Recommendations for aged sipping rums

[Jay Thomas]

Last November, I started doing some on line research into aged sipping rums - something to do as well as an enjoyable experience. While The Highlander Pub provides Ottawa residents an opportunity to taste test single malt whiskies (easily over a hundred to try), unfortunately, Ottawa does not have a rum bar that facilitates taste testing aged sipping rums. So, just in case there are some rum connoisseurs on the board, I thought I would ask for some recommendations. My preference lies in sweet dark rums aged 10 to 20 years. Rums matured or finished in ex Pedro Ximenez sherry casks are certainly in the mix. Currently, I'm enjoying Dos Maderas PX 5+5, El Dorado 12 and Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva. Wished there was a way to taste test El Dorado 21, Zacapa 23, Zacapa XO, Ron Millonario XO Reserva and others. Thanks in advance.

Jay

P.S.  If you feel this is an inappropriate topic for discussion Nancy, by all means delete my post
 

[SgtCrabby]

I like the sound of this subject. 
I do like rums too, but I'm not a connoisseur.
Looking forward for experts replys.

[Canuckbass]

Just got back from Cuba, brought back a couple 7 yr old rums for camp, but got the call we're doing a ice fishing weekend so they most likely make it to camp.

[Balsams]

While I'm typically just a reader, I have to chime in. Jay, also like my rum. I believe there are many cheaper rums as well that can be enjoyed over ice (slightly melted so as to water down the drink ever so slightly). Try Flor de canya (sp?) from Nicaragua. Or Goslings black seal from Bermuda. The older I get, I struggle with the beer bloat after 5 or 6. By the way, I'm not an alcoholic (as far as I know).

[Jay Thomas]

Thanks for the responses guys. Even though I'm only allowed one drink per day maximum (health reasons), I enjoy doing the research and eventually the reward - the taste. I picked up two more sipping rums this week, the Eldorado 21 year old and the Zacapa Centenario 23. I picked the Zacapa to try a rum that is made from the concentrated first press of sugar cane (most rums are made from molasses). I can easily recommend both as great sipping rums.

Balsams

I concur with your comment that there are many cheaper rums that are enjoyed as well. However, my preference right now is to find a few great aged sipping rums. And I'll be the first to admit that I may be in a rut because I'm sticking to trying aged sipping rums. I've done the same thing while researching and trying quality single malts - buying and tasting older scotches with a view to having a great single malt in the house to offer to friends. And like Canuckbass, I plan to take one of the rums on my next fishing trip.

Jay

[Dog]

http://www.seriouseats.com/2015/02/best-rum-for-sipping-zacapa-plantation-abuelo-dorado-zaya-diplomatico.html

http://www.gayot.com/spirits/top10rums/main.html

http://www.forbes.com/sites/nickpassmore/2015/06/20/top-sipping-rums-for-summer/#6753b838249f

[Jay Thomas]

Thanks for the web references Nate. Within those references I found some more rum review web sites.

The first reference recommends Zaya rums. Here's a web reference to a caveat about buying Zaya rum - see http://www.therumcollective.com/2015/02/from-top-shelf-sipper-to-no-thanks-fall.html

Jay