How to get into Sipping Rum NEAT - Where do you Start if you're a Beginner?

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

👨‍👨‍👧‍👦 Join my Membership Community; stblive.uk/join 👨‍👨‍👧‍👦 Or if you're looking for all my other fun stuff; stevethebarman.com/hello Here you'll find my Discord, Cocktail Recipes, Cocktail eBooks and more!

[@brianfisher2446]

this is exactly what I needed as a new to rum person!

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Cheers Brian

[@greenpea9412]

Steve, you have made this learning experience a lot of fun. I "was" a bourbon fan but had no idea how much better I liked rum until I wanted to make a Mai Thai. I decided to sip some of the 12 year old I bought and about fell out of my chair. I found a store within 2 hours of my home that holds everything you can imagine and I'm not kidding. Rare rums vintage rums and everything in between. I bought the book Smugglers Cove and I am in the process of marking all my bottles according to the ranking they fall under. I am an OCD person so I went a little over board buying just about any label that was different I could find over the past month. So glad I have a channel that talks about what the heck I came home with.

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Thanks so much for taking the time for this. I love comments like this. Gives me the motivation to keep going. If there’s any subjects you want me to cover in the future…questions you have…let me know, cos they could be great videos.

[@パウリ-g5z]

Spiced Morgan is my absolute go-to for a Rum and Coke (I love vanilla coke), but in my opinion it isn't really a sipping rum. It is also way better than the Bacardi Spiced rum. I just got three bottles of different rums, i have yet to try: Dictador IR 20, Brugal 1888 and Ron Zacapa Centenario (a friend recommended this.) I got the dark Negrita rum as it was recommended by the store owner, but it had a very "burnt" taste to it. Not to my liking. The Plantation XO is my favorite for sipping at the moment. When i was younger i only drank the basic white Bacardi rum, not ever even touching the spiced or let alone dark rums. I am glad i finally did. :)

[@TKGentryArt]

El dorado 12 year is one of my favorite rums. Fantastic in cocktails.

[@painkiller4162]

Watching from Georgia 🇬🇪 I like to try rum first time at the age of 32.😂 Thank you for your videos as I get an idea where to start. 👍

[@carlosc9127]

Great lineup at a cost-effective range

[@chrisrob192]

Great video again. I love how you recommend things going off what the average joe would like not a "rum geek". That being said I've just bagged a bottle of flor de cana 12 for €22 while on holiday in benidorm. Looking forward to trying it.

[@UnbrokenFlame]

I'm a whiskey neat guy. So I just started drinking rum neat. I picked up a bottle of Cruzen Single Barrel 5yr. I loved that it had an age statement, and it was a SB. For me, a good place to start

[@frank-the-tank75]

After 10 years drinking tequila everyday, i’m ready for a new world and a switch to rum, thanks to your videos I am learning a lot from you and trying new things

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Cheers for being here. Hopefully we can help!

[@markesdale1330]

Steve totally love this video even bought a sipping glass.

[@freddieslaughter1107]

You seem to be very knowledgeable about rum, thank you for sharing

[@hatchetwound666]

The first bottles of rum I got were exclusively funky but I got a taste for it now can't wait to try some of these.

[@nateross14]

I grabbed a bottle of Montego Bay Spiced Gold Rum, tasted pretty good to me as a beginner

[@Decommissioning-this-channel]

Ohh this is getting me all worked up to add rum and more rum and mooorrreee rum to my collection 😊😉

[@nickcimdins5579]

I'm just starting to get into rum and this video was exceptionally helpful, so thanks. I've got a bottle of the El Dorado 12 and I think it's exceptional. I must try the next couple on your list after that.

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

hey Nick, Glad it was helpful! If you're about, make sure you join us for a Sunday Night Live Stream. 8pm UK. Loads of Fun and banter!

[@LutzLungershausen]

Excellent choice for beginners sipping neat rum. I still like every single one of them. Thank you!

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Cheers for watching Lutz! Glad you enjoyed.

[@michaelpenner8068]

I like bumbu clear bottle beautiful flavor

[@callmebender]

Love the concept!!! 3 to 5 are excellent choices. I may even end with one of the 90ish proof Foursquares. I agree with the concept of introductory rums on choices 1 and 2.. I would probably try to make way for a Plantation bottle like 20 anniversary XO. There is just something about the bottle appeal that makes you want to try it!!

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Yeah, kinda agree. I toyed with Plantation sooooo much. I love the brand. My only thing that stopped me for a First timer "Rum Tasting" was the fact that al lot of their Rums are finished in France, in Cognac Barrels (Except the Barrel Swaps) ...espesh the XO, and in my Head, I kinda thought, they'd be great for a follow up night where the theme is "You've tasted pure Rum from single origins, now try Rums that are blended and aged differently"... cos they are worlds apart from your Barbados, Guyana & Jamaican Rums.

[@dman4187]

I would jump to the Plantation OFTD to show an overproof option with great flavor

[@kenwood9382]

Spot on, Stevo Moving on to anything Richard L Seale would be my suggestion. Cheers

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Yeah, i like that. Showcasing 2 different Foursquares. thats not a bad shout.

[@brycefield4569]

I agree with your starter. Something that is familiar and then move up to real rums. Show them the difference between "mass produced" to something that is a little more boutique/special. I'm still a beginner to rum so I have only had a few of those. My 6th would be something like plantation pineapple or something else that is more naturally flavored to show them you can get flavors without all the sugars.

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Nice direction at the end. A flavoured one. Hadn’t though of that angle.

[@Danholland20]

I've just recently tried the Bullion rum and can't really miss it in the background of this video, one of the nicest rums I've tried yet

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Great to hear! Glad you enjoy it. Yeah, it's decent...But just be aware. It's not Rum. It's a Rum Based Spirit Drink (i.e loads of Sugar and Flavour added to it - and we do call them Spiced Rums) Nothing wrong with that...I love my Spiced Rums. I just want you to realise, they're a million miles away from pure proper Rum. Waaaaaaaay Sweeter. Hope that helps on your next purchase.

[@seamansj]

Great video. Love rums and you have expanded my horizon on rums. Thanks again

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Thanks for watching my friend!! 🫶

[@trainer-daver]

Thanks for this, as a rum fan it's always good to see someone push my pleasure, and it made me think about what I would do. I would not use the Kraken as a sipping rum (I us this for mixed drinks), I see the Pussers on your shelf and would start with that. I am not a Bacardi fan, but I see where your going with this and don't argue. Thou a nice Havana Club would be a great alternate. Can't go wrong with El Dorado rum, one of my favorites. Yep, an Appleton in there is a good choice. I've never had Doorly's rum, I'll have to keep an eye out for a bottle. For a sixth bottle, I would add a Flor de Caña along with a new addition to the rum shelf Bumbu rum. A nice easy sipping rum.

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Some good Rums there 👍👏

[@rogerblakesley475]

Steve, I really like what you did here. Great selection and thought process for someone just beginning their journey. Cheers

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Thank you Roger 👌

[@akafloid9664]

Personally my star was crissy crossy. First neat rum I had was captain morgan and then havana 3 year old and havana especial. Now I have ordered a bottle of Plantation Gran Anejo and cant wait to try my real first sipping rum 😅

[@jpvidrine]

For whiskey drinkers... Doorlys 12 is the best inexpensive sipping rum! Daily drinker for sure

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Yeah, I'm really happy with that choice. Deffo the pick!

[@jeffmcjeff4541]

Steve, To start ..... Bumbu easy drinking sweet spiced rum ..a lot of my new to rum friends love it Koko Kanu .....to show people that there are better things than Malibu and also give a bit of Jamaican funk Plantation 5yr or XO both delicious Plantation OFTD because you need an OVERPROOF and this hits better than Wray and Nephew Struggling for a 5th.....

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Not a bad line up. Love the rums... but i wouldn't do it as a Sipping Rum starter. I'd do this after a few sessions to showcase the differences. Like giving OFTD to a Rum Newbie, noooooo! Not in the same flight as a Coconut Rum! 😂 Thats just asking for trouble.

[@fishstyx9705]

If you love bourbon, I would go with something smooth as silk like Flor de Cana 18 or Ron Diplomatico in any form. Kraken and any Bacardi product fail as far as a sipping rum. Captain Morgan and Bumba are cough syrup IMO.

[@JOZoSo.]

I took a shot every time he said rum and I am now writing this from beyond the grave.

[@CascadianExotics]

I'd have gone with Plantation 5 year old instead of Kraken. Plenty of sweet spice vibes in that one before getting smacked in the face by the Bacardi 8. Interestingly, this is kinda mirroring my journey to sipping rums. Already got the Plantation 5 and Bacardi 8, so I guess El Dorado 12 is next on the list?

[@kevinmills7067]

I am a Bourbon guy, but I do really like Kraken.

[@fase1doughnut]

One I had recently which was excellent was called Jimmy’s Rum which is from Australia. Excellent rum and I think it could be a good conduit for people trying to get into better rums. Two other Australian rums which are excellent are Benleighs, Inner Circle and Husk. Gotta rep my home country

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Watch this Space!! I have an Aussie friend literally bringing me 4 bottles as I type!! (Bundy is one…cos I asked for that! 😇😂 But there’s some Husk and Beenleigh too).

[@fase1doughnut]

@@StevetheBarmanUK Bundy is a classic, it’s considered pretty low tier here but I don’t mind it to be honest

[@henryl.4999]

Nice Video, here‘s my take on it: 1. Havana 3 (Because Spiced Rum isn’t really a thing in Germany and most people here have had Havana before) 2. Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva (but the Bacardi is great too) 3. Appleton 8 (great choice!) 4. Doorly’s XO (I think the 12 is too expensive and the XO is great too) 5. either a blended (like Black Tot) to help them pick out different flavors/terroirs or an higher abv rum (like Plantation 2001) to widen their spectrum of what rum can be/do

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

The Blend is a great shout. I love Blends. For me thats a great shout for rum no6. Showcase what individual Rums can be... then showcase a blend of those Rums when they're put together. As for the D12yo being too expensive? thats interesting, cos for me, it's actually way cheaper than Diplomatico ...and unsweetened. D12 about £35...where as Diplo can be £40+

[@trentlatter1905]

Try and get a hold of Husk Distillers Bam Bam. It is a beautiful agricole rum from Australia.

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

I’ll get my sources on it!

[@charlesiv3984]

It’s great isn’t it!

[@RhubarbAndCod]

Great ideas for easing people into many of the flavour profiles that proper sipping rums have to offer, and a really good array of them too. Maybe this sounds a little crazy (harsh?), but I'm also an advocate of crashing into a new thing. In my own experience, sometimes the flavours I've ended up enjoying the most were those that I was confronted with full force, right off the top. The strong honeysuckle bitterness of Sangiovese wines, the smoky edge of Islay Scotches... sometimes it's good not to scare people off, but sometimes you need to give them the full on experience to bring them in. Often they'll hate it at first, but one or two might say "hang on... that thing I hated a moment ago... maybe I like it more than I thought." What would be your top rum to recommend from that approach? Let's say we were talking about Jamaican funk as a new rum experience to introduce.

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

ha, yeah... i actually agree. I had 2 conflicting voices in my head. As an Individual, if a friend came round who wanted to try Rum, the devil in me would come out to play. It's a safe space and I love the banter. So I would totally bring out a Funk Bomb, purely for Giggles. But the Business side of me where I potentially had a room of 6-10-15 people, yeah... while 1-2 may get on board, you have to cater for the masses. And to Bring a Funk Bomb out to play in that scenario would be a schoolboy error! 😂 In that situation, it'd deffo be a style to bring out in a follow-up tasting, but deffo not on the first foray for a group situation. Espesh not in the UK. It's rare to get a whole group that are inquisitive! Like, I will try anything... if I don't like it, I don't like it. But the likes of you and me, we're rare!

[@RhubarbAndCod]

@@StevetheBarmanUK Oh that's an important way to look at it, dealing with the group vs. the individual. It's a very good point, sometimes you have to woo the crowd. So what would be your starter funk monster if you were dealing with the inquisitive individual?

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

I'd still wanna go single origin on a first timer... no blending or aged in other Countries (so Smith & Cross would be out - as tasty as it is), so I'd stick with Hampden 8yo or Rum Bar (Worthy)...the Worthy's are great, but kinda "safe" like the Appletons, where as the Rum Bars from Worthy are Funkalicious... still not MASSIVE Funk like a Long Pond, but approachable Funk. In my head, I'd have follow up tasting sessions, where after people have tried single origin Rum, then you could get them tasting Blends or Aging from other Countries... Like Plantation, like Smith & Cross, like Black Tot, etc etc. Blends and Multi Country Aging is a whole different thing!

[@RhubarbAndCod]

@@StevetheBarmanUK It's dizzying! Thank you for that... added to the shopping list! I'm not sure we see a ton of Worthy products here at all- Rum Bar or otherwise- but I'll keep my eyes open!

[@utoobia]

OK, thanks for the vid. I’m primarily a single malt whisky drinker. Dabble in Irish, as well as Tequila and Mezcal. Looking at Rum to add another change of pace option. 1) I like good liquor neat, or with a very small amount of water. 2) I do NOT like sweet liquors - This kept me away from Rum, which likely was a mistake. 3) I’m not interested in flavored or spiced or rums. 4) I’m not shy about spending $50-$100 on a good bottle of liquor. I have a bottle of Foursquare Indelible on the way. A bartender in Bahamas told me that’s probably what I’m looking for, if I want to spend the money. Can you please steer me in the right direction for my next 2 or 3 bottles, kind sir? Thanks!

[@prestonortega3242]

100% agree with the El Dorado 12, I always have a bottle! Just recently tried Abuelo 12 year añejo rum and it was delicious, even handed it to a rum novice frie d of mine and he loved it

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

I’m looking forward to getting into the Abuelo Rums. Got them earmarked for a few videos in April 👍

[@jeffmiller5071]

I like this guy!

[@mcverhoog]

I'm all for trowing people in the deep-end (in a safe manner obviously) so i would probably go with Stroh 60/80, Rockstar pineapple grenade, Diplomatico 12 year, smit& cross and Wray & Newhew overproof. I think that will show them most of what rum has to offer and is a good way to rip the band-aid off.

[@Freehardy]

ha ha. quite the collection. very accessible rums. it's where i started too. i now do have liver disease, psychological problems and tongue lacerations, but i do ascribe that to the tap water i occasionally drink.

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Haha, love that... I don't think i'd have the balls to give a newbie W&N on day 1! 😂 Nor S&C to be fair! But great Rums!

[@kimberlyaly]

White - Doorly's 3yr. Gold - Ron del Barito. 3 stars. Dark - Abuelo 15 anejo or Flora de Cana 12 Aged - El Dororado15yr Rhum - Clement AND for me Refinement - Director's cut Angostura or El Dorado 21yrs. because they're my friends. :)

[@myatix1]

Hi Steve… another fab video for us Rum newbie’s. This is great information, thanks for sharing! Can you tell me what you think about the difference between an El Dorado 12 vs El Dorado 15? (New bottles)? I struggled a little with the El Dorado 15 to be honest…

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hqS7i62Afbupj5Y

[@deanlaudon5563]

Nice video man, i like it. Subscribed to your channel Godspeed

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Thanks for watching 👍👍

[@alistairmcpherson2228]

I’ll be trying this out Steve with the newbies

[@alistairmcpherson2228]

For no 6 I’d add the plantation figgins or an overproofed

[@nainoswad2725]

El Dorado 12 is my next purchase, I'm only a beginner really (5 years) was a bourbon man since '75.

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Make sure you get the ED with the Black Crest/Label. The Red one is the older heavily sweetened version. The newer one is minimally sweetened (if anything)

[@timarling6033]

Just listened to the Rumcast episode on Building the Perfect Rum Flight. There is a very similar progression from a common spiced rum to a PR rum into Jamaican/Demerara/Barbados. Don't disagree myself.

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

That’s a great Podcast isn’t it. I just wish they’d go weekly! 😂

[@frankgenner782]

Definitely, Diplomatico Ambassador Rum !

[@trgr101]

This was fun Steve. The next one for me would have to be either a Foursquare like you said, or the Hampden LROK 10yr. That is a full freight rum that still has a lot of sweetness.

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Ooooo, hello. Bringing out the Funk Bombs there! Haha... Its the kinda Rum i'd probably bring with me, but judge the room first before getting it out to play! 😂

[@glennaust3208]

Newer to drinking rum neat, but Dos Maderas 5+5 is a great sipping rum!

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

5+5 is a great Rum. Lots of fans in my discord and membership. But again, heavily sweetened and flavoured with Sherry. Basically a different…but same thing…as a Spiced Rum. That would have to be the first Rum in a Rum Flight.

[@marksmith-howell9555]

Really loving these videos!! They are so helpful in finding my way in Rum, love the choice’s you have made especially as I only need to buy 1 of them 😜

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Awesome! Thank you Mark... if you have the rums, do the journey... see how it works!

[@marksmith-howell9555]

@@StevetheBarmanUK I need to do the tasting so I've just ordered the Doorly's 12 and some tasting glasses. Will have to get some mates round and see what we all think.

[@brauliopena3537]

Where can I get your sipping glasses at in the US

[@motoseba7919]

Diplomatico Selection de familia is the bottom line rum for me; good for everyone cause it's sweet and delicate. If they are ok with it, i'd try something like the Hampden HLCF 2017 or maybe some agricole such as JM VSOP. No way i'd give them any spiced rum.

[@minibigs5259]

I'd pay. When are you doing a pop-up in Manchester? ;) ;)

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Haha. Gotta do a pop up down here first! But I do LOVE Manchester. I’ll be up at RumFest in June.

[@brycefield4569]

Great video👍🏻 what are those glasses called or where can people get those glasses? The small one and the one with the stem.

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Generically "Tasting Glasses". www.drinkstuff.com/search?query=tasting+glasses Think my Stemmed ones are actually "Viticole" Glasses. However my Not Stemmed ones are not those Nude ones. Mine are slightly different. But they're close. Totally forget the name of them. Tulip something springs to mind...

[@MAllway]

It’s all down to taste and choice but I personally like a sweeter style sipping rum and definitely no ice so I’d start off with. Kirk & Sweeney Reserva Then on to. Bacardi Gran Reserva 10 Year Old Then up the quality to. Zacapa Centenario 23 Then my two personal favourites. Ron Abuelo 12 Year Old & Don Papa. I love the smoothness of Don Papa it’s my favourite and all range between £30-£55 per bottle.

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

For Sweeter Rums you have some belters there. Although if you’re going in this direction, for me Plantation XO has to sneak in somewhere 😂. It’s sooooo hard narrowing down. But I think order wise, for me the Bacardi might have to go at the end, not 100% sure on this, but I think it’s the only unsweetened Rum there. And the Zacapa does have a lot less Sugar than Abuelo and Don Papa. So I’d potentially put your 2 Favvies in at 1-3. But it’s tough! 😂

[@MAllway]

@@StevetheBarmanUK not sampled the Plantation range yet, I’ll always finish with Don Papa as once the cork is off it’s not going back on.

[@borage7122]

what is the best rum tasting glass?

[@jordanfarrar7028]

Hi Steve great video as always, have you ever tried Fallen Angel spiced rum - it’s an all time favourite of mine, lovely tipple🥃

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Not yet! TBH... i can never justify £40+ for an Ordinary Spiced Rum espesh when 50% of that is purely for the bottle. If they send me one, I'll try it... but i know the liquid won't be any better than a £25 Spiced. It'd be different if they distilled it, but again, it's just imported rum, Spiced up with a "flavour compound". That's not me slating it... its just how it is. I said exactly the same thing about Bullion last weekend. Decent liquid. But its a £25 liquid... not a £45-£50 Spiced Rum. £25 of that is purely for the bottle.

[@andrewmainprice2179]

My first rum was doorlys 14 but I had been a scotch and bourbon drinker first.

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

What a RUM!!!! What a great starting point!

[@andrewmainprice2179]

Was looking for another rum for about £40. What would you recommend thanks Andrew

[@crazyhobo555]

Awesome video mate. 2 of my personal favourites for your shelf are: Barron Samedi: Good general purpose rum for camping or traveling. Neat, rocks, sipping, mixing whatever tastes good and won't break the bank (Bonus square bottle makes storage in the 4wd easy) Inner circle red label: Not a great neat sipper but somehow tastes amazing as a mixer.

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Just looked, the Inner Circle Red Rum is now discontinued, thats actually coming from Inner Circle themselves. And Barron Samedi hasn't ever made it to the UK. Cheers for the Recs though. I have got 3x Australian Rums making their way to me though... not sure which ones. Surprise Care Package!

[@steveprobert7310]

I quite like chairman's reserve as a sipper Do like lambs spiced neat It's my 8th year anniversary And wanna go for a 8 year old rum Only really drank spiced but would like to branch out a bit more What would ya'll recommend?

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Happy Anniversary Steve. Come into the Discord, I'm sure you'll get LOADS of help there! stblive.uk/discord

[@Yali_]

This is a really fun and informative video! Thanks for making and sharing it, Steve. I was also wondering if you would be able to offer a wee bit advice? I'm a total newbie when it comes to drinking spirits neat; I've always used a mixer, but I'm keen on getting into sipping neat rum. I have a bottle of Kraken at home and tried to sip it neat a few weeks back. Tbh though, the burning sensation had me feeling pretty queasy. But since then, I've been gradually reducing the amount of Coke I add to it. I'm now down to 50/50 and happy to keep reducing, but I'm now thinking about buying my first 'proper' sipping rum. I like the idea of the El Dorado 12, but wonder if even that would be a bit too much atm. Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva has a reputation of being very sweet and smooth, so I'm thinking that might be the better option for my first bottle (plus the gift set comes with two of those very nice sipping glasses 😁). Do you have any thoughts on which one would be best for someone in my position?

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Yeah. Diplo Could be a good shout. It’s the sweetest Rum on the market. Also note “smooth” in any rum just really means a lot of added sugar. Most proper Rums never talk about smooth cos it should be a given. It’s distilled from Sugar! It’s only the terrible rums that need to add sugar to mask the taste. Download my freebies. They may help you too. Plus my Discord Community 👍

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Yeah. Diplo Could be a good shout. It’s the sweetest Rum on the market. Also note “smooth” in any rum just really means a lot of added sugar. Most proper Rums never talk about smooth cos it should be a given. It’s distilled from Sugar! It’s only the terrible rums that need to add sugar to mask the taste. Download my freebies. They may help you too. Plus my Discord Community 👍

[@Yali_]

@@StevetheBarmanUK Brilliant! Thanks for replying and for the extra info. I'll definitely check it all out!

[@andrewmainprice2179]

I tried kraken and dead man's fingers and was disappointed but would be ok for beginners.

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Yeah, well don't forget they aren't Rums. They are Spiced Rums. Sweetened. (and technically Spirit Drinks). This video was about getting into Rum. 👍 Spiced Rums are great...but they are a lot sweeter than Rum.

[@benmacdui9328]

My brother is a frequent traveller to Madagascar. He insists that drinking rum while chewing Khat leaves is the closest thing you'll get to an extacy type buzz out there.

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Not heard of that. Interesting!!

[@markthomas3081]

That moment you realise you’re on the rum journey when you have pretty much everything you pull from the back bar 🙈🤣🥃 👌

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Haha. Good Student 👏👏

[@desgallagher2179]

Bit of a tangent Steve,but what's happening with the cocktail book you were bringing out

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Ha, so i'm putting out sporadic eBooks...you'll find them under each video. Need to do Februarys. But as far as Cocktail books go, obviously, niching in to Rum, the "General Cocktail Book" just doesn't fit. It doesn't fit with the new direction. A Rum Cocktail Book would, but that's no where near ready. That's a 2 year Project. Plus, not only that, I'm just collating all the recipes in the Drinkstuff KZbin Discord...there's already tonnes in there. Really easy to find and use.

[@kevgotti5385]

Does over a single ice cube still count as neat? Anyway: Plantation Pineapple, Bumbu, Diplomatico Reserva, Zacapa 23 and Plantation Fiji but I’m just getting started!

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Yeah, I mean, it's not... but then even after 25+ years of Bartending, I still say "Neat with Ice". Ice will obvs add dilution, which i love cos it brings out different flavours as you're lowing the ABV of a Rum. so for example, after a minute or 2, you're no longer drinking Plantation Pineapple at 40%...its at 25-30%. SO thats the main difference. Also that ice cube, will help detract from the sweetness of Diplo and Zacapa 23. Kinda lengthening it out.

[@kevgotti5385]

@@StevetheBarmanUK very true. I’m thinking my next pour will be neat, no ice. I just need to find some of those glasses you have there for sale here in the states

[@eumeliovazquezjr1630]

What glass is that

[@kevinmears8683]

P3S daiquiri, can't do neat

[@lancevalencia6852]

I wish you would do one for people who already like aged rum neat. Like one not focused on keeping the timid novice rum drinker, but rather providing the best variety and experiences of the varying world of aged rum.

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Sorry Lance. But as I say in every video, that’s not my audience or focus. I’m helping people on their beginner journey & rums under £50. There’s tonne of blogs and reviewers out there for the really proper stuff…but no one ever focuses on the under £50. So that’s what I do.

[@StarKnightZ]

Wait why exactly is the Appleton 12 less accessible than the 8?

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Because in the UK, it’s way more expense than what most beginners are willing to pay for an experiment. So would never dream of spending £40 on something they were unsure about. Not Taste wise. Tasting most would really like it. But I always aim at Beginners. Not even Whiskey Drinkers converting to Rum. I’m talking real entry level. So A8 at £25 is simply an easy entry point.

[@StarKnightZ]

@@StevetheBarmanUK yeah that's a good point. The 12 was my introduction to aged Jamaican rum and for the price I was disappointed. Maybe I should give the 8 a chance.

[@scottdibartolo6205]

Bumbu (not a true rum but nearly every rum novice will enjoy it), Kirk and Sweeny Reserva, Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva, R.L Seales 12 Yr, Plantation XO. My goal was to work up to some of the best sippers I know and these are my favorites with Plantation XO being the best..

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Actually...i was SO close to saying Bumbu. I just don't have the bottle here. But i think thats a great shout for "Rum" no1! Also the PXO is a good shout too... but it's sweetened and i kinda think its one to circle back to when you've given people an overview of what Rum can be, then get them to understand the difference in really good Rums that are heavily sweetened like PXO, Diplo...cos they are worlds apart from Seales 12yo. You''ve got a good Selection though, i'd just flip the order... 1 Bumbu (Spiced Rum), 2 Diplo (they massively sweetened - 40g per litre), then PXO and K&S, (Less Sweetened...but still quite high. circa 20g per litre). Then the Richard Seale 12yo cos thats totally unsweetened. I think thats the better order as you'd then take people on that Journey up through the ranks.

[@illnamethechannellater653]

has anyone noticed bumbu has gone up to 40% abv ... it doesn't taste as good as it used to when it was 35

[@dannygrosvenor225]

Rum no6 should be Ron zacapa solera 23

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Interesting. Quite Sweet. But know it has a lot of love.

[@paaruxd9679]

I like aged rum

[@stephane.foisy.186]

The rum choices are perfect generic. Only other way would be to understand the person's prefered neat drink. For example if they like Islay Scotch I would serve Smokey Havana or Plantation Fiji 2009 cask. For the 6th in the Flight I would go Appleton 12 to show how the 8 is great but 12 shines more into the Jamaican, giving them the idea of how it can be

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Love that Islay Idea... it really got me thinking of a follow up Tasting Night/Video. And A12 is a great shout. Its so tough narrowing it down to just 5 for a Starter journey!

[@joergstimm8381]

You nearly lost me putting Cpt. Morgan and Kraken on the bar. Kraken is NOT rum. Good I watched the video further! Still I think it wrong, if sipping rum neat, to start with the lower end of the spectrum (price- and tastewise). In the age of Amazon, there is little with regard to rum that is really unaccessible and for a good friend, a little investment should be in order. Therefore, I would try to stay within the same brand, starting with a medium-priced Plantation, moving on to a higher-end one: two rums an evening should really suffice and give a good impression what rum is all about. And if the conversion would not have happened until then, my friend would get a Barardi coke and I would drink the Plantations all by myself... you can lead a horse to water, but not make it drink! 🙂

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

I love Plantation... i think the only problem is, for a starter journey, obviously they're all aged in France, Cognac. So for me, on day 1, I want people to understand single origin Rum before then trying to showcase the differences between climates and what that does to aging.

[@IndecisiveConclusion]

Ron abuello 12 year

[@jurajteluch8662]

Don Papa

[@Mixalis-Syr55]

Δε μπορω να καταλαβω τα βιντεο σου φιλε . Ειναι μεγαλα κουραστικά και χωρις νοημα. δεν εντυπωσιαζει μονο η ποικιλια που εχεις - εχουμε και εμεις ....... just get to the point

[@robertbone1820]

Why don’t you have a video on the better Rums? You seem to only focus on the beginner rum.

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Cos thats EXACTLY what my channel is all about... The tagline...." I help you on your Rum Journey, by mainly focusing on Rums under £50". There's loads of bloggers reviewers & looking at Geeky Rum, but absolutely no one looks at the entry level stuff. Thats my niche! And there's soooo much variance. in fact, i coul dargue that i a lot of cases, you never need to spend over £50. I want to convert people from cheaper/sweeter Spiced Rums to proper Rums. But no one is ever going from Havana Especial to a Foursquare ECS in one go!!! So beginners need guidance!

[@Olugraphics]

My.list closely resembled yours the only additions I would make is Cruzan 9 spices, the adjustment to your Kraken suggestion would be the 80 proof (for me the 90 proof is better for mixing)

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Good shout on the Cruzan. We just don't really get them here in the UK now. No importer really brings them over. And i still wanna do the US 47% Kraken vs the UK 40%. Can't wait to get that bottle!

[@tommyottosen3951]

mez clado darkc private selection badge 35 and 37 saint dumont rum liquour for the guys who wants something really sweet and dos maderas triple aged for the guys who want something great in my opinion

[@khemraj101]

angostura 1824 , try it if available to you.