What Are You Sipping on Lately? (Spirits Thread)

[JamesWWIII]

Originally Posted by ShopVac

Had both in Panama back in February. Havana Club - okay, mixer rum if anything. Diplomatico -one of the better.

Brought back some 12 and 21-year Appleton Estate the last time I was in Jamaica. Both are good sipping rums, and no sugar is added to these (at least that was true back then), which I prefer from my rum. Distilled and aged properly, sugar shouldn't need to be added to rum to create character or smoothness. As an example, Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva has a metric shit-ton (yes, that's a valid unit of measurement) of added sugar.

For those interested where their favorite might fall into this practice:

http://www.drecon.dk/index.php/17-list-of-rum-measured

[ShopVac]

Originally Posted by JamesWWIII

Brought back some 12 and 21-year Appleton Estate the last time I was in Jamaica. Both are good sipping rums, and no sugar is added to these (at least that was true back then), which I prefer from my rum. Distilled and aged properly, sugar shouldn't need to be added to rum to create character or smoothness. As an example, Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva has a metric shit-ton (yes, that's a valid unit of measurement) of added sugar.

For those interested where their favorite might fall into this practice:

http://www.drecon.dk/index.php/17-list-of-rum-measured

So, I do have a bottle of Appleton Reserve on my bar...I like it. Haven't tried the 12 or 21 though.

BUT...I thought all rum was sugar, be it white (clear) brown (amber) or molasses (dark). Am I missing something?

[ShopVac]

And since you brought up the rum - wife just poured me a Zacapa Centenario XO into a small snifter before I devour my steak here - that my wife is cooking (hopefully properly) on the charcoal grill.

Ahhhh, it's good to be handicap.

[M_Six]

All this talk about rum. Need to get to Binny's this weekend and grab some Plantation 20.

[1MOREMOD]

I've had 2ish drinks worth of plantain left since Christmas haven't got into it

[Violator]

You guys are a bad influence...cheers.

[JamesWWIII]

Originally Posted by ShopVac

So, I do have a bottle of Appleton Reserve on my bar...I like it. Haven't tried the 12 or 21 though.

BUT...I thought all rum was sugar, be it white (clear) brown (amber) or molasses (dark). Am I missing something?

Yes, rum is made from sugar or molasses, but some distillers add raw sugar after the distillation process, as a way to smooth out the "burn" of alcohol content or the "dry" tannins from extended barrel aging. Oddly enough, it's mainly the premium brands that doctor up their rums the most in this fashion. It's gotten to the point where some of the high-dollar stuff tastes more like a liqueur than a rum, and many serious rum drinkers scoff at such overt artificial sweetness. It's supposed to be an adult beverage, after all.

Obviously, there are differing viewpoints on this subject, as with all subjects...

http://www.rumnerd.com/2014/06/adding-sugar-to-rum.html

[ShopVac]

Originally Posted by JamesWWIII

Yes, rum is made from sugar or molasses, but some distillers add raw sugar after the distillation process, as a way to smooth out the "burn" of alcohol content or the "dry" tannins from extended barrel aging. Oddly enough, it's mainly the premium brands that doctor up their rums the most in this fashion. It's gotten to the point where some of the high-dollar stuff tastes more like a liqueur than a rum, and many serious rum drinkers scoff at such overt artificial sweetness. It's supposed to be an adult beverage, after all.

Obviously, there are differing viewpoints on this subject, as with all subjects...

http://www.rumnerd.com/2014/06/adding-sugar-to-rum.html

Appreciate the read...did not know. Oddly, ones mentioned are most peoples favorites (just in talking with others)

With this, I declare you as no alcoholic, cause you're too smart on this stuff to be one.

[TXSTYLE]

Originally Posted by ShopVac

Appreciate the read...did not know. Oddly, ones mentioned are most peoples favorites (just in talking with others)

With this, I declare you as no alcoholic, cause you're too smart on this stuff to be one.

Agreed.

That being said... How do we know that the persons behind said article don't have an alterior motive to smear certain brands?
At any rate, I have to go with what my palate enjoys.

[JamesWWIII]

Originally Posted by TXSTYLE

Agreed.

That being said... How do we know that the persons behind said article don't have an alterior motive to smear certain brands?
At any rate, I have to go with what my palate enjoys.

Well, in terms of the raw data, science doesn't have a motive. Numbers are what they are in terms of sugar content in those rums that were tested.

But I agree with your summation...when it comes to food and drink, consume whatever makes your taste buds happy.

[RABAUKE]

Originally Posted by TXSTYLE

As was said, supply and demand. Whenever I go into any restaurant or bar and ask if they have any good "sipping rums", they look confused and perplexed. The exception being So. FL. When I go to Miami, they are used to having great Rums on hand because of the Latin influence and desire for rums!
If only folks knew what they were missing out on...

For instance, we have had friends of my wife's husbands over who are self proclaimed "scotch and bourbon aficionados". They will see the beautiful and intricate bottles of rums I have on my shelf and inquire about them or ask me what is my go to or favorite spirits. I then tell them rums. When they try a Plantation XO or any I have, they are blown away!

As I've mentioned earlier, my best friend is deep into the whisk(e)y business, which included Bourbons, but he and I also drink a fair amount of sipping rums. My two cents is that if you're smoking cigars then you should be drinking rum with them.....after all the cigar thing comes from the same place as the rums.....

[Red Bread]

Originally Posted by RABAUKE

As I've mentioned earlier, my best friend is deep into the whisk(e)y business, which included Bourbons, but he and I also drink a fair amount of sipping rums. My two cents is that if you're smoking cigars then you should be drinking rum with them.....after all the cigar thing comes from the same place as the rums.....

Man, don't even start down that path. I am not eating Haggis just so I can drink Scotch.

[Violator]

Picked up some Kentucky Straight Bourbon for tonight’s festivities.

[Ralph335]

Originally Posted by Violator

Picked up some Kentucky Straight Bourbon for tonight’s festivities.

Some solid stuff. I was sipping that earlier in the day yesterday. Makes a mean old fashioned too if you are into them.

[Violator]

Originally Posted by Ralph335

Some solid stuff. I was sipping that earlier in the day yesterday. Makes a mean old fashioned too if you are into them.

I like it, and don’t see the bottle lasting very long. I drink it near, but I may try something new, “old fashioned.”
Cheers

[ShopVac]

Think I'll kick this down tonight

[UncleWede]

^ The White Dog version definitely needs a mixer, but sure gets the trick done.

[1MOREMOD]

Evan William's house booze happy hour time

[Patrick303]

Added a few new additions to the bar recently. Can't wait to open them up!

[M_Six]

I done stocked up. 1.75 of Gentleman Jack and my Plantation 20. There will be drinking tonight.

[Violator]

I picked up a couple bottles for the bar...

[M_Six]

This should be interesting. Can Illinois produce a decent bourbon? This cost as much as Gentleman Jack, so it had better be as good. "The finest straight bourbon whiskey we never distilled?" Can anyone explain that one?