Rum for beginners?

[Zacapa]

Zacapa 23 is great - if a little sweet. It's also relatively expensive for rum. (Excellent rum - hence my nickname)

For someone starting out (and assuming you aren't mixing it), I would suggest:

- Bacardi 8 - a nice smooth rum with hints of vanilla. Goes great with cigars because it is quite light and smooth. Don't let the fact that it's a 'Bacardi' put you off! (The only Bacardi worth drinking! one of my favourite cuba libre rums)

- Mt G.a.y XO - exceptional value. A deep, complex rum. I find it a little bold with lighter bodied cigars. It has a 'prickliness' or peppery sensation on the tongue (not heat) that can be a little overpowering.

- Havana Club Anejo Reserva and 8 YO - these two are quite different, but both are lighter cuban style rums. Both go great with cigars. (Both great rums but dont sweat it too much Thrasherman if you cant get them - there is plenty of rums you can get easier in US that are as good or better)

- Appleton 12 Estate Extra - I find it quite full bodied and a little sweet (although not like Zacapa). (As stated this is a more of a RUM rum - full bodied and maybe not for you if you are only starting to have spirits neat)

There are plenty more to explore. Personally, I keep HC Anejo Reserva and HC 8 on hand as they go beautifully with cigars. I find that too much age and refinement can detract from rum's true character, which I find really appealing.

Let us know how you go!

This! Clearly we're rum soulmates Wil

Honestly Thrasherman you cant go wrong with any of the rums mentioned in this thread - simply a matter of preference from there on.

Also Cruzan Single Barrel is an excellent rum and for a good price.

As mentioned before El Dorado 15yo is sublime - I LOVE it the 21yo is like treacle toffee with some rancio coming through as well - really great also but deathly expensive in australia (...for a rum)

[olotti]

Zacapa 23 is a great one, Appleton's reserve or 12 are good and cruzan single barrel is a favorite of mine.

[hermit]

It may seem kinda cheap but just some basic malibu on ice with a few cigars lately has been quite nice while the weather has been hot.

[sengjc]

I would suggest pairing with a good sipping dark rum. I like my rum with a bit more sweetness for cigar pairings so my recommendations as a good starting point will be Ron Zacapa Centenario Sistema Solera 23 or Diplomaticos Reserva Exclusiva.

For drier styles, try Appleton Estate Extra 12 or Matusalem 15 Year Solera Gran Reserva.

I currently have open: Ron Quorhum QRM Aniversario 30 (sweet) and Pusser's Navy Rum Nelson's Blood (dry) plus the odd bottle of Bundaberg Master Distillers Port Barrel (dry).

[TheDistrictJP]

Recently learned about cuban style mohitos and was blown away at how I enjoyed the cigar pairing. The only light rum I have tried so far is by Cruzan and results have been great.

I also like Capt Morgan Black n cokes, has a nice punch that regular Capt doesn't have. Before I switched to that I would like the Cruzan Black Strap.

[stogieluver]

I almost exclusively drink rum, mixing in an occassional Knob Creek or Woodford Reserve on the rocks to keep things interesting. I don't think any spirit pairs with a fine cigar like rum, though.

I haven't tried Zacap yet, and based on comments here, I must be missing out. I like Appleton Estates and Cruzan. Over the years, I've tried Bacardi Gold, Mount ***, Myers, Mount *** Silver, Pussers, and others long since forgotten, but you'll find a wide range of tastes in rums, so just keep trying different ones until you find one you like. If you're like me, you'll find yourself switching from one favorite to another as time goes by.

[Bartolomeo]

Sailor Jerry for spiced rum