A basic guide to RUM for everyone!

Today's video covers rum for everyone! I’ve been looking forward to this for a while (I bought a sign for the occasion), but struggled to condense it into one video. This category’s massive with an extensive history - there’s simply too much to cover in one go! Rum’s been produced around the world for centuries, and the genre has very little rules. Essentially, any spirit distilled from sugarcane juice or its byproducts (molasses, evaporated cane syrup, etc.) can be labeled as Rum. It’s left to the individual regions to impart their own regulations (or lack there of) to the production of the spirit. Because of this there are countless expressions, and though exploring them all is exciting, navigating the nuances can be intimidating. I’m going to to help break this down. We’ll discuss a few common methods to categorize rum, why they work and why they don’t, and I’ll offer some of my bottle recommendations for those just getting started. Hopefully this helps you understand the mysterious world of rum so you’ll be able to better predict what’s in the bottle - and ultimately be encouraged to try something new! Cheers!
Grab some of my favorite rums at Curiada! 👉 bit.ly/rumsandmore
Support the channel on Patreon: / anderserickson
Video/editing/illustrations by Azusa Inaba 🎥 🎨
TIME STAMPS
Intro: 0:00
What is Rum?: 1:24
A Brief History: 2:29
Color Coded: 4:03
The Traditional System: 6:30
These 3 Things: 8:00
Some Starting Points: 11:18
New Bottle Tasting: 13:03
Sign Off: 14:09
That Glorious Sign: 14:52
For a more thorough explanation and breakdown of rum, I strongly recommend:
Smuggler’s Cove: Exotic Cocktails, Rum, and the Cult of Tiki by Martin Cate with Rebecca Cate: amzn.to/3qNsgKk
For Rum’s extensive & fascinating history, check out:
And a Bottle of Rum: A History of the New World in Ten Cocktails by Wayne Curtis: amzn.to/3DDGWzq
THE BOTTLES ON THE TABLE (not all shown)
Multiple Origins:
Plantation 3 Star (blend from Barbados, Jamaica, & Trinidad)
Probitas (blend from Jamaica & Barbados - called Veritas outside of U.S.)
Jamaica:
Appleton Estate Signature Blend
Appleton Estate 12 year Rare Blend
Smith & Cross Navy Strength
Wray & Nephew Overproof
Hamilton Jamaican Pot Still Black
Barbados:
Real McCoy 3 year
Real McCoy 12 year (what I was sipping on)
Guyana:
Hamilton 86 Demerara
Hamilton 151 Demerara Overproof
El Dorado 8 year
El Dorado 15 year
Bermuda:
Gosling's Black Seal
Trinidad & Tobago:
Angostura 1919
Puerto Rico:
Don Q Gold
Nicaragua:
Flor de Caña 7
Martinique:
Clément Canne Bleue
La Favorite Coeur d’Ambre
Rhum J.M VSOP
Haiti:
Clairin Communal
Brazil:
Novo Fogo Barrel-Aged Cachaça
Indonesia:
Batavia-Arrack van Oosten
THE TOOLS I USE
My workhorse double jigger: amzn.to/3lmmKrK
My go-to large shaking tin: amzn.to/33vnMLJ
My go-to small cheater tin: amzn.to/3qecbe5
Hawthorne strainer: amzn.to/2VBUSWh
Fine mesh strainer: amzn.to/4akT1dn
My favorite mixing glass: amzn.to/46KrrTX
Bar spoon: amzn.to/3wkkDhg
Julep strainer: amzn.to/3mymEyA
Hand juicer: amzn.to/3ioOwFe
Rubber bar mat (6"x12"): amzn.to/3h2IJERds
The Glencairn Glass: amzn.to/3icRVr7
My Gibraltar Rocks Glass: amzn.to/3fcDPEd
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.
Special thanks to our top-tier patrons:
Adam Greetis
Jacob Swain
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Anders Erickson
4610 N. Clark St
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Chicago IL, 60640

[@AndersErickson]

EDIT: A couple mistakes on our end!! 1. In the “French-Style” infographic, Haiti shouldn’t have been included on the list as Rum Agricole. That’s a protected name, so not all sugarcane-based rums (rhums) can be called Agricole. Haitian rums are one of these and are called Clairin (but still sugarcane-based). 2. Apparently El Dorado has stopped adding notable amounts of sweeteners to their rums! This happened within the last couple of years - I'm overdue for a software update in my brain. Hope this clears things up! Sorry for any confusion! There are so many great rums out there. What are some of your favorite bottles? 🏴‍☠🥃

[@riloshorts]

I'm a really big fan of Plantation XO and Santa Teresa 1796, highly recommend both bottles.

[@edwardfamularo5325]

I love el dorado 12 year. You used it in a video a while back which lead me to try it and I have yet to find a rum that I like more. Love the rich caramel taste of the demerara rums and am so glad you introduced me to it.

[@bomasi]

Definitely Centenario Fundacion 20 for sipping

[@jaydub2971]

El Dorado 8-year Lemon Hart 151

[@bulbophyllumechinolabium4315]

Rum Fire by Hampden. Strong and funky. Goes great in a Wordsmith.

[@Michael.T.]

This is easily the one-stop master class for anyone who needs a quick education on Rum/Rhum. I learned more in these 15 minutes than watching the collection of other available videos on-line. Very well done! School is in session. Thank you for the lesson.

[@AndersErickson]

Thanks Michael! Happy you found it helpful!

[@DavidLLambertmobile]

If you have a Total Wine location, near you 🍷🍸🍺🥃 check it out!

[@UpGreyeDD]

I thought this was James Hoffman in the thumbnail honestly. Stayed and realized he essentially the same thing only for rum - great stuff.

[@chrissiebeneck3294]

I wouldn't be mad at longer format videos. So much history, types, styles and varieties; 45 minutes to an hour, would be great!

[@NormanGobin]

As a Guyanese, it makes me happy to hear such good things about our El Dorado Rum

[@joereality1664]

Bruh, the history around El Dorado is insane. They're still using the original stills from hundreds of years ago, during the Age of Sail. A bottle of El Dorado is a bottle of history.

[@joshuauhrich9891]

Just got my first bottle of El Dorado 15 and it is an absolutely beautiful rum! May very well become my new favorite.

[@jillscott4029]

Oh it's the absolute best Rum!

[@markkidman9535]

I’m Trinidadian and Guyanese is my run of choice! Can’t argue against quality.

[@kylerobinson1985]

My first foray into sipping rums was El Dorado. An excellent first choice. Guyana also has a part in my favorite ever rum, Dos Maderas 5+5

[@frocat5163]

I appreciate your approach to rum's history. It's important to acknowledge the realities of history and learn from the mistakes made. It's not important to "cancel" rum because it has some dark realities in its history.

[@thePastafarian88]

I'd even argue that "canceling" rum due to its horrific history is counter intuitive and damaging to the current industry it has evolved into. Plenty of people in the Caribbean rely on the rum industry to live and canceling it to probe a point would only hurt those people.

[@MrAranton]

A lot of products have dark realities not just in their history but in their present, too. Avoiding products with darkness in their present does more to help people than boycotting products that left their darkness behind. Anyone who refuses to drink rum, because it once involved slave labour, but happily munches on cheap chocolate and drinks cheap coffee is a hypocrite, because there's a lot of child labour on cocoa and coffee plantations right now. If you can afford to spend a little more, getting those from fair trade stores is the best you can do, because unlike boycotting all coffee and cocoa this can change the industry.

[@hectormunoz6498]

Well said, also it is certain cultures history and to cancel rum is to cancel their history

[@Boommssloot]

Nobody is trying to cancel rum, guys

[@timothypickarski5234]

@@Boommssloot Seriously, I'm reading these comments thinking I missed something. Why would anyone cancel something because slaves used to make it? Do they think people want to cancel bananas too?

[@danielperilla8924]

This is what we need, for me. I am a bartender who just started few months ago here in Dubai and still learning about all the spirits, history about them, process of making and the story behind it. This is really huge help for me for RUM. The way you deliver the messages it was loud, and clear. 🙌🏻 Hoping that u make another one for whiskey, vodka, tequila, gin, brandy and wines. Thank you very much! 🙌🏻

[@Violet-fj3lr]

Right now I'm exploring gin and fortified wines, but rum is a spirit I'm looking forward to learning more about and tasting more in the future so this video is very helpful. I loved the style, I think you struck a great balance between being concise and thorough. You packed a lot of information in while making it feel breezy and not overwhelming. Also I appreciate you being mindful and talking about the history. When you respect something, you learn all you can about it whether it's what you want to hear or not, so I think it's good not to shy away when you're teaching others.

[@leonidaschau]

Thanks Anders! One of my biggest pet peeves is when recipes call for "gold rum" or "light rum" when there is so much variability of flavors when you categorize that way! thanks for educating!

[@nickschuman4652]

Finished smugglers cove and just finished reading and a bottle of rum. My bar is stocked with rum but I’m coming to see one one of my favorite bartenders has to say! You’ve inspired me to stock my home bar with fine spirits and inspired me to bartend professionally. I’m only 23 years old but have been following you probably since I turned 21 and first read imbibe after your recommendation. Thank you Anders and Az ❤️

[@AndersErickson]

Love this. Cheers Nick!

[@philipwacker4629]

As a rum and mixology enthusiast and avid follower of the channel, I keep coming back to this one while assessing my rum at hand and before buying one or two new bottles. Love your videos and especially your original drinks; this right here is the good stuff :)

[@mohnjayer]

Smuggler’s Cove is possibly the best cocktail book ever made. It got me waaaaaay down the tiki rabbit hole but also taught me a ton about distilled spirits in general.

[@IverJ]

100% concur.

[@smallpeople172]

Rum is not tiki. Tiki is Hawaiian

[@fadsmfawopefaw]

I just made my first 6 cocktails out of that book this weekend and I just gotta say ... wow, like every single cocktail in there was delicious and surprisingly well-balanced. I'm down that same rabbit hole now. Martin Cate did an awesome job at making quality tiki cocktails accessible.

[@CAnth03]

love how you managed to go the whole video without mentioning havana club - possibly one of my favourite rums

[@lorenzocrepaldi1630]

That's probably because is difficult to get in the US because of the embargo, since Havana Club is state-owned by Cuba. IIRC, USA is the only country in the world where Havan isn't sold so you need to go a long way to get it

[@CAnth03]

@@lorenzocrepaldi1630 oh yeah i get that - just thought it was worth a mention given its magnitude worldwide

[@Lutzbartend]

Amders is the one that got me into making drinks as a hobby. Could literally listen to him all day

[@JMakahaFitz]

I had always wanted to find something to sip on as I created my den in my home. I tried whiskey, couldn't do it. Tried Scotch, couldn't do it. Then went to Cognac. Went up the line in quality until I came across Hardy XO Rare Fine Champagne and have sipped on nothing but that for the last 5 years. I decided to try some Rum just to see. Did a little research about light and dark Rums and bought some Equiano . This is amazing as it is aged in Cognac barrels from their blend. I have found my new sipping drink.

[@sandorvarszegi9049]

Anders! This is the best summary on rum I've seen circulating. Congrats, really great work!

[@bludelight]

I appreciate you for not shying away from this history. It's great that I ask questions as you talk and you end up answering them in your explanation. Thanks for being so thorough.

[@motameus1]

Amazing work as always Anders! Please do more of these concise and informative videos about different spirits - I would love to see something similar for all the major liquors (whiskey, gin, tequila, etc). Once again, top quality content

[@tenplacek]

Thank you Anders for your guide, I have a blast every week you published. I have been here for more than a year. Zacapa Centenario 23 YO is absolutely the tastiest rum I have ever drank. Totally recommended.

[@merijndriessen7374]

Rum is my favorite spirit, and even since I first found your channel I hoped you would do a video guide on it. I was so happy when I saw the title last week, and I'll be revisiting this video often I think :) thanks for the amazing content!

[@rumxapp]

The best introduction video to the fascinating world of rum that I have seen so far. Keep up the good work! 😎🥃

[@figueiredomarcos]

Cachaça is older than rum. Historians, among them Câmera Cascudo, have discovered that the first cachaça was distilled in 1532 in São Vicente, near the port of the modern-day Sao Paulo. São Vincent was where the original sugarcane farms were located in Brazil - nearly a hundred years before the beginning of rum production.

[@adondriel]

I love cachaca. I fell in love with that style of rum when i was in costa rica and had a bunch of their Cacique, which is their national version of cachaca. I really wish i could actually import Cacique into the US, but Cacique is owned by the government of Costa Rica, and they don't export it. There were rumors that they were going to start exporting, but i have not seen any of it show up in the US yet.

[@Dharzjinion]

This video made me go into the kitchen at midnight, open a bottle of common rum, taking a sip right out of the bottle and experiencing it as if drinking it for the first time. Quite a gift, thank you for this :)

[@nellynelson965]

This is by far the best Rum (dont have a word for it, round-up, explanation) on the WWW. I love rum. As a member of a whiskey club trying to explain Rum to my peers who just dont understand anything other than peated. Well done, nailed it. Especially explaining the different types, as I always do a shit job of that.

[@owenw1002]

I loved the aged rums, Flor De Cana 12 is up there but El Dorado 5 is my favorite mixing rum, it is just so versatile

[@devrogalyon3220]

Just got my copy of Smuggler’s Cove! I’ve been super excited to dive into it after watching all of your tiki videos. Now all I need to do is find the perfect tiki mugs. The Real McCoy has been a workhorse for me this summer cranking out mojitos. A very delicious, but dangerously subtle rum.

[@IverJ]

Probably one of the best cocktail books in my collection. An absolute must read for anyone into rum and/or tiki. Cheers.

[@BG-hu8fi]

Great video as always! Learned a whole lot, thank you for taking the time to do the research!

[@eathaiku]

Anders! So glad to see a Clairin finally appear! Clairins can be so diverse even amongst themselves. They can really bring a “wow” factor and a new definition to “classic” rum based recipes that warrants distinction/a new name. Keep up the great work; thanks!

[@bomasi]

You are great, Anders! KZbin Channels like yours are priceless. No BS, no Coops every single video, but on point authentic information. You got me into mixing, that I am enjoying a lot.

[@luizclaudiocruzmarques3919]

In Brazil, cachaça is not considered a rum, but a spirit in its own right. It is indeed made exclusively from fermented sugar cane juice, but it can be aged in over 15 different types of wood, and there can be blending of cachaças aged in two or more of these types. It is produced in many different regions of the country, but the name cachaça can only be used if it is produced in Brazil, according to local regulations - for example, the abv has to be between 38% and 48%, otherwise it will be categorized as “aguardente de cana”.

[@questglove9627]

You came up on my recommended videos and I’ve never seen your work before but this video was endlessly fascinating!

[@trevorsocia2300]

Please continue doing more of these style videos, both on other spirit types and going more in depth on each spirit. Highly enjoyed!

[@lucaschang689]

As someone who has the Smuggler's Cove book already, and considers himself a connoisseur of rums, this is still a great intro! I didn't know about the traditional categorization of rums! But yes, I've explained that rum is the most diverse of the spirits because there are little rules, but it's a super fun journey! I'm a big fan of the El Dorado series and Plantation series!

[@robertshay9235]

I have about 150 bottles of whiskey and was thinking of diving into rum next. I have never drank a rum neat, only ever in cocktails. This video was very helpful! Good stuff! Thanks!!

[@BROVERLANDER]

I have more than 100 bottles of rum. It is amazing adventure, give it a shot. Start with Havana Club Puerto Rican, El Dorado five year, Plantation three star one of my favorites, Hamilton 86, Mount Gay Eclipse, Plantation OFTD over proofed, Denizen, Lemon heart and son original 1804, Hamilton Jamaican pot still black, Rhum JM VSOP and Koloa Dark rum Hawaiian. You’ll need some mixers to get you started orange Curaçao Blue Curaçao , Blackberry randy apricot brandy, a coconut flavored rum pineapple juice, cherries, Orgeat, Demerara and simple syrup. Is it supposed to get you started if you’re going in the room you might as well try Tiki! It’s a whole New World! Enjoy!

[@robertshay9235]

@@BROVERLANDER this is fantastic!! Thank you so much for the guidance. For real. I will definitely look into your suggestions!! I am really interested in the category so it’s great to get some advice from someone that into it. Thanks again

[@brooksington4696]

I recently bought a bottle of Plantation Barbados 5 year and absolutely adore it! It has a ton of character and I'm very excited to go out and try more varieties of the spirit. I made a daiquiri with it, went light on the simple, and it is simply one of the cocktails I've managed to fashion, very balanced and a ton of character. I've mostly been a gin and tequila guy up until this point but frankly, this one bottle of rum has convinced me that I am, in fact, a rum guy. Thank you for the booze lesson, great as always, cheers.

[@ayostyle5740]

Thank you for honesty in sharing the history. ❤

[@benykristo]

I really liked the traditional approach, it makes a lot more sense and easier to explain in my mind to new rum enjoyers. My favorite English style rum is Smith&Cross, favorite Spanish style rum is Brugal XV, favorite Agricole rhum is Trois Rivières :)

[@k1r10n]

I second this, Brugal is amazing

[@lucaschang689]

I have the El Dorado 12 and 21 years for sipping! I've not tasted the 15 yet. But man the 12 is so smooth and well rounded! I also finally picked up the Smith&Cross!

[@ohsojersey]

Brugal!

[@robertTUBEbrazeau]

smith & cross all the way!!!

[@Dean-dq2rv]

I bought a bottle of Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva last year when it was on sale for just under $100AUD and it blew my mind. Along with my local gin (Four Pillars) it has become my absolute go-to spirit. Rum is delicious y'all.

[@lifeunderthestarstv]

It is hands down the best bottle I've ever purchased ❤

[@ebonytucker4191]

The best!!!!

[@Bubblehead640]

I'm a total rum newbie. For years my brothers raved about bourbons and whiskeys. They have had some of the best in the world to offer me. But for some reason though I honestly cannot lie to myself any longer. They both just seem like paint thinner. So here I am today. Not sure how rum ever appeared on my radar but it did and I took the leap. My first bottle ever after watching numerous videos was Appleton Estate's signature blend. Well sipping it slow was just amazing. It tasted like something, it had flavor that was smoothe and amazing, not the paint thinner-like taste of whiskey or bourbon. I enjoyed a backyard barbecue with my sipper and I was just as mellow as i could be. So I'm gonna search other rums and get my bearing on a favorite. A new world for me.

[@Defx10]

Rum is a great spirit to get into because the price of good rum is held down by Bacardi being most people's go-to rum. You can get some really great rums for $40-70/bottle. In the $40-50 range, you can't go wrong with Diplomatico Reserva and Dos Maderas 5+5 or Seleccion. In the $70 range, the Gosling's Old Rum and Ron Centenario 25 year Gran Reserva are incredible.

[@vidaco7352]

Thank you ❤️. I learned so much in this 15 min but I think I have to watch it 1 or 2 times more to remember all the details

[@tikibobby5342]

Definitely one of the better RUM 101 videos out here, but there are a few small mistakes or some details to clear up. But really appreciate the video and will share it in our Rum Group as a starting point to stimulate more discussion and much more tasting! Two biggest issues up front are that both Cachaça and Arrack predate Rum by a couple hundred years so while they are all in the sugarcane distillate family, they are not technically "Rum".

[@irakliagladze7660]

As a starting bartender, i must say that this video actually gave me more information and insight than both the Diageo/PernodRicard education programs. Thank you so much, Anders!

[@Draevon68]

I enjoy all of your videos, this is one of your better ones. Great break down of rum and its variants. I have honestly stood in front of the rum section of my favorite liquor store and wondered "what is really the difference in all of these?" I think I have a decent understanding of whiskeys. But not rum. This video really helps. Thanks! If you haven't already, you should do a series of videos on whiskey.

[@francophile1477]

I just got back from Punta Cana Dominican Republic last week and rekindled my love for rum! I even brought Barcelo rum cream and another dark rum back with me. Can't wait to make some drinks with these! This video was right on time Anders! Thanks 😀

[@brianbenson3669]

Rum has always been my "go-to" hard spirit, but after working / living in Colombia for 5 yrs, it took my tastes to a different level. Ron Viejo de Caldas produces rums of 3, 5, 8 & 15 yrs. The 3yr old is fine for mixed drinks & cocktails and the aged rums are all delicious for sipping.

[@moRaaOTAKU]

I'm Colombian and yeah they have a lot flavor and aroma

[@ricrose3518]

“And A Bottle Of Rum” is a great read regarding the history of rum. One of my favorite rums is Papa’s Pilar with great maple notes. Another one is Bumbu; with higher notes of banana.

[@fozzyozzy1030]

Bumbu is amazing very sweet but amazing

[@tomaszgajownik9939]

Thx for this film, finally I found something about rums. I will following your tips and buy a few bottles 👍

[@MaxZadow]

I love rum and have tried a lot of varieties (including ones mentioned in the video) but turns out I knew little about its history and background. This will add to my enjoyment. Thank you.

[@dominicgerman5908]

I've been waiting for this one. Smith & Cross, Plantation OFTD, Denizen Merchant's Reserve, and Probitas will always have a place behind my bar. Also love Hamilton 86, Rhum JM's products, and everything from Appleton Estate. I wish we could get Doorly's 12 here in Chicago...that Real McCoy 12 is expensive!

[@darkeningaspect6660]

One of my favourite rums to mix with is Wood's Old Navy Rum. Not sure how available it is in U.S. Blend of Guyanese demerara rums, some of which are distilled in a single wooden pot still and it's bottled at navy strength. Tastes rich like sticky toffee pudding and Christmas. Holds up great in a Dark & Stormy or Rum Old Fashioned. Delicious!

[@CaptainRammus]

Hampden Estate 8 Years is by far my favorite rum, its wonderful to sip on its own, but also work wonderfully in many rum drinks, love it

[@teofilstevenson]

Anders, this was my first spirits educational video I viewed (non drink creation), most interesting! Also your style/personality is always so fun to watch. Well done sir.

[@jmelleens]

My absolute favorite as far as brands go is Plantation - I find their double aged dark or 3 star the best for mixing, and their XO is simply exquisite. And the other bottles they offer are nice, and at very affordable price points for sipping. Another favorite is Don Papa smal batch - it tastes like marshmallows, and I can't get over that. Honorable mentions (for sipping or a rum old fashioned mainly) include Diplomatico Grande Reserva, Ron Zacapa 23, and Matusalem 15 Gran Solera. And finally, for my ginger beer intake, Gosling's Black Strap I find enjoyable, especially on a hot summer day. Cheers Anders, thanks for this informative yet brief summary!

[@AndersErickson]

I like your lineup! Cheers!

[@JohnSmith-zy6yr]

I have visited Cuba at least a dozen times , all the bars make Mojitos and daiquiris out of three year old Havana club, my favourite sipping rum would be Santiago de Cuba seven year , and that would be matched with a nice Churchill cigar. Great channel, awesome content. Great job

[@pino6938]

Love your opinion going to Cuba next year any recommandations?

[@BLoman25]

Anders, you only helped further my understanding of rum. This is a fantastic video. Thank you for your knowledge and your willingness to share it with us who yearn to absorb as much as we can. Also, that sign makes me jealous.

[@Succumbed2Rum]

By far and away the best overview of Rum on YT!

[@MichaelAlthauser]

Tried an Appleton Estate 3-year based on your recommendation in a previous video last year and was very pleased with it. It was a revelation to discover that there's something beyond the standard Bacardi/Kraken/Captain Morgan and that rum, too, can be a sipping liquor.

[@Freehardy]

Try their 8 or 12 year. the taste profile goes up a huge notch and are much bolder bodied. leave it air in the glass for 30 minutes, give it a swirl and you're in.

[@MichaelAlthauser]

@@Freehardy will have to try this, thanks

[@MrWhangdoodles]

Fantastic video Anders! Thank you for breaking it down so succintly. My favourite sipping rums are Dos Maderas 5+5 and as a runner up would be the Ron Zacapa 23 (though that age statement is more than a bit iffy, but it tastes good) and my favourite rhum agricole is Clement VSOP. A Also, I love the sign, though I think there's space for GIN to the left or right of it.

[@AndersErickson]

I like how you think, Joonha! Now I just want more signs 😂 Hope you have a great weekend!

[@bartp4788]

agreed Dos Maderas 5+5

[@kennethkawamitsu5048]

@@AndersErickson I second the Gin sign! 😂

[@hypoluxapan]

Great video and love the channel! Rum was the spirit that got me into aged spirits in general. After traveling quite a bit throughout the Carribean, I really got into the history and variance of styles of rum. So many people only see rum as a mixer and don't understand how many great aged rums are out there for the tasting. My absolute favorite rum ever is the Havana Club Seleccion de Maestros..but it's impossible to get in the states due to trade restrictions. I always try to grab a bottle when I travel to the region. Otherwise I'm a huge fan of the Kirk & Sweeney aged rums...the Reserva is a 12 year expression and very nice. Cheers and thanks again for the content!

[@bencruz7739]

A long awaited video and so worth the wait 🤩 as for my favourite rum, Zacapa XO (or sometimes the 23) from Guatemala has been my go to for the past 15 years.

[@esp0004]

I’ve been waiting for this episode - so glad you posted while it’s still rum/tiki season! More specifically, I’ve been waiting to ask you this question: I’ve never had rum Agricole but I love cachaca. Are the two similar enough to sub for one another in cocktails like your Mai Thai?

[@AndersErickson]

The two categories use different methods - meaning the results will differ. However, some un-aged versions of both can taste very similar. I think if you love cachaça, you'll probably enjoy rhum agricole. Feel free to sub them out for each other any cocktail - it might be your new favorite thing!

[@marcusquidenus4948]

I experimented a lot with Mai Tai recepies and mixed a Appelton Estate with a Saint James rum agricole. But I really didn't like the taste. It took me a while to realise, that the agricole was the problem, because first I changed the ratios of the other incredients, like lime, sugar, orgeat, etc. Then I kicked out the agricole and used a El Dorado and the result was perfect. :) I hope i could help you with that.

[@esp0004]

Thanks so much for the advice and keep the great content coming, Anders and Az!

[@saucytabasco]

They are pretty similar, generally speaking

[@juniorvega42]

Great video! As a Puerto Rican nyself, I come from "the land of rum". As much as we are known around the world for our rums, actually my favorites are not necessarily from Puerto Rico. From my homeland, I would recommend everyone here to try Ron El Barrilito. It is without a doubt one of the best rums produced in the island. My personal favorites though, at least for sipping, are Diplomatico Gran Reserva Especial and Zacapa Solera 23. I hear great things about Santa Teresa Solera as well, but haven't tried it. The true Havana Club Añejo from Cuba is another great one. Just my 2 cents!

[@vanmaisterz]

I was really really waiting for this video!! Thank you!!

[@immore-or3vl]

Thank you for the video. Now I know how to distinguish different rums. Flor de Cana 18yrs is my favorite. I've had some of the 25y/o, amazing. Thx again

[@colemowery]

So far my favorite has been Havana Club especial. I found it in the duty free in Mexico, and I still have a little bit left. I’ll be buying a lot more next time I fly.

[@TropicalPork]

The El Dorado 15 year is without question my favorite rum. I usually go with an El Dorado 3 or 5 year if I want to make a daiquiri or something, but the 15 year is amazing on its own.

[@wrh152]

I'll second that. I moved to the Caribbean over 20 years ago and have tasted most rums of the region - El Dorado 15 is my favourite. XM rum (also Guyanese) is also good, as is Diplomatico Reserva (Venezuelan).

[@owenw1002]

I need to try it, i always hold back bc i think it’s gonna be too oaky but i’m gonna get it for my birthday.

[@maevethefox5912]

The 12 is my go to, but the 15 is really worth the extra little bit. I got myself the 21 a couple years ago as a birthday present, and strongly recommend trying it if you enjoy their products. I keep flirting with picking up the 25yo but $500 is a hefty amount to drink xD

[@maevethefox5912]

@@wrh152 If you enjoy those, see if you can get your hands on Plantation XO 20th anniversary. El Dorado oand Diplomatico Reserva Exlusiva are my favourites, and the Plantation really floored me in comparison.

[@wrh152]

@@maevethefox5912 I've tried the 25 once, and I have a couple of bottles of the 21 - both (generous) gifts. They are both lovely, but smoother and richer than the 15. However that does not necessarily make them nicer - and to be really honest I think I prefer the 15. They are certainly not (in my view) worth the considerable premium.

[@claytongreen7827]

I grew up drinking the basic Coconut rums for mixed drinks and the sweet ones. I just bought the Appleton Estates rum hoping for more clean flavors like a nice scotch. Holy cow, it’s amazing. You can smell and taste fruit all in it. It’s really enjoyable to sip on with dinner or dessert. Thank you sir for the video and knowledge.

[@jasonbruno3483]

Jason from Montreal here. Love the show first of all. Love the sign... wish I had one. I agree with everything you pointed out which should help so many people understand better what rum is all about. I myself am primarily a rum drinker. I have 43 different kinds of rum in my home bar today. I could only guesstimate that I've tasted uppers of 150-200 kinds of rum since I realized I wasn't a beer fan back in my 20s. Keep up the great videos... CHEERS!!!!

[@gabrielafrancois7175]

Favorite bottle would definitely be Appleton Estate. I always keep it in my cabinet. As a Jamaican woman married to a Haitian man, this video made me so happy! Definitely want to give the Haitian rum a try soon. Also, love the sign!!!

[@enforcer11000]

Barbancourt 15yr out of Haiti is a great pour

[@danielstebbins5380]

My favorite mixer so far has been Plantation 5 year. I've also sipped it and find it to be pretty fantastic either way

[@gnyrinn]

Plantation is a very good and versatile rum. I especially like it as part of the CNCPAC special, which is a drink that I think more people should know of.

[@danielstebbins5380]

@@gnyrinn what is this?

[@cyberkender1949]

I think the Plantation 5 is a great gateway rum. But it is dosed, (Has sugar added.), without saying so. But, if you're in a Total Wine getting a bottle, you can get the Doorley's 12 for right about the same price. (It's without added sugar, and good enough to sip neat, imho.)

[@gnyrinn]

@@danielstebbins5380 According to Naval Historian Jon Parshall, Admiral Nimitz liked to make a standard Bourbon Old Fashioned and then add an ounce (half the amount of Bourbon) of "Dark Rum". He would name that drink, in honour of his job title (Commander In Chief, Pacific fleet) The CINCPAC Special. (Citation: Drachinifel Midway Anniversary Stream 2021). According to me, this drink is delicious; especially if you use Plantation 5 year. (Citation: Several nights over the past year.)

[@klenk1am]

I have loved every Plantation rum I've tried! Definitely on the sweeter, fruitier side. 5yr is good for mixing/sipping. The Original Dark and Overproof are excellent mixers and cheaper than the 5 yr. The XO is delicious (less fruity, super smoooth), but I don't find it worth the extra money over the 5yr.

[@Thephantomofmusic]

Love the channel, Anders. Rum has ALWAYS been my favorite spirit as well and my whiskey buddies always tease me for liking an "inferior" spirit. Nice to see it held in such high regard. I'm also quite fond of The Real McCoy bottles. I have one of the 100 year anniversary Prohibition bottles that I'm saving for a special occasion. Cheers and keep up the great content. 🥂

[@Tyount2]

love these breakdown videos!

[@virior]

Hello there, Anders! Just a little correction about the Cachaça. In Brasil we have two different distillates of sugar cane: Cachaça and Aguardente. Cachaça is only made from the cane's mash, in which the cane's stalk is also mixed in. Since rum can be made from juice or molasses, it is the same as "aguardente de cana", or "sugarcane spirit" in Portuguese, but distinct from Cachaça.

[@eduardoribeiro383]

Anders, pls correct you video as per Virior's reply below. I was about to scorch you for calling CACHAÇA a Rum. It is a detriment to both if you do that.

[@Trizzoneable]

And cachaça can be aged in diferent barrels, rum can only be aged in Oak. Cachaça has milions of possibilities of barrels (umburana, balsamo, cabreuva, grápia and so on)

[@virior]

@@Trizzoneable Yeah that's certainly a truth about rum that comes from Central America. Rum made in Brazil (just as whisky made in Brazil) CAN be aged in different woods, but it MUST be at least partially aged in oak (something cachaça does not).

[@phillalves5270]

As someone who was raised in an area of Brazil that is to cachaça what piedmont is to Italian wines, I was ready to torch you. Thankfully this guy did it for me. Damn KZbin algorithm!!!!

[@mikecoughlin4128]

@@viriorI just watched a review of a rum aged in maple barrels.

[@lordofscarlet]

Fantastic video may need to start referencing this if ever someone asks me about the complicated nature of rum. Doctor Bird is a wonderful Jamaican Pot Stilled Rum that my friend, who infected me with his obsession with Tiki, introduced me to. Notes of overripe banana and tropical fruit, some funk, and molasses

[@patrickcarder1644]

Great intro to rum. I’m a big Smugglers Cove fan so I was glad to see it featured. I’ve begun collecting rums and I’ll be trying some of the recommendations at the end. I’d have to say that el dorado 8 is my favorite rum currently

[@robweaver566]

Hell of a video! I'm a whisky guy who knew absolutely nothing about rum until just now so thanks!

[@SpektakOne]

Scientific fact: there isn’t a Jamaican household anywhere in the world that doesn’t have that yellow and green bottle of Wray & Nephews in it. My dad is Jamaican, and thanks to his influence, I don’t think I was aware of other brands of rum for the longest time. Who needs Theraflu/NeoCitran when you have Wray & Nephews, hot water, honey and lime? Oh, and I JUST got “And A Bottle of Rum” last week, based on your earlier video on great cocktail books.

[@gabrielafrancois7175]

This is true!!! Wray & Nephews is our Vicks vapor rub, as well as our NyQuil 😉

[@thomashojnoski3658]

Thx

[@luckycharm5589]

Yaaas! 🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲

[@mikelieberman6924]

I live in the Philippines, and though years ago I tasted some rums from the Caribbean, the rhums/rums here are very different. The most common are the Tanduay Rhum, but there are a number of runs native here to the Philippines. I have a bottle of Don Papa Rum on the shelf, next to a bottle of Zabana Rum, net to a bottle of Tanduay Select Rhum. each one is different from the next and all are good in their own ways. We grow sugar cane here in the Philippines. 🙂

[@DD-sr9xm]

Thank you for reminding me of all the great rum and calamansi I drank in the Philippines. SO GOOD.

[@jillscott4029]

Zabana is quite good! Haven't tried the others yet.

[@shalmanezer4193]

Just enjoying your enthusiasm for the subject!

[@minitzonthesun]

Awesome video. The word Rum in my ears immediately makes my mouth water. I love rum.

[@regancooper1005]

Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva is one of my all time favourite rums ,in fact the whole line up from Diplomatico is excellent . Another bottler i have very much enjoyed is Dictador the 20 year is what i would call my sweet spot (price /flavour/value mixed or on the rocks) I love rum

[@Matthew-wn8oq]

That rum is a nightmare loaded with sugar after distillation. Try a " good" rum aged with no additives like Appleton Estates or Foursquare , Doorlys , R.L. Seales.

[@shadowmax889]

@@Matthew-wn8oq It is not a nightmare. DSRE is a good rum, but better from the brand is the Mantuano or the Ambassador. Now from Venezuela I think there are better ones: Carupano brand Barrica brand Caballo Viejo brand 1796 Solera Extra from Santa Teresa (better than plain 1796)

[@Matthew-wn8oq]

@@shadowmax889 it's awful garbage, that's my opinion

[@zeminoid]

You definitely have to try Dominican rum, especially rums like Don Isidro, Brugal 1888 and Leyenda, Barceló Imperial Onyx, Don Miguel Homenaje, Bermudez Don Armando, and the best of them Opthimus by Oliver Rums, actually, all of Oliver rums are fantastic, in fact, there's a bunch of fabulous Dominican rums and I've skipped a bunch of deserving ones, still, I hope to see more Dominican rums in your channel, they're criminally under the radar.

[@zomfgeclipse]

Great video! I love rum and got way into dark n stormy recently. Many things to try

[@Cosmic__Radiation]

Great video on rum! I'm a fan on the El Dorado 15 and the El Dorado 21 for sipping. For mixing, I like Plantation 5 year and Appleton Estate Signature and Appleton Estate 8 Year Old Reserve. I'll also sip on my mixing rums when I give them a little chill and dilution! I am generally a big fan of rums because they are very diverse! I went to the Appleton Estate rum factory down in Jamaica a few years ago. It was a blast!

[@karolsarosiek9467]

I happen to love rum as much as you, Anders. I really never tried it, since I ate some weird rum candy as a child. As I discovered rum I was just fascinated with the history, the different styles and cocktails you can make with it. 2,5 years later my collection grew around 50+(+++) bottles or so, red a lot of literature and creating my own tiki recipes... Its not easy to pick just one favorite bottle, cuz there are so many differecies between the styles. Considering the availability and price: Jamaica: Appleton 12 (21 for special occasions) Guyana: El dorado 12 (15 if you like it a bit more refined) Martinique: St. James VSOP Spanish: Barcadi 8 Silver: Plantation 3 Stars (Veritas is also really nice) Haiti: Clairin Communal EDIT: forgot Barbados: Everything from Foursquare Destillerie (Do yourself a favour an try a daiquiri subbing out 0,25 of your base silver rum with clairin - best daq you ever have) And d*mn I want this sign too. PS: Id wish Ed Hamilton would also consider exporting his Rums to Europe...

[@michaelquinn5296]

The Probitas is amazing for a Daiquiri. We make a lime simple syrup and it’s just an awesome cocktail. Based off Anders recipe but with a small twist. Great vanilla notes and perfect for this hot weather. Loved this video, really cool and helpful. Cheers all!

[@smustipher]

I give seminars on this this topic often - and it's refreshing to hear your take. Thanks for posting this awesome video!

[@AndersErickson]

Thanks, Shannon! Cheers to you!

[@melissamcmahan3503]

Thank you! I loved this video!

[@MisterCaution]

Foursquare bottlings are great-Real McCoy 12 is readily found in even ABC states. However, my personal favorite dark rum for any sipping situation is Appleton Estate 12. Fruity and complex, yet relatively inexpensive, honest, and easy to find.

[@klenk1am]

I have a Real McCoy 5, very good for the price. My favorites for the price are Appleton 8 and Angostura 7. Appleton 12 and 15 are a special treat. So far, Appleton, Angostura, and Plantation are my favorite distilleries. Haven't had a Foursquare yet, but I have an R.L.Seales that was recommended by my store (Foursquare distillery). Blew me away. Cheaper than foursquare too.

[@MisterCaution]

@@klenk1am Real McCoy products are bottlings from Foursquare distillery. So you HAVE had it! 👍

[@jyotishmanchakraborty887]

Being an Engineering Grad student in India, I can't help but recommend Old Monk. The 7 years aged and blended rum is quite the staple in India. And if you want a bolder yet smoother flavour you could try the Old Monk Gold Reserve 12 years.

[@user-jl4ii9qy2c]

Tokei Khujchilam Bhai

[@ManBearGote]

I'm from Trinidad and I had a friend bring a bottle of Old Monk for me.. Extremely good rum... It was the closest thing to Caribbean rum I tasted while living in EU... I always ask my friends travelling to India to being me back a bottle.

[@briantoby]

Am a Ugandan in Bahrain, I have Indian friends of mine here who introduced me to Old Monk and am now hooked to Old Monk

[@blueheart1946]

Old Monk rum is rubbish..tried it in India, so disappointed

[@Matt-hl2ks]

What does being an engineering student have to do with rum recommendations? 😅

[@abchappell01]

That was an excellent presentation. Thank you so much 😊

[@Babybookclub]

Awe, thank you for sharing the true history of Rum!

[@Dontcarecarlos]

I love this episode! As a scotch drinker I always discarded rums as a lesser spirit. For a couple of months now, I realise I was wrong! Been getting into rum and it’s quite overwhelming, this video helps - a lot.

[@Cosmitzian]

Any spirit which is distilled and can be aged is 'worthy'. Rum, whiskey (plus all its variations), brandy etc. None of them are really 'lesser' since they're all historied and come packaged with it. I may not respect drinks which feel new and cashing in and generally catering to an unknowing consumer base.

[@carlosalbertolizardo3082]

Great video, Anders! I'm from Venezuela, so my favourite rums are from Venezuela. Here's my list: 1. Carupano 21 (Aged for 21 years) 2. Diplomatico Mantuano 3. Hacienda Saruro 4. Santa Teresa 1796

[@eduardoguerrero2330]

Hey, another Venezuelan here! Hacienda Saruro is a rum liqueur, so it's more blended than usual and it's not categorized as a clasical rum, it has more sweetness like an aperitif liqueur, pretty good though! cheers!

[@carlosalbertolizardo3082]

@@eduardoguerrero2330, I totally agree with you, Eduardo!

[@kellywellington7122]

Well, as a whiskey drinker, I have been oblivious to the nature of rums, so this has been an excellent introduction. I have a Pusser's lingering in the liquor cabinet; I bought it to have a rum on hand and haven't any idea as to its quality, but it serves well for those times a hot toddy or buttered rum is called for.

[@hell123fire1]

Stupendous vid on the classes or Rums and brief history! Thanks for the great info. I'm just now getting into Rums and I find that for a "Neat" pour I am really liking Barcelo Imperial, Santa Teresa 1796, El Pasador De Oro XO, Ron Zacapa XO and to end my top 5 list would be the Pampero Aniversario. Very honorable mentions would be any of the Foursquare label. I've been able to try Sagacity, Indelible, Shibboleth, 2008 and 2009 and all of them have amazing depth of flavors. Cheers! look forward to watching many more vids.

[@berniersbar9885]

I really enjoyed this one! It was really cool learning about the history and the different types. Do you think you’ll ever do a bourbon/ whiskey one? Keep up the awesome work!

[@MrXeno9212]

For mixing I use Appleton Estate. It has a strong flavor that cuts through the fruit juices used in a lot of rum mixed drinks. I want to taste the rum strongly even if I am using a lot of pineapple juice in a mixed drink. Appleton does that at a good price. For sipping, Flor de Cana is my favorite if you can get the 18 year at a minimum. The 25 is better. This is when Flor de Cana becomes smooth rather then sharp, and I have had no rum better then 25 year Flor de Cana. But it is expensive, and liquor had risen in prices far fast then my pay check has over the past 20 years. Recently I have stared to sip Diplomatico (green bottle). This rum adds sugar after the distillation to make the rum soother. This means it does not have to age as much to get the really smooth flavor. And that means it is affordable, and still damn good.

[@DavidLLambertmobile]

I drank Myers Rum 🥃 for years but since 2020 or so, I think it's a bit sweet.

[@MrXeno9212]

@@DavidLLambertmobile Myers Rum is my go to for Rum and Coke.

[@lesliebowles3649]

This was a super video to uncover some of the confusion around rum. Very interesting to know what agricole is. Thanks so much. Now…. To make a Mai Tai!

[@luisledesma586]

great video, thanks; the rum of my young years was Dominican "Siboney" and everything else we called "rooster wash", your review of the Haitian rum is spot on with my memory of it, quite enjoyable.