HC Barrel Proof Rum in Ontario

[TWalker]

I've been searching high and low as I like to have this on hand for the holidays, but this year I couldn't find it. I called the LCBO and they said they're not bringing it in any longer. No reason given. They did say however that they would import a case of it if requested.

If I can get 2 or 3 more guys interested in 3 or 4 bottles each then I'll order a case in for a split. I'm guessing a case is a regular dozen size but don't quote me on that.

I'm just gauging interest here and we'll go from there.

Last time I had it on hand, last xmas, it was >$50 per bottle. This won't be cheap, just to be up front about it.

[riazp]

I think BP is has been replaced by sellecion de maestros (sp?) so I dont even know if they will be able to get any barrel proof.

[LLC]

I think BP is has been replaced by sellecion de maestros (sp?) so I dont even know if they will be able to get any barrel proof.

I think this is correct. I ended up getting the Seleccion de Maestros after Andres from the Mambo Lounge said it was the closest thing to the barrel proof.

[TWalker]

Funny, she told me on the phone she could still order it, and she didn't suggest anything about a replacement either.

I'll try the Seleccion de Maestros and see how it compares. HCBP was/is stellar so if the replacement is anywhere near as good then that's one major disaster averted.

I'm heading up near a major LCBO this morning and I'll try to snag a bottle of the new stuff.

Thanks for the input guys.

[jedipastor]

They still sell HC Cuban Barrel Proof here in Japan, haven't seen the "Seleccion" bottle yet. It's over $50 (US) here as well. The CBP is good, but not twice as good as the 7-year, and since it's twice the cost I'm still on my first bottle (compared to my 4th of the 7-year).

Having said all that, I'll take the Zaya Grand Reserva (12-year) over any Havana Club I've tried. The Zaya is neck-and-neck with the RZ Centenario as my favorite rum.

[riazp]

I'm loving the El Dorado 15, exellent sipping rum with a cigar, nice and smooth. much better than any HC i've had. Not cheap at 52$ a bottle in the saq, but delicious.

[TWalker]

El Dorado is excellent rum for sure. I just picked up the last bottle of Seleccion de Maestros here in Burlington (according the the lcbo search), so I'll give that a shot and see how I like it. I fell in love with barrel proof a few years ago but if this stuff is good then it will be a nice treat. Merry xmas to me.

I found the HC 7 year to be okay but just like most other things it gets expensive when you start reaching for that last little bit extra. On the rox it has an edge that barrel proof doesn't have.

I can't/don't drink any kind of whiskey, rye or scotch because it has a nasty effect on my personality, but rum and tequila are a go. I don't care for gin and I'm not a wine drinker either. Based on that, I spoil myself with El Dorado 12 during the year and HC during the holidays.

Another good sipping rum, if you can find it, is Angostura 1919. It has a definite cinnamon to it. Very nice, and not too expensive.

[riazp]

Let us know how the sellecion de maestros is TW compared to the HCBP

[compitaveggie]

When I visited Havana I did the Havana Club Rum tour. I noticed that they changed the name on the bottle and raised the price. I asked our tour guide what the difference was from the BP and she just same its the same process to make, same age, same flavour, slightly different bottle and packaging, and different price. She didn't say it was the same but that what I got from it. The bottle of BP I have I bought in Tijuana for about $30 2 years ago. I cant remember what the price of the SdeM in Cuba was but what caught my eye was that it did cost more than my bottle of BP and looked identical to it with just a name change. Although i have a few bottles of HC rum, Im not much of a drinker so so I cant tell the difference.