rum reviews5 of 17

Beer will likely work best for most Americans celebrating their independence this weekend, but we (surprise!) are making a case for rum.

As elsewhere in the West Indies, rum plays a prominent role in the history of The Bahamas. Mostly, though, that role hasn't been all that distinguished.

Rhum Barbancourt Cuvée 150 Ans debuted in December 2012 to mark the 150th anniversary of Rhum Barbancourt. Only 6,000 bottles were produced.

The Rhum J Bally Rhum Vieux I enjoyed in the shadow of Mt. Pelée a few years ago has always stood out to me as a singular sipping experience.

For those who like their rhum dark and neat, with an occasional ice cube or two, there's only one correct order in Martinique: rhum vieux. My favorite: Rhum JM.

Papa's Pilar Dark is an artisan-crafted rum inspired by one of history's greatest adventurers, and my favorite author, Ernest Hemingway.

Don Pancho is a giant in the rum world, so naturally Don Pancho Origenes, the first rums bearing the Master Ronero's name, are equally revered.

Dark, smoky, seductively aromatic and complex, La Flibuste is the very embodiment of both the brand and the word "Favorite" to me.

Lots of nice rums are smooth, but few are equally as supple at the same time as Papa's Pilar Blonde.