I do a blind taste of the rums straight are Brugal's 1888, The Real McCoy 12, and Plantation XO. I like that I can completely change a cocktail by swapping one for the other. I have a handful of other bottles that work in different drinks, but those are my standouts. Thanks for the suggestions.
I always have Black Seal on hand for making a Dark n Stormy. Goslings makes a nice gold and white rum but they are difficult to find in the States. I think you had some really good recommendations.
I’m surprised you didn’t mention any Demerara Rum, that’s one of my favorites. Also very important when making Tiki drinks 🍹. Other than that great job 👏🏻
I wouldnot consider Probitas to be a light rum like those others. IMHO it's place is next to Wray & Nephew. It's definitely on the funkier side and packs a bit too much character to stand in as the sole representation of that category. It's delicious, but using that in a cocktail is going to definitely take it a different direction compared to any of those other options in that lineup.
Brilliant! Added a few more to try to my list. Sadly, prices in Australia make good rum (and most spirits) expensive. Flor de Cana 700mL/23.7oz - USD$36 (Baca Carta Blanca is around the same at full price but comes on special more often to around USD$27) Appleton Estate Signature 700mL - USD$37 (My current rum of choice) Smith & Cross Traditional Jamaica Rum 700mL - Last priced at USD$63 but no one has stock. Recommended elsewhere but haven't been able to find yet. Plantation O.F.T.D 700mL - USD$72 (On top of import duties, our excise tax by volume of alcohol is one of the highest in the world) Finding Appleton was great, only a little more expensive than something like Sailor Jerry but with SUCH a better taste and flavour. Smooth and still hints of sweetness and spice. Hopefully I can nab some of them on special to mix up my usual drinks.
As a Rum fan, I really enjoy.seeing others opinions on what to start with. Definitely solid choices you presented! I'm a big fan of Don Q, so Cristal would be my top for the white rum. The other standouts that you didn't mention are the Shipwreck series for the flavored (spiced, vanilla and coconut) are really good (IMO). Cheers!
That’s funny… the Don Q was the one bottle I didn’t have on hand that I was trying to get my hands on but only the handles were available to me locally. I want to do something in the future on best Daiquiris and will for sure get a bottle then. Spiced rums are intriguing to me. They get such a bad wrap (for good reason) but there are many smaller high quality distilleries (shipwreck, Maggie’s, Koloa) making their own that I have little to no experience with. Def want to explore that in the future. Thanks for the feedback!
This is a wonderful vid, you do a great job breaking down EVERYTHING here. I’m a bourbon guy looking for variation so i appreciate how deep you go into each category.
This is a fantastic list. I have at least one rum from every one of those tiers (except 151; not a fan). Although, your top choices aren’t all the same as mine it’s nice to know someone who is well skilled in the field agrees with my selections
I like your selection. Personnally If I had to choose 5 rums: Jamaican: Smith & Cross Agricole : Neisson Blanc Demerara Overproof : Plantation OFTD Light rum : Plantation 3* (I have not yet tested the Flor de cana 4 seco) Fruity rum : Plantation Pineapple Fancy Stiggins we need the same video but for the orange liqueurs (including shrubbs ^^)
I’ve never tasted Jamaican rums but I wanna buy one to make some Mai Tai and I thought about buying appleton estate signature but after this video I think smith and cross or plantation xaymaca is a better choice but maybe smith and cross might be overwhelming but in the other hand I could do painkillers with it also :) Also is it not useless to have oftd and smith and cross at the same time? They’re both over proof so
I am just now getting into cocktail making, starting with mai tais and painkillers because I have found a huge love for them.This video is extremely helpful, and I personally use the appleton 12 for my mai tais,which are amazing. thanks for the work here.
Love your channel! You mentioned UK RumFest rum categorization system in the video. I tried to search for it on Google, but wasn't finding anything. Can you provide info on where I could learn more about it?
i just checked and didn't see it. I remember seeing it 6 or so month ago and I believe it had do with how the categorized for awards, but not totally sure.
That will 100% be something that happens in the future and Diplomatico will for sure be there. These are not necessarily my 5 favorite rums or the "5 best" just some good starters if your shelves are empty and just getting into this.
It’s funny that you mention that doctor bird is more offensive than smith and cross because I found the opposite. I bought smith and cross a while ago and I really hated everything I made from it. When I bought doctor bird, I didn’t exactly enjoy it that much but I thought it was like a toned down smith and cross. Perhaps my palette has changed. I will have to try it again
That’s interesting. I don’t think the exact water levels are disclosed, but Dr Bird has got to be higher. But different flavors and esters will be perceived differently so it’s all a matter of taste.
One of the best rum guides i’ve seen! Just got my hands on a bottle of Hamilton Jamaican Pot Still Gold, and I must say - that’s some crazy stuff to get used to 😂 Thanks for all the great videos you make on tiki, I really enjoy them!
You are producing such good content. Thank You! I appreciate the recommendations on how to build my rum collection. And a few to hunt for next time I get down to Vegas.
I like their white rum just fine and many people like their aged rums, but I've never had them. They do add sugar to most of their rums which is fine by me, but something to be aware of.
My liver and kidney are glad you never mentioned Kraken…they’ve suffered enough at the hands of that demon. Yeah, it’s not the greatest, but it’s not the worst. But it’s also what I have the best access to and I actually do enjoy it.
As a whisk(e)y guy trying to get into rum..I'm looking specifically for things that are good served neat as I'm not huge into mixed drinks or cocktails. As my introduction I went kind of wild ends of the spectrum. I grabbed a Bacardi 8yr and a Wray&Nephew overproof 😂. Looking for recommendations on where to go from here.
Hey just a heads up. The Flor de Cana 4 isn't exactly "aged 4 years." Notice how the bottle doesn't actually say "aged 4 years." It says "Reserva No. 4." It's a little bit of tricky bottle labeling. They do a fair amount of rum blending to give it a 4-year "taste profile." But there are no additives, and it's cheap as hell. So it's still a good buy!
Great suggestions! Although my personal consumption raises the need for 151, I understand not everyone wants 151 Swizzles or Flying Dutchmen. And while I ALWAYS swap ¼ oz of light rum for agricole blanc in my daiquiri, I understand not everyone will be a fan of a Ti'Punch. GREAT info and explanations.
I've getting into rum through tiki cocktails and your videos are incredibly informative: I especially appreciate your no-nonsense approach to explaining names and usages. Thanks for such great content!
Barbancourt is a rhum agricole, it just can't name itself that. French "rhum" (which is just how it's spelled), haitian rum, haitian clairin, Martinique & Guadeloupe (and some of la reunion) and cachaça of course are all made from freshly pressed sugar cane juice (vesous) that is then distilled. Now in Martinique, to get the rhum agricole appelation (aoc) it must be column stills. But in haiti because of their revolution and early independence, they still do it in pot stills. Cachaça is column, and la reunion does a mix cause the aoc is reserved for Martinique (yes it's unfair in it's own way). This is different from most other rums from english or spanish controlled territories who followed in the footsteps of barbados when they started being "cheap" and use industrial waste to make rum (molasse was an unwanted byproduct of industrial sugar production after all) :)
I have NO IDEA why this video did NOT pop up at the VERY TOP of my research list these past few days but THANK YOU SO MUCH! 🙏🏽…. You just saved me a TON of time and money for my Home Bar!
Great work mate! Took a deep dive into Tiki a few years ago and know that rum is a hard category. I’ll share my ultimate Mai tai blend when I land on it. Cheers!🍹
How could anyone limit themselves to only 5 (6) bottles of rum... but about Flor de Caña... I hate it! I don't know why I do (well, the flavor...) and I don't know why so many cocktail youtubers recommend it... go with the Plantation 3 Stars instead.
same, i bought a bottle a couple weeks ago i haven’t used it once i like to take a sip of every bottle i get just to try it, i tried flor de cana and i hated it, tastes awful it tastes nothing like rum i definitely regret buying it so now it just sits untouched in my bar
This was the best video breakdown of rum I've found as I've been researching for the rum and tiki adventure of my cocktail experience. I have a few questions: I am thinking of skipping the light rum category and just using lightly aged rums (Plantation 5 Year or Real McCoy 5yr) for things like Daiquiris and other lighter rum drinks for a richer tasting experience. What do you think of that idea? I've heard a lot about Rum Fire recently. I'm surprised you didn't mention it in the Jamaican section. Was there any particularly reason? I was planning to buy it as a sub for Smith & Cross/Wray & Nephew in recipes. Also, I was surprised you didn't leave a section for Agricole or Clairin. I was planning to pick a bottle up. Is that category not called for in many recipes or was there another reason? Thanks again! This is seriously up there with some of the best cocktail content on TH-cam. Cheers!
So many good questions and comments here, Kevin. First, I love light rums in Daiquiris and I might say nowadays a light rum Daiquiri is my favorite cocktail. But if you’re focused on Tiki, the darker rums will be more needed. A really good rum I left off for light runs that’s only about $12 is Don Q. Rum Fire is not for the faint or heart, nor is Wray and Nephew or RumBar. I find them overpowering and very specific… I believe they are all unaged but not 100% sure. The category of “Overproof Jamaican Rum” deserves its own video. Since their Overproof they provide a funk and intensity that is prob not best for beginners IMO. Rum Fire specifically is on my upcoming list of episodes to make. I actually filmed short sections with Rhum Agricole and Cachaca, but it added 5-10 minutes to an already long video. I do plan on addressing those both separately moving forward. This Rum video for me was about getting a basic Rum video out here and seeing what it’s like to make and if anyone else cares. I actually filmed it twice because the first round I kind of just went over every rum I had and it felt way too long and boring. It’s the kind of video I like watching and I do plan on going much deeper into rum, regions, styles etc in the future. I’m learning a lot in real time as well, and don’t think I could do Rhum Agricole justice at this moment. Thank you for the kind words and questions. Also side note as I am starring at my bar… Real McCoy 3 makes an exception Daiquiri. It’s in a category much different than Bacardi, Don q or the basic “clean” white rums.
This was so informative! Every time I try to figure out rum and it’s colors and categories or lack there of I get confused. This helped immensely. I have several of the bottles you suggested. Would you be able to explain Rhum is it different. I’ve made the Mai Taï from death and co welcome home and it was great but I was still confused even after trying to find a rhum.
That’s awesome! “Rhum” on a basic level is just the French spelling of Rum, but the French style is typically made differently as well and has a different flavor profile…. However that’s not always the case. I plan on doing a video on that in the next couple weeks or months as it can be confusing.
Your script is Amazing! You deserve all the success! I'd love to see an agricole, haïtian, cachaça. I understand your main audience is probably Americans but this cstegory deserve more recognition especially the clairins and Guadeloupe rhums
I hear you! And I agree. I'm planning on diving deeper into rum in the future... probably a couple real base-level videos and then 100% planning on Rhum Agricole and Cachaça. Clairins are definitely newer to me but many of the rum categories I'd like to get to are ones I need to personally learn more about, which is exciting
@@makeanddrink i can give you a few pointers in each categories not sure you can get everything in the usa though. You can pm me if you want. French islands: check longueteau (especially the constellation they makenfor route du rhum sailing race), clement canne bleue (but i saw you had some vsop) savanna from la réunion. In clairin, try sajous (especially 2018) and communal or Casimir too. In cachaca novo fogo is well liked, so is yaguara and for a more budget leblon. If you are into history check mike duncan history of haïtian revolution because that event shaped and trsnsformed the caribean.
I've been making tiki drinks for years now; absolutely all great bottles. Can't go wrong with any of these choices! I will add, my personal "secret weapon" is Bumboo "spiced rum". I know spiced rum is a dirty phrase in the tiki world, but if you add Bumboo to anything, it will make it taste like delicious vanilla banana bread goodness! I use it like "salt" on food and just add a quarter once to enhance a drink. Hell, use it like bitters, I assure everyone it is exceptional!
Good choices though I personally am not a fan of your Jamaican picks. Too bitter and too much tannin for my tastes. Since I have limited space, I find I can make every rum drink I want with Plantation 3 Stars, Appleton Estate 12, and Pusser's Gunpowder Proof. I usually mix the Appleton and Pusser's 50/50 when dark rum is called for but not always. Of course, all of this could change again as I experience new rums.
That intro was awesome. I had to keep pausing to check out your collection!
This is way underrated. One of the coolest intros I’ve seen - and fully custom for this video.
Got my interest :)
Oh man, what a fantastic video; thank you for dropping rum knowledge on the masses. Rum is my absolute favorite spirit by far; it’s so, so versatile. Anyway, you need WAY more followers, especially if you keep putting out fantastic content like this. 👏
Out of those options, I'd go with:
-White Stache, with Probitas as a runner up.
-AE Signature, Plantation 5 as runner up
-Denizen 8, with AE12 as runner up.
-Smith and Cross, Xymaca runner up
-OFTD, Hamilton 151 runner up
I'm already really into rum, but this video would have been very useful when I was starting out. Great video!
Thx for the list. What do you think about Cristobal 151 or Worthy Park 109?
@Avke92 I've never had Cristobal 151 but Worthy Park 109 is great, if a little over priced. Monymusk makes some cheaper competitive products.
I'm sorry, 665 subscribers? They must have left a few zeros off that number by accident, judging by the quality of your content. Great stuff and hope your hard work earns you much success.
Just an FYI: for people outside the USA, Probitas is called Veritas. There was a trademark dispute that made them change the name in much the same way that Fortaleza tequila is called Los Abuelos outside the USA.
BTW, leaving El Dorado, Chairman's Reserve, Diplomatico Planas, Privateer, R.L. Seale (10 year is $25 at Total Wine) and Ron Pampero Aniversario Reserva Exclusiva off this list are mortal sins. LOL
"BTW, leaving El Dorado, Chairman's Reserve, Diplomatico Planas, Privateer, R.L. Seale (10 year is $25 at Total Wine) and Ron Pampero Aniversario Reserva Exclusiva off this list are mortal sins." The 665 subscribers is actually why I can't afford all of those! I do have the Diplomatico but I filmed this video twice, the first time I used every Rum I had and that just seemed too long, too boring, and a little pretentious, so I found other ways to be pretentious!
Eventually, I'd like to do videos on different regions and eventually islands (like St Lucia), countries etc... but for now the initial steps will prob be much more basic and more of a starting point for beginners. Plus I can't get too deep into the weeds yet, rum enthusiasts with crucify me.
As for the RL Seale, IDK man. That bottle is just something else. Thanks for the comment and support!
@@makeanddrink Looks like you picked up 200 subscribers in the last 24 hours! You're on a roll! Here's the advice Roman Atwood gave to Matt Carricker (Demolition Ranch / Off the Ranch / Vet Ranch). "No matter what, just keep uploading. Upload, upload, upload. Don't get discouraged or think no one will be interested or be discouraged because it was done before. Just keep uploading!"
I would add to that, upload lots of lists: The ten best X. The ten worst X, The 5 bottles you need to start your collection, The 5 bottles I'll never buy again, The five allocated bottles worth unicorn hunting, etc. People, and the algorithm, love these lists. I certainly do and I click on them as soon as a I see them to hear what they have to say. I often comment on them and that drives additional traffic. Even better are controversial topics like "Why Laphroaig tastes like burnt Band-Aids on dog poo." This gets tons of traffic as each side comes in to vilify or defend you. Controversy drives traffic!
Follow that formula, plus the quality you offer, and you'll see unlimited growth. Eventually you won't worry about getting subscribers, you'll worry about getting an editor to prep all your videos and a moderator to police the comments section since each video will start generating hundreds or thousands of comments. I've seen that growth over the last two years for numerous whiskey-tube channels that follow the formula. Just keep uploading and make sure to make lists!
OFTD is a great rum but handle with care. I woke up in my shower fully dressed after not giving it the respect it deserves.😂
5 bottles for seasoned rum vets :
Charanda
Rum Fire
Paranubes
Hamilton 86
Doctor Bird
In my opinion one Jamaican is enough, I would replace it with a Demerara like El Dorado or Hamilton 151.
I’m convinced Bacardi is the best selling because it’s well crap at every bar on earth. There’s must no other explanation
Just a correction: Hamilton Pot Still black is the same rum as Hamilton Pot still GOLD but with added coloring. It is *not* the same as the blonde. The Gold and Black are UNAGED despite what some folks are posting on the 'net (confirmed by Ed Hamilton). I am unsure what the age of the Blonde is.
You are correct. I did update the video description but obviously there’s a lot there. Still appreciate pointing that out.
I should read everything before making a comment. haha ... thank you for not being offended. Trying to help. :) @@makeanddrink
No it’s all good. You really didn’t need to read it all. Just coincidental and it’s good to have it live in the comments as well.
I didn't know I liked Rum this much.
Love el dorado 12 year personally. Really delicious.
So good!
Flor de cana isn't actually aged for as long as the number on the bottle suggests, it doesn't say - 4 years. It just has a number 4 on it. Same goes for their whole line up. (maybe the oldest rum in the blend was 4 years for example). I haven't bought a bottle since and I don't regret it, there is much better rum out there.
There's for sure better rums out there. I have many of them. But in my opinion a great light rum for someone starting out and a great value.
New to your channel, great video. I agree on using the Smugglers Cove book to categorize. The only change I would make is up the Doorlys 8 to the 12 or possibly the RL Seale if either is not available. Also having a demerara like El Dorado 5 or 8 would be a good addition.
Thank you! And I don’t disagree. If I truly had to pick 5 bottles and 5 only I’d probably change answers depending on the day.
Been mixing for a while, specializing in Mia Tia. I have two different grades, my top shelf of which I use Clement XO, and Myers Dark,or PUsser Gunpowder, but when I use the lower shelf, use Appleton 8, and Myers. Obviously the Clement is much more refined. Problem with Clements is the expense and rare to find here in Central Florida, same as Lemon and Hart and Hamilton. Agree with the Bacardi 8 and Appleton signature and for my light I do Flor de Cana. Plantation I have used but the sugar bothers me as drinks seem excessively sweet especially the tiki drinks when you add simple liquid sugar. Thanks love you presentation.
Awesome overview! Much appreciated. Now I've got to road trip to find some Denizen 8. 😄
Thanks 4 all the hard work.
Thank you!
Best beginner rum selection I’ve seen. My five beginner/inexpensive bottles are: ElDorado 3 year (Demerara), Appleton Signature (Jamaican), Brugal anejo (light, column still rum), Rum Barbancourt 8 (sugar cane), Plantation Xaymaca (funk) 😁
Cheers!
It would be cool if you could do a comparison review of coconut rums. 🙏🏼
Plantation Cut & Dry. That's all you need to know. Seriously, blows everything else out of the water.
great, informative vid but personally i'd go with lemon hart 151 every single time. oftd is great, but the lemon hart is phenomenal.
I just found this video, and has a bartender and a lover of the tiki drinks, its an amazing video, well explained !!
Thanks so much. Appreciate it!
About plantation: it's good you mention dosage. They were transparent from the start (not just "now on their website") and also SOME of their rum do not have dosage now (oftd, xaymaca that you mentioned for example).
Oh wow, I really don't know why this vid is showing up in my feed only now! I guess the algorithm is shaky like that, hiding your vid on Fassionola from me as well... Also, thank you for the explanation of "Hogo" which formerly struck me as some obscure local word but turns out it's just what "Haut Gout" (pronounced something like "oh goo", in case anyone cares) was bastardized into.
Anyway, I'm somewhere between proud and embarrassed to find that, after little more than a year of dabbling in home bartending, I own most of the bottles you're presenting -- except for the Hamilton rums which, sadly, just aren't available in Europe. Yet. Currently searching my friends and relatives for overseas acquiantances who could help me out there. Does anyone know of a network dedicated to filling that kind of gap? 🥂
I experienced an acute case of liquor envy at that intro- great stuff. For a blanco rum, Flor de Caña is an easy win. I love it for daiquiris (real ones, made “up”). I am eager to get into aged rums, but they seem hard to come across in my neck of the woods. Got into a bottle of Bacardi 8 last summer as it was all I could find, and really enjoyed it neat. Anyway, great episode, informative, and good delivery.
As a newbie rum enthusiast I thought your selections were great, especially your rationale for selecting each. I have found that the best way to learn about rums is to start by mastering basic drinks one at a time, such as the daiquiri. Great job!
The Daiquiri is the perfect vessel to explore rums if you aren't into drinking neat... which I am not. One thing I do now as well is dial down the lime and sugar. It's not necessarily a better drink, but the rum comes through more if you're really trying to figure out what you like.
Thank you! You made me feel a lot better about my 50 bottles of rum!
Great video, man. Big rum fan here and I’m quite jealous of your collection! The rums I’ve found I can’t live without are Smith & Cross, El Dorado 5 Year, Probitas, Appleton 12 and Plantation O.F.T.D. The Probitas I save almost exclusively for Daiquiris - I can’t imagine a rum that can be beat it for that drink (though I’m sipping on a Plantation Stiggins’ Daiquiri at the moment and it’s really damn good - taking inspiration from your bonus bottle recommendation). Thanks again, I really like your videos and appreciate your work on an awesome rum video!
PS: Am I crazy thinking that Daiquiris are way better using straight sugar instead of simple syrup? I do 2 oz Rum, 3/4 Lime and 3 bar spoons white sugar and it makes me very happy.
All amazing. I just bought 2 more bottles of Probitas because I do think that one day it will be gone. What I love the most about Daquiris is how different moods or days I want something different. Hamilton makes them super sharp and clean and the Probitas is just another level awesome flavor. I even made on with the fake Havana Club last week and I enjoyed it.
Appreciate your feedback! I have not done a straight sugar Daiquiri but believe me I will try it shortly. Something else I’ve been trying to find is Petite Canne Syrup. Hamilton imports it but I have to have it shipped. Can’t just $20 for a small bottle of syrup.
Rum is just a great world. So many solid options under $25. The bourbon dudes out there selling their kidneys for a bottle that was $20 5 years ago.
@@makeanddrink Let me know how you like the straight sugar Daiquiri! I just give all the ingredients a dry shake for about 20 seconds before adding ice and shaking again. It dissolves pretty much all of the sugar no problem. Another thing I do sometimes is add a bit of lime peel to the shaker or express the oil some on top after. It gives it extra lime dimension.
Do you use extra fine sugar.
@@patriciasouchik-stock7521 Just regular granulated sugar, it works great!
Probitas makes a better Daiquiri than White Stache, but White Stache is VERY close and significantly cheaper. White Stache is a great rum for bars or if you're throwing a party. I use it to batch mojitos and they're always very popular.
I'd suggest Worthy Park 101 over Smith & Cross.
I've been trying a lot of rums. My three favorites when I do a blind taste of the rums straight are Brugal's 1888, The Real McCoy 12, and Plantation XO. I like that I can completely change a cocktail by swapping one for the other. I have a handful of other bottles that work in different drinks, but those are my standouts. Thanks for the suggestions.
I always have Black Seal on hand for making a Dark n Stormy. Goslings makes a nice gold and white rum but they are difficult to find in the States. I think you had some really good recommendations.
I’m surprised you didn’t mention any Demerara Rum, that’s one of my favorites. Also very important when making Tiki drinks 🍹. Other than that great job 👏🏻
I left out a lot, mainly for time reasons and simplicity. But Hamilton 86 is one of my favorites.
I LOVED THIS VIDEO! Thanks for the base education, and for teaching me what Plantation O.F.T.D. really stands for! 😆
I wouldnot consider Probitas to be a light rum like those others. IMHO it's place is next to Wray & Nephew. It's definitely on the funkier side and packs a bit too much character to stand in as the sole representation of that category. It's delicious, but using that in a cocktail is going to definitely take it a different direction compared to any of those other options in that lineup.
Brilliant! Added a few more to try to my list.
Sadly, prices in Australia make good rum (and most spirits) expensive.
Flor de Cana 700mL/23.7oz - USD$36 (Baca Carta Blanca is around the same at full price but comes on special more often to around USD$27)
Appleton Estate Signature 700mL - USD$37 (My current rum of choice)
Smith & Cross Traditional Jamaica Rum 700mL - Last priced at USD$63 but no one has stock. Recommended elsewhere but haven't been able to find yet.
Plantation O.F.T.D 700mL - USD$72 (On top of import duties, our excise tax by volume of alcohol is one of the highest in the world)
Finding Appleton was great, only a little more expensive than something like Sailor Jerry but with SUCH a better taste and flavour. Smooth and still hints of sweetness and spice.
Hopefully I can nab some of them on special to mix up my usual drinks.
We just started getting Smith and Cross in NE within the last year. It was a pain.
As a Rum fan, I really enjoy.seeing others opinions on what to start with. Definitely solid choices you presented! I'm a big fan of Don Q, so Cristal would be my top for the white rum. The other standouts that you didn't mention are the Shipwreck series for the flavored (spiced, vanilla and coconut) are really good (IMO). Cheers!
That’s funny… the Don Q was the one bottle I didn’t have on hand that I was trying to get my hands on but only the handles were available to me locally. I want to do something in the future on best Daiquiris and will for sure get a bottle then. Spiced rums are intriguing to me. They get such a bad wrap (for good reason) but there are many smaller high quality distilleries (shipwreck, Maggie’s, Koloa) making their own that I have little to no experience with. Def want to explore that in the future. Thanks for the feedback!
I always go with a coconut rum by CM what I can find rn
This is a wonderful vid, you do a great job breaking down EVERYTHING here. I’m a bourbon guy looking for variation so i appreciate how deep you go into each category.
Thank you
I like sailor jerry and captain morgan 100.
This is a fantastic list. I have at least one rum from every one of those tiers (except 151; not a fan). Although, your top choices aren’t all the same as mine it’s nice to know someone who is well skilled in the field agrees with my selections
I like your selection. Personnally If I had to choose 5 rums:
Jamaican: Smith & Cross
Agricole : Neisson Blanc
Demerara Overproof : Plantation OFTD
Light rum : Plantation 3* (I have not yet tested the Flor de cana 4 seco)
Fruity rum : Plantation Pineapple Fancy Stiggins
we need the same video but for the orange liqueurs (including shrubbs ^^)
I’ve never tasted Jamaican rums but I wanna buy one to make some Mai Tai and I thought about buying appleton estate signature but after this video I think smith and cross or plantation xaymaca is a better choice but maybe smith and cross might be overwhelming but in the other hand I could do painkillers with it also :)
Also is it not useless to have oftd and smith and cross at the same time? They’re both over proof so
$45 for Appleton 12 year? Damn! It’s only $34.5 in my area (Houston). Great rum breakdown.
Cheapest around here is now $50. Stock up, because the Appleton price increase is coming.
got that pineapple rum last Friday it was delicious
I am just now getting into cocktail making, starting with mai tais and painkillers because I have found a huge love for them.This video is extremely helpful, and I personally use the appleton 12 for my mai tais,which are amazing. thanks for the work here.
Thank you!
Love your channel! You mentioned UK RumFest rum categorization system in the video. I tried to search for it on Google, but wasn't finding anything. Can you provide info on where I could learn more about it?
i just checked and didn't see it. I remember seeing it 6 or so month ago and I believe it had do with how the categorized for awards, but not totally sure.
Very interesting and highly appreciated. Sometimes they ask for a Demerara Rum. Now what would that be ?
Anything from Guyana
Sad the Diplomatico didn't make the cut. My go-to daiquiri rum. An episode idea would be to make a daiquiri with different white rums.
That will 100% be something that happens in the future and Diplomatico will for sure be there. These are not necessarily my 5 favorite rums or the "5 best" just some good starters if your shelves are empty and just getting into this.
It’s funny that you mention that doctor bird is more offensive than smith and cross because I found the opposite. I bought smith and cross a while ago and I really hated everything I made from it. When I bought doctor bird, I didn’t exactly enjoy it that much but I thought it was like a toned down smith and cross. Perhaps my palette has changed. I will have to try it again
That’s interesting. I don’t think the exact water levels are disclosed, but Dr Bird has got to be higher. But different flavors and esters will be perceived differently so it’s all a matter of taste.
Hard to gripe much with your recommendations. Overall, a very good introduction and just the right amount of context.
I've started to see Appleton 8 on shelves in the last few weeks, finally.
One of the best rum guides i’ve seen! Just got my hands on a bottle of Hamilton Jamaican Pot Still Gold, and I must say - that’s some crazy stuff to get used to 😂
Thanks for all the great videos you make on tiki, I really enjoy them!
A little goes a long ways!
New to your channel, love your videos.
I recently stumbled onto a Guatemalan rum called coconut cartel. Definitely recommend. Especially in a mai tai
Thanks you! I've heard of that rum but never had it. Will definitely check it out if I ever come across it.
You are producing such good content. Thank You! I appreciate the recommendations on how to build my rum collection. And a few to hunt for next time I get down to Vegas.
Thank you!
What about diplomatico? My shop has plenty of that, but nobody mentions it in videos. Is it any good?
I like their white rum just fine and many people like their aged rums, but I've never had them. They do add sugar to most of their rums which is fine by me, but something to be aware of.
Great, informative video, but what, no love for Cruzan?
No. No love.
My liver and kidney are glad you never mentioned Kraken…they’ve suffered enough at the hands of that demon.
Yeah, it’s not the greatest, but it’s not the worst. But it’s also what I have the best access to and I actually do enjoy it.
As a whisk(e)y guy trying to get into rum..I'm looking specifically for things that are good served neat as I'm not huge into mixed drinks or cocktails. As my introduction I went kind of wild ends of the spectrum. I grabbed a Bacardi 8yr and a Wray&Nephew overproof 😂. Looking for recommendations on where to go from here.
Bro you are great!!!!
Thank you!
Hey just a heads up. The Flor de Cana 4 isn't exactly "aged 4 years." Notice how the bottle doesn't actually say "aged 4 years." It says "Reserva No. 4." It's a little bit of tricky bottle labeling. They do a fair amount of rum blending to give it a 4-year "taste profile." But there are no additives, and it's cheap as hell. So it's still a good buy!
Great suggestions! Although my personal consumption raises the need for 151, I understand not everyone wants 151 Swizzles or Flying Dutchmen. And while I ALWAYS swap ¼ oz of light rum for agricole blanc in my daiquiri, I understand not everyone will be a fan of a Ti'Punch. GREAT info and explanations.
"Rum is not rum is not rum is not rum."
I've getting into rum through tiki cocktails and your videos are incredibly informative: I especially appreciate your no-nonsense approach to explaining names and usages. Thanks for such great content!
Barbancourt is a rhum agricole, it just can't name itself that.
French "rhum" (which is just how it's spelled), haitian rum, haitian clairin, Martinique & Guadeloupe (and some of la reunion) and cachaça of course are all made from freshly pressed sugar cane juice (vesous) that is then distilled. Now in Martinique, to get the rhum agricole appelation (aoc) it must be column stills. But in haiti because of their revolution and early independence, they still do it in pot stills. Cachaça is column, and la reunion does a mix cause the aoc is reserved for Martinique (yes it's unfair in it's own way).
This is different from most other rums from english or spanish controlled territories who followed in the footsteps of barbados when they started being "cheap" and use industrial waste to make rum (molasse was an unwanted byproduct of industrial sugar production after all) :)
I have NO IDEA why this video did NOT pop up at the VERY TOP of my research list these past few days but THANK YOU SO MUCH! 🙏🏽…. You just saved me a TON of time and money for my Home Bar!
Yo Ho Ho....and a bottle of Rum.
Plantation OFTD is my favorite! It's delicious just on its own, and such a great value!
Mount Gay is really good.
Sad to hear about Bacardi 151 though.
Pretty good list of five rums. You need at least one more, though. You need a demerara rum like Hamilton 86, El Dorado, or Pussers.
Great work mate! Took a deep dive into Tiki a few years ago and know that rum is a hard category. I’ll share my ultimate Mai tai blend when I land on it. Cheers!🍹
Just discovered this channel and love it! Would love to see more of these bottle recommendation videos. Keep up great work! ❤
Thanks so much!
How could anyone limit themselves to only 5 (6) bottles of rum... but about Flor de Caña... I hate it! I don't know why I do (well, the flavor...) and I don't know why so many cocktail youtubers recommend it... go with the Plantation 3 Stars instead.
Flor de Caña tastes like fucking perfume!
One of the absolute best white rums out there.
same, i bought a bottle a couple weeks ago i haven’t used it once i like to take a sip of every bottle i get just to try it, i tried flor de cana and i hated it, tastes awful it tastes nothing like rum i definitely regret buying it so now it just sits untouched in my bar
@@l-HEAVY-SNIPER-l I'd say use it in cocktails, it does not leave as a strong aftertaste.
@@durarara911 i’ll have to test that out
So, Plantation sponsored you to talk them up?
Sure 👍
For the jamaican category, the hampden 8 (green label) is AMAZING
comprehensive, thanks
There is also a Barcardi 10 Year that is outstanding, but a lot harder to find than the 8 Year.
This was the best video breakdown of rum I've found as I've been researching for the rum and tiki adventure of my cocktail experience.
I have a few questions:
I am thinking of skipping the light rum category and just using lightly aged rums (Plantation 5 Year or Real McCoy 5yr) for things like Daiquiris and other lighter rum drinks for a richer tasting experience. What do you think of that idea?
I've heard a lot about Rum Fire recently. I'm surprised you didn't mention it in the Jamaican section. Was there any particularly reason? I was planning to buy it as a sub for Smith & Cross/Wray & Nephew in recipes.
Also, I was surprised you didn't leave a section for Agricole or Clairin. I was planning to pick a bottle up. Is that category not called for in many recipes or was there another reason?
Thanks again! This is seriously up there with some of the best cocktail content on TH-cam. Cheers!
So many good questions and comments here, Kevin.
First, I love light rums in Daiquiris and I might say nowadays a light rum Daiquiri is my favorite cocktail. But if you’re focused on Tiki, the darker rums will be more needed. A really good rum I left off for light runs that’s only about $12 is Don Q.
Rum Fire is not for the faint or heart, nor is Wray and Nephew or RumBar. I find them overpowering and very specific… I believe they are all unaged but not 100% sure. The category of “Overproof Jamaican Rum” deserves its own video. Since their Overproof they provide a funk and intensity that is prob not best for beginners IMO. Rum Fire specifically is on my upcoming list of episodes to make.
I actually filmed short sections with Rhum Agricole and Cachaca, but it added 5-10 minutes to an already long video. I do plan on addressing those both separately moving forward. This Rum video for me was about getting a basic Rum video out here and seeing what it’s like to make and if anyone else cares. I actually filmed it twice because the first round I kind of just went over every rum I had and it felt way too long and boring. It’s the kind of video I like watching and I do plan on going much deeper into rum, regions, styles etc in the future. I’m learning a lot in real time as well, and don’t think I could do Rhum Agricole justice at this moment.
Thank you for the kind words and questions.
Also side note as I am starring at my bar… Real McCoy 3 makes an exception Daiquiri. It’s in a category much different than Bacardi, Don q or the basic “clean” white rums.
have you tried any el dorado rums?
Yes I've tried many of them
I don't like Bacardi and refuse to buy it.
cool
You should try the aged Bacardi, far better than their standard white rum
First time viewer excellent content I just subscribed and I rang that Bell. Well done you
Thanks so much! Appreciate it
Loved the video and I found it at the right time! Great quality work.
Very helpful, thank you! Cheers 🍹
This was so informative! Every time I try to figure out rum and it’s colors and categories or lack there of I get confused. This helped immensely. I have several of the bottles you suggested. Would you be able to explain Rhum is it different. I’ve made the Mai Taï from death and co welcome home and it was great but I was still confused even after trying to find a rhum.
That’s awesome! “Rhum” on a basic level is just the French spelling of Rum, but the French style is typically made differently as well and has a different flavor profile…. However that’s not always the case. I plan on doing a video on that in the next couple weeks or months as it can be confusing.
@@makeanddrink thanks. I’m looking forward to watching it.
Do you have a review of Bumbu or the XO verison?? Ty
I've actually never had it
Your script is Amazing! You deserve all the success!
I'd love to see an agricole, haïtian, cachaça.
I understand your main audience is probably Americans but this cstegory deserve more recognition especially the clairins and Guadeloupe rhums
I hear you! And I agree. I'm planning on diving deeper into rum in the future... probably a couple real base-level videos and then 100% planning on Rhum Agricole and Cachaça. Clairins are definitely newer to me but many of the rum categories I'd like to get to are ones I need to personally learn more about, which is exciting
@@makeanddrink i can give you a few pointers in each categories not sure you can get everything in the usa though. You can pm me if you want.
French islands: check longueteau (especially the constellation they makenfor route du rhum sailing race), clement canne bleue (but i saw you had some vsop) savanna from la réunion.
In clairin, try sajous (especially 2018) and communal or Casimir too.
In cachaca novo fogo is well liked, so is yaguara and for a more budget leblon.
If you are into history check mike duncan history of haïtian revolution because that event shaped and trsnsformed the caribean.
Great information here. Thanks
Would love to see a sequel to this.
Excellent overview.
Great intro and thanks for posting.
Drinking rum at 9am makes you a pirate, not an alcoholic.
Great video!
1) Smith & Cross 2) Wray & Nephew 3) Ron del Barrilito 2-star 4) Leblon Cachaça 5) something fancy from Foursquare or Hampden
I've been making tiki drinks for years now; absolutely all great bottles. Can't go wrong with any of these choices!
I will add, my personal "secret weapon" is Bumboo "spiced rum". I know spiced rum is a dirty phrase in the tiki world, but if you add Bumboo to anything, it will make it taste like delicious vanilla banana bread goodness! I use it like "salt" on food and just add a quarter once to enhance a drink. Hell, use it like bitters, I assure everyone it is exceptional!
Good choices though I personally am not a fan of your Jamaican picks. Too bitter and too much tannin for my tastes. Since I have limited space, I find I can make every rum drink I want with Plantation 3 Stars, Appleton Estate 12, and Pusser's Gunpowder Proof. I usually mix the Appleton and Pusser's 50/50 when dark rum is called for but not always. Of course, all of this could change again as I experience new rums.