Understanding Rum Brands, Styles and Islands for Tiki Drinks

[@ThatMikotan]

I love the El Dorado 12 year for sipping! For me, the demarara style rum may be my overall favorite rum style, making because it has everything I like about rum all rolled into one, it's not too sweet, very rounded and full bodied and pretty smooth.

[@lars2894]

Very helpful for beginners like me just getting into drinking rum and making Tiki. Thank you!

[@Atcraftcity]

Best video on rum and styles and how to choose for tiki drinks!! Thank you!

[@cmcocktails]

thanks

[@TrinketTro11]

Its a very helpful video, thanks! I'm struggling finding Jamaican rum in my country for a reasonable price, so now I have an ideas how I can substitute them. Cheers!

[@philthyphil3324]

I've been waiting for this video, thank you so much! I love rum, and I love tiki cocktails.

[@cmcocktails]

no problem! :)

[@miksologia]

Great video! Just ordered 5 different rums and now I can't wait for christmas!

[@cmcocktails]

Fantastic

[@mrpricklypear22]

Derrick (aka... el proffesor) , I sincerely appreciate the knowledge you're dropping. I'm enthusiastically intrigued with this Tiki series. My next trip to the islands will be to collect some of your suggestive spirits to begin making tasty craft cocktails this year. Cheers! 🍹

[@cmcocktails]

perfect. You probably won't find too many of the tiki drinks, but you will find plenty of rum cocktails :)

[@eddieoreilly9391]

Great, I’ve just spent most of the 2020 Covid isolation desolation doing my own research learning what I could have learned watching this 20 minute video :-) Mind you it wasn’t all bad. And yes, we do get hammered on price for the syrups in Australia. Excellent video, thanks.

[@cmcocktails]

Thanks for watching

[@unorthodoxromance254]

Great, very informative video. So basically, dark Jamaican rums are like Prince (funky and distinct, can stand on their own), but Puerto Rican light rums are more “back up singers” (i.e., not that great on their own, but add enough backbone to provide balance)?

[@cmcocktails]

yes...sure :) ha.

[@unorthodoxromance254]

Common Man Cocktails A lot of old punch recipes (Fish House Punch, Chatham Artillery Punch, Planter's Punch, etc.) called for Jamaican rum. However, back in the 18th century, most rums were cask strength (undiluted) - often clocking in at 120 proof! So I guess the Founding Fathers didn't really need to detect the "Jamaican funk" when drinking that punch - they just needed the alcoholic buzz. :D

[@slowlowchev]

I spent a few days (wish it was longer!) in Panama and fell in love with Ron Abuelo. Wish I would have brought back more. $10/liter for the cheap shit. I can’t believe how good and smooth it is.

[@DebatingWombat]

Another rum produced by the same agricole method as Martinique and the rest of the formerly French Caribbean is Madeiran rum (not to be confused with Madeira wine).

[@saucytabasco]

Dude. THIS is a great video, and was exactly what I was looking for

[@cmcocktails]

Glad I could help!

[@sergisamongas]

Very informative video!

[@chrispitts4208]

Would that funk you are describing be that odd green flavor in Diplimatico rum?

[@cmcocktails]

perhaps, I've never had it

[@chrispitts4208]

@@cmcocktails too bad, you're missing out

[@ibnkhaldoun4319]

this is JUST the video I've been looking for. brilliant. thanks so much, rum = confusing

[@cmcocktails]

No prob

[@ravilav]

Hey man great video and channel!! I have a question about martinique rhum... i can buy agricola rhum from Guadeloupe island, not Martinique (Its called Karukera). Do you know something about it? Is i good enough to use in a mai tai with appleton 12y? I know the first answer is maybe going to be yes because it’s “rhum” but i was hopping you could maybe give some insight :)

[@cmcocktails]

Sorry, never heard of it, but it's an French Rhum so presumably it's going to have the same specific properties as a Martinique Rhum. But, the real answer to the question is "of course it's good enough." Never let a brand of rum or a person tell you that you can't make a specific cocktail because you're breaking some fundamental rule. There is only one rule: you only live once, why set limits.

[@ravilav]

Common Man Cocktails jajaja thanks a lot man :) i guess i’ll just go for it xD

[@Noursbear]

Another great training video, I was very lost with the rums thing, I have quite a few different ones now, and I was pleased to see Clement Agricole featured as I didn't know how to use it, I will try it in my next Mai Tai together with a light rum. I have the Zacppa 23 but I thought maybe it was too good to add in cocktails, a friend was in shock when I told him I was going to use it in cocktails, so I tend to use it for Rum Old Fashionned. I also have the Zacapa XO that would definitely be too luxurious to mix in Tiki drinks so I also keep it for Old Fashioned or for guests or my husband wanting a rum without anything (when I feel like offering that is, am not very sharing). But from the video I think I am covering all the rums you're talking about. Going over to the Tiki syrups video where I will probably have a question :D

[@cmcocktails]

ha, thanks :)

[@thehumblebardmusic]

Dark Matter is a really good spiced rum distilled in Scotland. Rum and Scotland wouldn't be in your alocholic's word pairing game but seriously, its brilliant

[@maxjerryhorowitz4710]

Why is the Rum always gone?

[@beefcakesasquatch6608]

Yeah I definitely like your channel, I also really like rum.

[@cmcocktails]

thanks

[@joekurtz8303]

Tried Koloa rum (dark) sample bottle, from Kauai-Hawaii. I was very surprised at high quality taste. Cane sugar base, gotta be the rich volcanic soil and pure water, best hootch I've tasted in Rum' and from a domestic 🇺🇸 island too!🎋

[@cmcocktails]

yeah, it's pretty tasty

[@Sketch1994]

I can describe Jamaican rum funk as a pungent saffron flavor. If you ever get your hands on some try putting a couple of the string like thingys into a tea or a cocktail and see how pungent and similar it is.

[@JdotCarver]

Rhum got me into alcohol. It'll always have a special place. Awesome stuff as always El professor.

[@cmcocktails]

Thanks

[@stephenmatta2302]

How were you able to get Havana club? I can’t find it anywhere and I figured it was do to it being a Cuban rum therefore it’s not available in US. Maybe I’m wrong? Love your rum videos as I’m a RUM FREAK!!!!

[@cmcocktails]

The cuban one I bought in Mexico and brought back (done that for a few years), or pretty much anywhere not in the uS :)

[@mattcarney9563]

Excellent video! This will really help with navigating the maze of rums at my local store.

[@cmcocktails]

but did you get all the way through it? It was a long one :)

[@mattcarney9563]

Yep, I don't mind longer videos if they're full of info! I do find the "how to make" recipes videos are a bit long though for what it's worth. I usually watch the first few minutes where all of the information is and tune out after that 😅.

[@cmcocktails]

yep, that's normal. The first 30% are for those that need the recipe or the idea, the rest is for those that like the entertainment aspect of the show.

[@2535Win]

Listening to a recent podcast interview with Martin Cate, he explained that the sugar cane juice based Martinique Rum (like Clement) didn’t really get sent to the US back in the day. the US was getting cheaper molasses based Martinique Rum (like is used in Denizen 8) which was the dominate style in Martinique until the 1970s. So any old recipe, like the 3 Dots and a Dash, calling for Martinique Rum was using a rum that was nothing like what’s on our shelves now. Martin said Don the Beachcomber described it not as light as Barbados rum, but not as funky as Jamaican. Trader Vic described it as having a burnt character and the same color as coffee.

[@cmcocktails]

yea, I believe I recall that from an interview I was at with them at some point, maybe Tales of the Cocktail.

[@cmcocktails]

Jeff Berry was there too with Martin Cate when they were talking about that I believe.

[@arega1s830]

Finally realized why I was no longer getting alerts to you (Damn you, YouTuuuuuuuuuuuuube!) Delighted to find a vast plethora of videos for me to catch up on and this was certainly informative :)

[@cmcocktails]

So why were you not getting updates?

[@arega1s830]

From what I've come to understand, I now need to go back to all my subscriptions, click the bell, and select that I want to receive notifications that your have posted videos. Idk why it stopped sending me notifications to begin with though since I've been subscribed for well over a year now :/. Have other viewers had this problem?

[@cmcocktails]

Yes and that’s been a rumored issue across KZbin which KZbin has not confirmed nor denied as of yet

[@arega1s830]

Eh. Not much that can be done about that, I guess. Still, it is great to see your videos again and I hope you keep up the good work!

[@BigHenFor]

Aaron Riegelmayer I did that and still wasn't getting all my notifications.

[@hjdhbcfjjb]

Great video. Very detailed rum coverage. I agree that the plantation lineup is fantastic. The XO is incredible. Is rum your favorite spirit?

[@cmcocktails]

depends on the year, it's been for awhile. Was tequila before, Mezcal's right up there this last year though

[@ronaldconner2411]

I wonder if an explainer video about the source of rum wouldn't be a big help someday. Lots of people don't know the difference between cane juice distillate and molasses rum.

[@85metalmania666]

What would the difference be by substituting a demerara rum (El Dorado 3YR) for a Puerto Rican light rum?

[@cmcocktails]

Demerara is rich molasses flavor with smoky hints and puerto rican rum is light and usually softer on flavor. The cocktail won't taste much the same with that substitution. It may taste fine...but it won't taste like the drink you're making by name. It's always worth a try though. You could try to bring back some of the original taste using a puerto rican rum and a demerara simple syrup in place of whatever simple syrup they were calling for and see how that goes.

[@danielgenovese2871]

Suggesting Bacardi and Captain Morgan for use in Tiki drinks...did you even read any of Beachbum Barry’s books? Sub out Virgin Island rum Puerto Rican Rum. The only exception would be sum aged Puerto Rican runs or their 151 proof runs which do have some use.

[@cmcocktails]

Yep read them and have them all

[@laurajones8624]

Thanks for the great information.

[@mcglashenmann2181]

I might be off on this, and maybe it's not the funk, but I always taste black licorice with Jamaican rums.

[@josephfarr9128]

Dunder is added before distillation, like sourdough bread

[@josephfarr9128]

It is used to bolster the congener content, thus adding a stronger flavour component to the fermentation. Fermentation is where all esters are produced before being subsequently intensified during distillation.

[@katleman]

Woo hoo, Smuggler’s Cove, the temple of tiki

[@cmcocktails]

yep :)

[@edwincrisostomo623]

Hello can I ask what kind of rum can mix to banana cue fry. .?I watched video they mix rum and jackfuit pineapple juice .I just wonder what kind of rum they used for cook?

[@cmcocktails]

I have no idea what your talking about, is this a food thing?

[@popebogan]

1. really dark rums usually arent old. they are instead heavy additive rums. Meyers/Coruba/black strap/black seal. 2. Dunder is only used by 1 Jamaica distillery, Hampden. Appleton has zero Dunder used. 3. Dunder is a product of fermentation, not distillation. Just some info. Always enjoy your channel.

[@cmcocktails]

Eric, dunder is a product of fermentation ....yes, I guess. I look at it as a by-product of distillation because the wash you're putting into the still isn't yet termed "dunder" from what I can tell, it's only considered "dunder" (or the waste) after distillation is finished. Dunder is no doubt used in many distilleries, not just jamaican ones. I believe I read Smith & Cross uses dunder, but I don't know where it's 'distilled'

[@cmcocktails]

A dark rum, like Meyer's is around 4 years, or "up to" 4 years, but that could be a blend of 2's, 3's and a little bit of 4's I'd guess (I don't think they declare it on the bottle)

[@popebogan]

Smith and Cross is a blend. It is partially from Hampden Distillery, mentioned above. So yes, it has dunder produced rum, but its from Hampden. Here is a great article from a great source: cocktailwonk.com/2016/03/days-of-dunder-setting-the-record-straight-on-jamaican-rums-mystery-ingredient.html From near the end of the article (speaking of Hampden) "All of the other Jamaican distilleries we visited told us that they don’t use muck. Instead, they produce their higher ester count rum via a very long (weeks) fermentation process. Also, it’s important to note that all distilleries, including Hampden make different marques (recipes,) and that Hampden may not use muck in every marque." I don't mean to sound internet argumentative. I hate that crap. This was all new info to me last year and it blew my mind. I assumed the practice of using dunder was just uniquely Jamaican and found commonly in Jamaican rum. Just food for thought! Getting answers in rum can be very hard, as I am sure you've also noticed. If you don't follow Cocktail Wonk, I suggest it. He is an incredible resource.

[@bradjbourgeois73]

Meyer's is my go to rum, love it!

[@tom_marsden]

@@popebogan Dunder != Muck

[@TeddyMadison]

Derrick, have you though about doing paid live stream classes? You really know your stuff and I think many would pay for an online course.

[@cmcocktails]

yes and no. Yes, I thought about it, but considering I can't get anyone to pay anything for anything, I'm really not interested in wasting too much of my time. I give it away for free and rarely get anyone to donate anything for the trouble, setting up an entire class to get nobody is a tremendous amount of time.

[@saucytabasco]

@@cmcocktails where to donate?

[@evok_trip_toke]

YES IVE WANTED THIS VIDEO FOR SO LONGGGG

[@cmcocktails]

Thanks for watching

[@ericking1000]

What about a black strap rum like cruzan black strap? I never use it as a stand alone rum but more of an adition to a clear rum to add flavor... do tiki use black strap???Awesome video!!!! Yes love RUM

[@cmcocktails]

Some tiki do I think, but I can't think of any offhand, but you could add it to most of them, especially with pineapple and such.

[@2535Win]

I’ve read cutting the pineapple in half on the Jungle Bird and replacing the Jamaican with blackstrap is the way to go. Haven’t tried it though.

[@ericking1000]

2535Win interesting 🤔

[@ronaldconner2411]

Blackstrap refers to the last boil of molasses. Actual rums made from blackstrap are usually pretty bitter and harder to make because most of the sugar has already been boiled out. The Cruzan Blackstrap is a unique beast and not an actual style of rum. It didn't exist when most of the original tiki drink recipes were being made so for most classic cocktails you won't see anything like it. Dark rums and aged rums are entirely different beasts.

[@glenncerny9109]

I've used Cruzan BS in Smuggler's Cove's adaptation of the Jet Pilot (for the blended black rum), makes the drink taste like black cherry.

[@aaronsottolano559]

Have you ever had kill devil rum from North Carolina. I enjoy it

[@cmcocktails]

no, never heard of it, it may not be distributed far

[@aaronsottolano559]

Common Man Cocktails only to the surrounding states but you can order it online outerbanksdistilling.com

[@rushfan3]

Would Rhum Babencourt work, if a Martinique rum is called for??

[@cmcocktails]

Closer I think but it’s not a Martinique rum if I recall.

[@ManesniRyloth]

Most 151 proof rums are almost impossible to get here in the Netherlands, how do you feel about substituting one of those for plantation OFTD?

[@cmcocktails]

I feel I wish I've had a chance to try OFTD :-) Sounds like you've got little to no option so it must be a great choice :)

[@glenncerny9109]

I've tried both Plantation OFTD and Hamilton 151 side by side neat. There is quite a difference tasting neat but the difference is slight when you are making cocktails such as zombies when you have 10 different ingredients.

[@staytunedforgottentvmedia6417]

Im confused. I have and El Dorado 8 and Lemon Hart 151. Both are Demerara rums correct? But if a recipe calls for a high proof rum, I would have to use th LH 151 correct? In the video you suggested getting a Demerara rum but didn't necessarily suggest a high proof rum/

[@cmcocktails]

This video isn't really about proofage, but I'd say "read recipe as written." If they want a high proof rum then use a high proof rum. If the recipe calls for a high proof demerara rum use LH 151. If a recipe calls for "demerara rum" I'd not use an overproof because it doesn't state it on the recipe (and overproof can be a bit potent). I'd not use Lemonhart 151 unless specifically called for in the recipe, like tiki drinks have done in the past. They main reason is I have a very hard time getting access to LemonHart 151, especially given it went out of stock for a few years and is slowly making a comeback. You can also try Hamilton's high proof rum, but I'd not sub it out for LemonHart in a recipe that calls for LemonHart specifically. Many recipes calling for high proof are assuming non-demerara rum (something white like Bacardi or whatnot) so they may change the recipe if it's added in 1/2 oz increments (or at minimum change the color). But, if it were me, I'd try it with whatever high proof I like and see what it does...could make it better as well. I usually started with Black Seal overproof because it was easier to get.

[@staytunedforgottentvmedia6417]

@@cmcocktails Thank you. I am able to get a few of the rums, including LH 151 in Michigan. Ohio has terribly restrictive laws on booze and it is impossible to get a lot of liquors in Ohio. Great videos by the way.

[@ChristopherSmithNYC]

This guy is hilarious in a low key/not low key kinda way. Wasn't expecting that. Subscribed.

[@cmcocktails]

Thanks :)

[@FoxMaccloud]

What is that Blue potion bottle in the background?

[@launceyopidoffmeier162]

Ocean Organic Vodka

[@johnstahlman9767]

what is a good substitute for cuban rum?

[@ericking1000]

Matsulem is a good substitute... and its available at bevmo...

[@DJJagged77]

"What the hell is funk?" LOL This video is educational and fantastic. May I call you the "Rum Master"?

[@cmcocktails]

No I don’t deserve that title, others know far more than I do. I just read and speak

[@curt32807]

Denizen Merchant Reserve is great for Mai Tais

[@cmcocktails]

Yup we did that video too

[@Glrk10]

Is there a rum made from sorghum molasses as opposed to sugar cane molasses?

[@cmcocktails]

Not sure !

[@JimboJones2022]

I bought a light rum and a gold rum from Trader Joe's market I hope it doesn't taste like Turpentine in my tiki drinks.

[@ProctorsGamble]

Ahhh! Rum of the Gods. Great stuff for the price for sure. Always in my bar. Has a buttery taste, which I like.

[@xxxx783]

*Hey guys, could you give me some advice please?* I don't have a lot of money to be playing around, finding out the brands I like the most by buying and taste testing them, so I rely a lot on reviews online... I'm divided, within the range I'm willing the invest, to either try out Rum Bacardi 8 anos, or Havana Club 7 anos. Recently, I became more fond of a smoother taste, with a less alchoolic after-burn, and I'd like to know what's you take on both products for either drinking them neat or mixed.

[@cmcocktails]

the best advice I can give you: just buy one and don't think so hard about it. They're competitive around the same price and flavor so buy one. When it's gone, buy the other. :)

[@ericking1000]

Try Matsulem the white rum great for mixing and at a great price

[@thatbartenderyoumetsananto4470]

Did you guys get your silver KZbin play button for your 100000 subscribers if so are you going to do a video and show us?

[@cmcocktails]

nope, we haven't even been granted the option yet. Then, even once you are, it could take 3-6 months to arrive from what I hear. So, I'm not really planning anything for that. I'd take an additional 3k views per video over a trophy anyway.

[@MuchObligedTV]

Cheers :-)

[@ericking1000]

Skal

[@richardgillette5759]

this video contains more info about rum that i've found in one spot

[@cmcocktails]

that was the plan, yeah!

[@robrogers2407]

classic

[@Hermit_]

Try Don Papa and be amazed.

[@ibnkhaldoun4319]

one thing i've needed clarification on (bartender in training). before i watched this, i just thought rum was white, gold, dark, and spiced... you say that the style of rum is far more important than the color. Does this mean that, for example, a gold and silver Puerto Rican would be close to interchangeable in a cocktail?

[@cmcocktails]

yep, in many cases a gold rum is a light rum with caramel color. In the best cases a gold rum is a light rum that hasn't been filtered clear. Light rums are aged up to 4 years in oak to round out the character. So, by nature they are gold.

[@ibnkhaldoun4319]

@@cmcocktails so what's the point then, just presentation? & i assume this doesn't apply with dark rums? i always assumed, for example, bacardi black would stick out tastewise in a cocktail that called for white/gold.

[@cmcocktails]

Well, adding caramel color is a way to make your product look older so you can charge more for it, traditionally. The other reason to add the color is so you can make all your products look consistent (e.g. if you age in an older oak barrel and the product is slightly lighter than a newer oak barrel, your product doesn't have the same shades across all bottles on the shelf). Then, someone thought light rum would be better clear for some reason, so they started filtering out the aged color so it was clear. The problem is, filtering the color also pulls out some of the taste/character. Some brands have moved to a more "natural" design like Mezan Rum--they let the color be whatever the color is coming out of the barrels and don't artificially color it. I guess, in some ways it changes presentation (a clear product will make your daiquiri appear more lime/white color, where a darker one will make it...well...darker). Black/blackstrap rum is made with either blackstrap molasses added to the product and/or charred oak barrels. The end result is a much more rich flavor that can some times come off "medicinal" in flavoring (like Captain Morgan Tattoo). Now, Dark Rum and Blackstrap are not the same, you can have a dark rum that's just aged longer (say 8 years, like Bacardi 8), that may still be labeled "dark rum." But, most blackstrap rum is "black rum" or some other labeling that suggests blackstrap / rich dark. You can use a dark rum instead of a light rum and get a bit more deep oak/vanilla and aged flavor, but a real blackstrap rum will definitely impact the drink in a more dramatic way; I'd not substitute a blackstrap when a standard rum is asked for (unless you're just doing it for fun)

[@LuxDogCoats]

Rum is complicated! Funk? I am on the hunt for funk!

[@vynnxa6416]

Then Jamaica it is

[@paulwillhite6730]

How about tanduay?

[@cmcocktails]

what about it?

[@josephfarr9128]

I thought Captain Morgan was produced in Jamaica at W&N/Appleton

[@Minnigirl1]

Ehm I'm allergic to rum (everytime ive had it ive had allergic reactions) what is the best way to replicate a rum cocktail without actually including rum? any tips?

[@ericking1000]

Vodka ... a good vodka will have no flavor as it is made for mixing... also a creme de tequila which is a sweet version of tequila...

[@beccajslater]

Zacapa Rum is from Guatemala, not Spain. Otherwise, great video!

[@josephfarr9128]

beccajslater it is Spanish is distillation and aging method though, in the sense that the techniques used were brought to the Caribbean by the Spanish Colonial powers

[@julioriviera]

❤❤❤

[@NoahWeisbrod]

I'm quite partial to black rum

[@TeddyMadison]

Kraken on ice...ohhhh...yeahhh...

[@NoahWeisbrod]

Wayne I went out to a bar with a friend who had just started drinking. Needless to say, she was not happy when I had her try a Dark N Stormy. 🤣

[@cmcocktails]

Ginger beer isn't for everyone, that can be a turn off too

[@NoahWeisbrod]

It was a Goslings Dark 'N Stormy, so the top of the glass was basically just black rum.

[@davedavison7608]

a pain killer made with meyers dark rum will change your life.

[@Sketch1994]

Correct me if I'm wrong but most you need is a Bacardi white, a Havana Club 7 years aged, a Captain Morgan Dark and a Plantation overproof. If you want you can get a gold one too but since I tasted the Havana Club 7 I don't even care about the gold ones. The most expensive was the Plantation overproof.

[@cmcocktails]

Depends on who you ask, for me I would want a Jamaican aged, a Puerto Rican light (or Cuban), a Martinique aged, over proof and probably a dark. Personally I’d also want a Barbados gold too

[@Sketch1994]

@@cmcocktails The ones I listed can all be found in a supermarket except the overproof. Most small liquer stores around here don't have 75% of rums suggested and I only recently found one with a decent stock that's welcoming to people (the other big liquer store owner only wants to sell the higher markup cheapos and any conversation or question is futile)

[@cmcocktails]

well, we can't even get alcohol at super markets here in NH so... you got that going for you. We have to use state run stores. I cannot get Lemon Hart or Hamilton, and only some Plantation (we used to have DARK but that's gone now). However,. you should be able to find something in those categories, maybe not Martinique (nor Cuban) that will suffice.

[@zorro456]

No One EVER flame me about Bacardi again. It is a perfectly good Rum.

[@cmcocktails]

good luck, I still get flamed time to time so... lol

[@arizona71189]

Maybe bacardi 8 and there higher end rums.. silver is stripped down and virtually tasteless

[@evok_trip_toke]

RUM SPICED RUM MAINLY RUM RUM RUM HOORAH

[@CABOOSEBOB]

Don Q and Ron del barrilito are the Puerto Rican rums to use, don’t use Bacardi

[@chrispeterson1247]

ummmmm Bungerburg rum......Australia....not sure about cocktails but you'll forget your own mane thats for sure