The Best Rums You Will find for $150

[El Presidente]

It is Christmas time and I do need to give some special gifts cigar loving mates who have gone above and beyond. 

Let me know your thoughts on the below. I have to say I am not familiar with any of them except the Pyrat

 

http://www.drinkmemag.com/the-best-rums-youll-find-for-150/

 

THE BEST RUM’S YOU’LL FIND FOR $150+

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DANIELLE MACDONALD

Just because you have money to burn doesn’t mean you are looking for a bottle of rum that is gone in a flash or sets your throat on fire with its alcohol content. So if you are looking for a fantastic bottle for a special occasion or a spontaneous treat, check out these five rums that are smooth enough to sip, yet playful enough to keep your tongue entertained long after the party is over.

Diplomatico Ambassador Selection

This successful representative of Venezuelan rum is aged a minimum of 12 years and boasts a 47% alcohol by volume. Despite having so additional sweeteners, this dark horse maintains a thick, luscious mouth feel and full-bodied flavor of chocolate, oak and molasses that lingers on the tongue. It pairs perfectly with a fine cigar on warm summer nights or a cold night in by the fire (preferably in a leather chair).

$279.99/750ml Bottle

A.H. Riise Non Plus Ultra Very Rare

This decadent Denmark rum lingers on your tongue longer than the daylight during Summer Solstice. The vibrant notes of cherry and citrus (specifically orange) balance perfectly with the smoky, sweet chocolate base, and the glass bottle is as expertly crafted as the amber liquid that it contains. While this beauty is just under the $150 mark it is not available in the United States, so additional travel funds are required to hunt down this tantalizing treasure!

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Charbay Rum Sugar Cane

At 68.4% abv. (136.8 proof) Charbay’s rum, distilled in the California based, family-run distillery, is deceptively light in color for its heavy flavor and price-tag. Created in 100% copper pot stills, this rum’s caramel flavor is developed with authentic Hawaiian and Jamaican sugar cane syrup. The dominant tropical flavors are tempered with spicy tones of cinnamon and clove for a complex taste that is prefect toast for special occasions 

$348.45/750ml Bottle

Zafra Master Series 30 Year Old Panama Rum

If you like owning limited editions, than this rum is well worth the price! With only 6,720 bottles in existence, fans of sweet and dry rums will be fighting over this oak aged liquor that has been left to develop in ex bourbon casks for the last thirty years. The oak and bourbon are noticeable to the nose and palate and pair nicely with the vanilla highlights that grow stronger with every sip.

$189.99/750ml Bottle

Pyrat Rum Cask 1623

Encased in a hand-blown bottle and walnut case, Pyrat Rum Cast 1623 is as easy on the eyes as it is on the palate. This Guyanese Rum is on the sweeter side with its orange base and notes of fig, ginger and stone fruits, yet has a long, strong finish to insure that each sip satisfies. Hoti, the patron saint and protector of bartenders who graces the bottle, has his work cut out for him as Purists and Pyrat fans argue over whether this drink should be considered an orange liquor or a rum. Either way, everyone agrees on its high drinkability and lasting flavor.

$249.99/750ml Bottle

 

If the Riise is not acceptable…

English Harbor 1981 25 Year Old Rum

From 1981 to 2006, this rum was aged in oak barrels formally used as bourbon casks before being presented to the world in an elaborate, swinging door display. Each year 600 bottles are released, and with a only 5,721 bottles produced, the price rises every year. The oak and bourbon add to the flavor, and a supposed addition of sugar smooth out the golden liquid tinted with vanilla and black cherry/current undertones.

$399.99/750ml Bottle

 

 

[Habana Mike]

I'm generally happy with rums at a quarter the price!

[El Presidente]

 

4 minutes ago, Habana Mike said:

I'm generally happy with rums at a quarter the price!

I do like the howlers list:

Rum Howler Top 50 Rums 

https://therumhowlerblog.com/rum-howler-awards/rum-howler-top-50-rums-of-2016/

50)  Plantation Barbados (Grande reserve) 5 Year old Rum   
49)  Reimonenq Vieux 5 Year Old Rhum (Distilled 2006) 
48)  Bacardi Gran Reserva 8 Años Rum  
47)  Old Monk Supreme Rum  (Very Old Vatted) 
46)  Doorly’s Fine Old Barbados Rum (XO)
45)  Appleton Estate 21 Yr Old Rum  
44)  Brugal Siglo de Oro    
43)  Rum Nation Panama (Aged 18 years)
42)  Panama Red 108 Overproof Rum  
41)  Penny Blue XO Single Estate Mauritius Rum   
40)  El Dorado 3 Year Cask Aged Demerara Rum 
39)  Noxx & Dunn 2-4-5 Rum
38)  Plantation 3 Stars Silver Rum
37)  Cockspur 12 Bajan Crafted Rum 
36)  Barbancourt 15 Year Old Estate Reserve  
35)  Cruzan Single Barrel Rum 
34)  Brugal Titanium Rum
33)  Diplomático Reserva 
32)  Flor de Caña Centenario 12  
32)  Rum Nation Jamaica White Pot Still Rum
30)  El Dorado 8 Year Old Cask Aged Rum 
29) Dictador XO Perpetual 
28) Rum Nation Barbados Anniversary Edition (12 Years Old) 
27)  Havana Club Selección de Maestros Rum 
26)  Rum Nation Jamaica 25 Year Old Supreme Lord V  
25)  Santa Teresa 1796 Antiguo de Solera   
24)  Dictador 12 Year Solera  
23)  Ron Matusalum Gran Reserva 18 Rum
22) Brugal 1888 (Ron Gran Reserva Familiar) 
21)  Flor de Caña Centenario 18
20)  Dictador 20 Year Solera Rum
19)  Rum Nation Panama (Aged 21 years)
18)  Ron Zacapa Centenario (23 Solera) Rum
17)  Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva  
16)  Angostura 1824 (12 Years Old) Rum
15)  Ron Zacapa Centenario XO 15 
14)  Juan Santos 21 Yr Antigua Reserva Rum
13)  Plantation XO 20th Anniversary Barbados Rum
12)  Ron Millonario Solera 15 Reserva Especial 
11)  El Dorado 12 Year Old Special Reserve Rum 
10)  Rum Nation Demerara 23 Year Old
09)  Appleton Estate Extra Old 12 Year
08)  Pusser’s 15 Year Old Navy Rum (Nelson’s Blood)
07)  El Dorado 15 Year Old Special Reserve Rum
06)  Rum Nation Caroni 1998 (Bottled in 2014 @ 55%) 
05)  Reimonenq Vieux 9 Year Old Rhum (Distilled 1999) 
04)  Zacapa XO (25 Year Solero) Rum  
03)  Dictador XO Insolent Rum 
02)  El Dorado 21 Year Old Special Reserve Rum
01)  Ron Millonario XO Reserva Especial Rum

[godpheonix]

9 hours ago, El Presidente said:

 

I do like the howlers list:

Rum Howler Top 50 Rums 

https://therumhowlerblog.com/rum-howler-awards/rum-howler-top-50-rums-of-2016/

 

i've had the El Dorado 21 year Rum and pretty much agree with it being at the top part of the list, and at about half of the 150$ price, the topic refers too, here in Canada.

[Corylax18]

10 hours ago, Habana Mike said:

I'm generally happy with rums at a quarter the price!

You beat me to it! That Havana Club Union/Cohiba Atmosphere Rum we tried a couple weeks ago was nice, but im still reaching for a $45 bottle of Santiago 11 or even some Sellecion Meastros. I was honestly unaware that there were so many choices in the $150+ or +++ range. I'm interested to hear opinions from anyone that has tried these.

[Gargano]

Plantation XO 20th Anniversary Barbados Rum is my go to. Absolutely delicious sipping rum & can be found for about $50. 

[clutch5150]

I REALLY enjoy the Santiago 25 year. $250.  Their 12 year is also outstanding.

[TheLiquidGator]

I like Barbancourt. Very tasty, so smooth and not too sweet. My rum of choice.

[MIKA27]

The Diplomatico Ambassador Selection is AMAZING. I've loved this rum.

Saying this, I feel Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva  #17 on your list is brilliant for a lot less.

[DBNInc]

There are also Diplomatico Single Vintage bottlings from 2000 and 2002 that are around $100.  As with many rums, they're polarizing, but opinions are usually positive.

[Kbb]

$150 is a tough price point.  Not too many right there.  A few above and most below.  If you have access might I suggest a sampler of El Dorado.  Use the 12, 15, and 21 year olds.  It would allow someone to taste the age range.  They are each unique with a familiar backbone.  This would hit your price point and give the receiver a way to explore the pros and cons of the aging/blend process.

[El Hoze]

I drink the 1981 English Harbor. Though it is up in price and difficult to find in any reasonable quantity, even online. Astonishingly good rum. I was first introduced to it by Kurt, one of the owners Occidental Cigar Club in San Francisco and have been hooked on it ever since. I agree as you get up there in price w rum those incremental dollars get you less and less in my opinion vs other spirits. This stuff is bangup. Hard to drink anything else! 

[canadianbeaver]

What great photography and information guys. Thank you. We have some nice rum but my obsession with bourbon has neglected that side of the wall.

Hmmmmm...

CB

[Martin_F]

My top five would be:

1 Appleton Estate 21 year old ~$115

2 Diplomatico Single Vintage 2002 ~$80

3 Ron Santiago de Cuba 20 anos ~$110

4 Edmundo Dantes 15 anos ~$80

5 Zacapa Reserva Limitada 2014 ~$80

Non of those is above the $150, but I'm not complaining

 

Now if money wasn't an issue I'd get this: La Isla del Tesoro

[Frozen North]

The English Harbour 1981 is available in Alberta, Canada @ $215.00....and that's Canadian funds.

[Fatshotbud]

Being a novice Rum drinker - I went for more affordable @$98 combined cost.@BEVOSREVENGE -- BTW when I was asked about a new taste in libation ...I blamed all on you to the wife

Sent from my KYOCERA-E6560 using Tapatalk

[SignalJoe]

3 hours ago, Fatshotbud said:

Being a novice Rum drinker - I went for more affordable @$98 combined cost.@BEVOSREVENGE -- BTW when I was asked about a new taste in libation ...I blamed all on you to the wife

Sent from my KYOCERA-E6560 using Tapatalk
 

LOL! For the first time ever I dodged being blamed.  I may need to buy a lottery ticket today.   

[Santiago]

Santa teresa solera 1796. Underrated!

[garbandz]

Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva

of the rums I have tried this is my fave.

I went to the Howler's site beforehand and researched the best affordable rums.

This one won me over.

[Guest gorob23]

Been chasing rum a long time and this is the BEST I have found, goes for about $70.00

Santiago 11 is also good, funny all the ones first listed I haven't tried so the chase goes on 

Edited December 10, 2017 by gorob23
i want to

[Ken Gargett]

On 11/30/2017 at 11:14 PM, Martin_F said:

My top five would be:

1 Appleton Estate 21 year old ~$115

2 Diplomatico Single Vintage 2002 ~$80

3 Ron Santiago de Cuba 20 anos ~$110

4 Edmundo Dantes 15 anos ~$80

5 Zacapa Reserva Limitada 2015 ~$80

Non of those is above the $150, but I'm not complaining

 

Now if money wasn't an issue I'd get this: La Isla del Tesoro

best pic of isla del tesoro i've seen. can i ask where you found it? and what price it was?

also, i take it that this is one of the "subsequent" releases rather than the originals ones given to the diplomats?

[Fuzz]

1 hour ago, Ken Gargett said:

best pic of isla del tesoro i've seen. can i ask where you found it? and what price it was?

also, i take it that this is one of the "subsequent" releases rather than the originals ones given to the diplomats?

I've seen prices ranging from USD$450-$750.

[Ken Gargett]

12 minutes ago, Fuzz said:

I've seen prices ranging from USD$450-$750.

in Oz?

[Fuzz]

4 hours ago, Ken Gargett said:

in Oz?

All prices are from overseas. Only in Europe and UK, nothing in these parts.

[Martin_F]

9 hours ago, Ken Gargett said:

best pic of isla del tesoro i've seen. can i ask where you found it? and what price it was?

also, i take it that this is one of the "subsequent" releases rather than the originals ones given to the diplomats?

I just did a picture search and found this on a German site:

http://www.rum-kontor.de/epages/63120259.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/63120259/Products/05040201

Price there is 500 Euro. Unfortunately I have no idea about the releases, and the website doesn't give much information either...

But I would think, this is the original packaging from the 60s: