For the past couple of years, we all have heard that rum is about to have its breakout moment. We've been told that whiskey drinkers will feel the joys of an alternative brown spirit (when properly matured, that is) as the Best rum brands ultimately get their Pappy Rum Winkle—some limited-release, unbelievably rare rum that'll spawn several dudes posting selfies on Instagram after waiting in line for 24 hours to score a bottle.
It hasn't happened yet, and that might be a decent thing. While some truly expensive expressions are on par with the most coveted bourbon or scotch, you can still get a fantastic bottle of rum aged for more than 20 years for less than $150, which is a steal.
Of course, it should be noted that age doesn't essentially equal quality, but a carefully aged rum brings layers of flavor and intricacy that can rival any whiskey.
Mount Gay
Barbados's Mount Gay has been around in one form or another for about 300 years, but master blender Trudiann Branker has only held her title at the distillery for quite more than a year. Still, she's made a significant impact upon some of the core expressions in the portfolio.
The ages of the rum in the Black Barrel blend have increased from two-to-seven years to three to three-to-seven years, and the finish time in severely charred bourbon barrels has been dramatically expanded from four weeks to six months amping up the tastes.
The Real McCoy
Foursquare is another Barbados distillery recognized for forming great rum, some of which is sold under other brand labels. The Real McCoy is one of those, and founder Bailey Pryor was drawn to master distiller Richard Seale's no-bullshit tactic—no sugar or essence added.
There are currently three primary expressions in bourbon barrels, aged three years, five years, and 12 years. That vow to transparency appeals to numerous dedicated drinkers.
Appleton Estate
Appleton Estate chief blender Joy Spence, the first woman to hold that designation, believes there should be flavored rum (with sugar) and authentic rum (no sugar added).
The 12- and 21-year-old expressions are excellent (and the latter is relatively reasonable, considering its age), and there are even older bottles like the 25-year-old Joy Anniversary Blend, which comprises rum matured up to about 35 years and was created to commemorate Spence's 20 years at the distillery. It is high-end rum for serious sippers and people who want to make a mind-blowing cocktail.
Bottom line
There are several single malt whisky brands and rum brands for everybody, and likely from a distillery that is crystal clear about its course. If you are looking for something with no additives, you are lucky. And if you choose something sweeter to use for your The Real McCoy, there's a rum for that.
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