rum reviews2 of 16

To me, gold rums are like that barely tolerable borderline friend we all have. Bounty Rum Premium Gold from St. Lucia, though, is different.

Antigua Ron Porteño is a little on the sweet side. It reminds me somewhat of El Dorado 12, though it's not as rich or beautifully biting.

Rhum Clément may be one of the most prestigious spirits brands in the world, but it has a playful side as well. Just look at Rhum Clément Cuvée Festive.

Brugal Leyenda (legend in English) was released in 2015 expressly in tribute of Brugal's founder, Don Andrés Brugal Montaner.

Neptune Three-Year Aged Gold Barbados Rum – the best of Barbados and the UK, and easily the best new rum I sampled in 2018.

Amid this decidedly bleak backdrop of modern day Venezuela, Diplomatico, one of Venezuela's most celebrated rum producers, recently introduced Diplomatico Mantuano. Sadly, for me, this new blend jives with the times.

Cheap doesn't always mean poor quality when it comes to rum, though. Among the best quality blends I've discovered recently in the budget bin at my local liquor store: The Cane Mill Rum.

Aged 10 years, Yolo Gold is plenty smooth for sipping, with a nice finish that's heavy on the vanilla with very little burn. It's solid, sophisticated.