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Love this video concept! Would totally be down to see more of these

Hi, Steve, friend! Ive been starting RUMming today(like, Im 20yrs old male) and I bought 5 different rums from 5 different companies I guess, I'm from eastern Europe so excuse my S+ english (haha) and I saw in many of your videos(watching u for few days just to know basic stuffs, different opinions of a master in this domain, you) and u really made Plantation rums very valuable, I mean, quality, praised I guess it's the word... the people from my country wrote many negative reviews on Plantation rums, idk why but I guess I will have to buy myself to really decide who's right or whatever, just to see what I enjoy, thank you and keep up the good work, thanks for your content, I am learning rums from you!

Super informative video Steve. Thank you!

Am new to this channel I had my first captain Morgan spiced rum and I enjoyed that. Now am excited to learn more

I do buy Havana 7, but only uses it as a mixer, and I like it with coke especially. Havana 7 is much cheaper in Sweden than all the other you put it against, despite our high taxes, like 30% cheaper than Bacardi 8 as one example (12-13£ less), and that is a factor when I buy something readily available and are cost conscious. I just got Plantation Pineapple after watching one of your videos and that is fantastic, and also rather cheap in Sweden, like 6-7£ more than H7 (Plantation Pineapple is actually cheaper now than 2 years ago). Never liked El Dorado. Most expensive I bought is 12 year old and didn't like it either, much prefer other styles of rum.

Steve is awesome. I value and trust his opinions

You did Havana 7 so dirty! Haha! I love Havana 7. I always thought Flor de Cana wasn't as smooth as 7, but they are both great rums! I've always stayed away from Bacardi cause I hated their blanco, but if you really think it's better then Havana 7, I'll try it out.

DIRECTLY ON POINT AS SOON AS THE VIDEO STARTS, very cool, you got a subscriber if all of your videos are like this

I found exactly the same thing with the Mt Gay! Eclipse turned me off from the rest of the range until i got to try black barrel. And wow that is awesome!

You saved me from regret with the Mount Gay recommendation. None of the liquor stores near me have much variety. I ran out of my favorite Plantation OD and I can't find it, so I was looking for a replacement. I went with Myers because I knew it was nice, but the only other rum with some color was the Mount Gay. Now I know that I'm just going to have to drive farther to get to a store with more options.

Over the years, I've had a few spirits that I see little need to revisit. In many cases, they are not bad spirits. The reason is often that I found little use for it or I found something that I liked better as I gained more experience. I don't mix a lot of drinks at home, and those few that I will make are the simplest ones. I'm lazy, so when I want a cocktail, the path of least resistance is to go to a bar and pay a bartender to make one. Bartenders usually do a better job than I do anyway. Early on, I bought a few spirits thinking that I might get into mixed drinks at home, and when it didn't happen, spirits that were primarily suited to be mixers ended up sitting on the shelf and collecting dust for a long time. Here are some examples from the rum category. Bacardi 151: There is still some of this in the bottle. This rum was discontinued years ago, and I still have some. I have so little use for it that it just sits there. Recently, I've decided to finish it off by mixing it into Coke or using it to make a Meyer lemon version of grog. It's fine for these uses, but there are better options. The best use I ever found for this rum was many years ago, when a friend was helping me change out the water in a turtle aquarium. He started the siphon using his mouth (not a smart thing to do) and got a mouth full of turtle water. He ran to the liquor shelf, grabbed the Bacardi 151, and took a big swig of it. He never got sick - the rum probably killed the pathogens in the turtle water. Basic Bacardi mixing rum: I had a big jug of the gold-colored version, and it took me more than ten years to run through it. If I made a lot of cocktails that needed a basic inoffensive rum, something like this would find a place in my collection. If I add more Bacardi products to my collection in the future, I'll go for the well aged ones that are good to drink neat. When I drained this bottle (and also a bottle of Captain Morgan), I replaced them with Smith & Cross navy strength, Real McCoy 12, and Diplomatico 2005. This was definitely an upgrade. Spiced rum, in general: I'm not a great fan of this category. The ones I've had are sweeter than necessary and taste of artificial flavors, primarily vanilla. I still have some Kraken, but there is only enough left for about two drinks. It's not an unpleasant flavor, but for sipping, it doesn't provide what I want out of rum. The richness and complexity of a well aged rum simply aren't there. Furthermore, it sometimes causes a headache, which no other rum has ever done to me, so I suspect that it contains some nasty additives. If I mix it into Coke, it essentially makes vanilla Coke that doesn't taste quite as good as regular bottled vanilla Coke, but it's tolerable. I wouldn't necessarily rule out spiced rum in the future, but I'll stay away from the big brands and look for something that has less sweetness, more spice, and less vanilla. Or if I weren't lazy, I suppose I could get a bottle of decent rum, dump my own spice mixture into it, and let it sit for a while. Here are some from other categories. Liqueurs, in general: There are some that are good for sipping, but since most of these are mixers, I don't have a lot of use for them. Aside from those few that I enjoy neat or on the rocks, as I run down the ones that I have, I don't plan on replacing them. Chivas Regal 12-year blended Scotch whisky: This is the whisky that got me into Scotch and other related types of whisky. I still have a soft spot for it and might order it in a bar on occasion, but I've outgrown it. It's a good inoffensive whisky, but it doesn't have the complexity that I find in single malts, and it is too light in flavor to work very well on the rocks (which is the main reason I keep some blends around), as opposed to more flavorful blends such as Dewars 12 or Suntory Toki. The popular and most commonly available big brand single malts: These would be Glenlivet, Glenfiddich, Macallan, and the like. I used to seek out this sort of thing; they are good, and I'll happily order a shot in a bar, but they aren't as good as they could be if they were presented a little differently. I have found the non-chill filtered and non-colored offerings from other distilleries to be superior, so it is these that are finding a place in my collection. If a naturally presented cask strength Macallan came along and I could afford it, I would be going nuts over it, but I'll pass on the standard 12-year bottling. Albertson's vodka: Years ago, I was in an Albertson's grocery store and saw their store brand vodka on the bottom shelf. I bought it because the concept of Albertson's vodka seemed funny and absurd. It wasn't good. Here is a good general rule: don't buy bottom shelf store brand spirits. There might be exceptions to this rule, but I doubt there are many.

Agree on Havana Club 7, Mount Gay, and Flor de Cana 7. To each his own but you can’t drink them all unless you’re life goal is to drink, so marketing rules. Ron Cuban is one I’ve read good things about but I never tried.

I think I've been a bit fortunate as most of the rums I'm not keen on have been birthday presents and such. However, I did buy a bottle of Spytail ginger spiced rum - in my head i thought it would be a warming, subtle flavour, but i found it full on fiery 😄 I've also found some of the Foursquare ESB's a bit hit and miss. I do like Bumbu though, might be because it was a birthday gift from work and I cracked it open, helping myself to a few. That was a good day in the office 😉

Ahoy mate! There are few rums I regret purchasing before trying them first. My list is Stade's No 8, Tommy Bahamas Rum #2, Vanua Aged Rum, Four Square Spiced Bajan Rum and Ron Medellin 8 year Rum. None of them were to my liking. From your list I do like Bumbu on ice and Havana Club 7 on ice. Bumbu is fairly smooth but probably because a lot of Brown sugar was added after the distilling process. Bumbu has more of mass appeal with the sweeter taste (Lil Wayne marketing it too! Lol!). Havana Club 7 is sort of exotic here in the US due to the embargo. I have a 1-liter bottle of Havana Club 7 I brought back from the Bahamas. I do agree Flor de Cana 7 is solidly better than Havana Club 7. I did a rum review of Flor de Cana 7 and why it is my favorite rum.

Aw man, I love Havana 7 and El Dorado 5. I've mostly been trying whats available in the supermarket or a local whiskey store which tells me I need to expand a little haha. Fortunately there's a rum festival coming up in Manchester!

I love the Appleton line. Signature is great, 12 year is one of my favorites.

I agree it's a bit overpriced, but the El Dorado 5 works very well as one of the rums in my Ancient Mariner, in fact I usually keep it in and play around with the other rum 😄

Worst rum I bought was dead man fingers spiced, drinkable but way down on the scale. The problem was people saw it at mine (because it took ages to get through) and I ended up with 3 bottles as Christmas presents as everyone thought it was my favourite.

I've had mixed results with Mount Gay rum. The first bottle I received as a gift and it had an odd aftertaste, sort of like toothpaste. I took a chance and bought a second bottle and it was better but still harsher than I prefer. The third bottle again had an odd aftertaste. So I stopped buying it.

I recently tried Borgoe Extra neat and it was terrible rum...then I had a Grog with it and it was actually pretty good, so I guess it really depends what are you using it for... I used to cook with Bacardi Oakheart before...

Controversial one here, two swallows citrus and salted caramel, tastes artificial to me unfortunately, would love to know some alternatives that are both easy neat and stand out but not overwhelming in mixers

Love the video idea! And I'd definitely skip any future opportunities to get Botran 12. That bottle is a chore when I compare it to many others.

Myers, beloved of bar wells! Only good if it’s so swamped with sugary add ones you can’t taste it

not surprised by your take on Mount Gay Eclipse, im in Barbados drinking rum as Im watching and we all know its mount gays cheapest worst rum. Its amazing how much it sells for over seas, granted its historic. The extra old or black barrels are quite nice as you mentioned though I stick Old Brigand

I agree with you on the El Dorado 5 and Havana 7. In the past I got a El Dorado 5 but felt like it was destine for mixers only which made me feel like the price was not as good value compare to others for around same price range that you could also drink neat. While the Havana 7, being in United States, I was so exited to try it when some friends came back from a trip to Cuba with a bottle and I really was shocked and disappointed in how forward the taste was with no real tones that I expected. The exact thought in my head was, huh, Bacardi originated same area but I rather that over the Havana. I've been partially curious on the Bumbu but always resisted since I feel fancy bottle rarely = smooth drinking. And the Mount Gay I've been curious on possible mixing rum since it's always there at liquor stores anymore. But now I'm starting find the large bottles of Appleton Signature which yeah, about $10 bucks more than Mount Gay or Bacardi, but I enjoy the vanilla tones that really pop from it when making a rum and coke (almost makes it taste like a vanilla coke). Great video as always.

I do agree with you here, the rum I drink rums the bumbu is overpriced even though I absolutely love it, should be 20 to 25 max

Mount Gay Eclipse was my first rum glad to hear I'm not the only person to dislike it

The Bumbu and kraken and Plantations are pretty much all the same price in the US, so why so high in the UK? I can get bumbu original all day for 30 dollars a bottle.

Tried Merser & Co which is £33. Beautiful bottle, cool history behind their Greyhound Logo, but did not rate the Rum at all. I thought it was nearer to a Bourbon in flavour profile and simply over priced.

Tried Khukei from Nepalat the weekend didn't really work me, BTW it was nice to finally meet you at Rumfest on Sunday.

A couple from me: 1: That Boutique-y Rum Company, Diamond Distillery, Versailles Still, Batch 3 - Love the TBRC but that just tastes like Bells. 2. North Point Pilot Rum - Again very like a young whiskey blend. 3. NAUD Hidden Loot - tastes like soap. Full on Imperial Leather from 1952.

Walter Hicks 125 71 abv is the best rum in my opinion, good luck getting a bottle though, been trying for over 10 months now

Black tears.. they have a white run that is awful. I bought two bottles of it because it was cheap. I’ll never drink it. Basically paint thinner.

I wonder if the price is a little lower here but I don't feel the regular Bumbu being that pricey, the XO deffo cost a bit more but you do get a proper dark rum from that one at least.

For now my fav silver rum is DIPLOMATICO ( botucal)PLANAS,..goregous smooth,..

I mean I’d drink Eclipse over many other mainstream spirits, but in terms of rum, I’m not a fan. Definitely not horrible but you can do so much better for a similar price. Same with El Dorado 5, it’s just too hot for me

2 worst i have hade Was möterheads dark rum weaksauce and the Barceló Gran Añejo i think i was or something similar name and can´t remeber what year on bottel or any thing sadly but it was just bad and weaksauce

Bullion Salted Caramel is ok. Not worth the price minus the fancy bottle. Has a very dry aftertaste. Tried it neat and didn't like it. With Pepsi over ice, its lovely.

I agree, the eclipse has put me off the rest of the brand to be honest. Good job the bottle was a gift from my boss😅

I bought a bottle of "devils bridge spiced rum" as it uses a local legend with its story, sounded nice, had one sip and that's all, really can't stand the taste myself

I wouldn’t buy the goslings old rum again i bought it when it was 80+$ the price now is around 66$ and that is ok but it is too oaky for me and i prefer their regular offering

Oh my God, Old Monk, I always buy off recommendations and so I'm really used to good Rum and I was shocked when I had that because it was the worst Rum I've had in so long

I have about 30 different runs in my home bar. One that I regret buying is Koloa spiced rum. It’s too damn sweet and bitter.

I am a rum lubber, but there are some that just taste awful and some that give me headache.

The one i regret is: "Rhum Negrita Dark Signature" And it was recommended by the store clerk... It tastes like burnt wood and tar.

I actually quite like the Havana 7, but fully agree, FdC 7 over the H7 is a no brainer. But as a whisky drinker, the wood on the H7 is fine for me

Totally agree with you on Bumbu way too much artificial sugar these rums should be called rum based drinks not pure rum . Rum needs some kind of legislation so we know what we’re getting.

Damn this man actually has Bundaberg on his backbar

I had read some good comments about the A.H Riise XO Ambre d'Or, so i decided to buy it in Aldi. I was disappointed, got the feeling to sip a sirup to cure a child coughing with this strong sweetness. It is The only one i am disappointed with.

Have tried the Havana 7 a few times thinking it might grow on me but it hasn't. Definitely wouldn't buy a bottle.

Definitely Brugal Añejo for me. Still trying to use up the last bit of the bottle, would never buy it again, so many better options in that range.

Don papa masskara is by far my worst one, too sweet

ok IMO i agree the black barrel Mount Gay is better , El dorado should drop the 5 year old and just go with their 8 year old much nicer and the Bumbu ... yep i do not like it at all however the Bumbu aged is nice

Can you review Red Heart Rum please

Two worst I've ever had (off the "acceptable" shelf) are definitely Havana Anejo Especial and MG Eclipse. But Havana 7 YO is a VERY good "buy everywhere" rum, much better than Bacardi or Captain Morgan crap.

My pick is Havana Club 3, it just doesn’t do it for me. I got a bottle to make Mojitos and was very disappointed.

Mount Gay Black Barrel. Just didn’t taste good at all, even when mixed it’s overly woody flavor came through and distorted the whole drink

I have a bottle of Mount Gay Black Label and I'll be honest, I don't think it's very good. I've found so many other rums from your channel that I love but the Mount Gay Black will likely still be on my shelf this time next year.

Rums I have most regretted buying or flet were just overrated: 1 The Lugger.I know its Spiced, but just awful IMO, very expensive and just way to much sugar. 2 Plantation Reunion Grande Aroma. A masterclass in how to take a great rum and turn into something which is barely average. Zacapa Edition Negra. Way too much smoke and char

wow. I buy havana 7 very often. really cheap in Mexico. never tried flor de caña 7. salud🍻🇲🇽

on that list you could also put captain morgan

I didn't see Zacapa Centerario Rum in the back... can you do a video reviewing the Guatemalan Rum?

Mount gay is hardcore dry and nasty, Bumbu is a decent rum though,I love it with ginger beer especially,

Rather than the El Dorado 5, pick Hamilton 86 or Hart & Sons demerara. Either one is a superior choice in that price range.

Hamilton 86 over El Dorado 5 yr any day for me. Appleton 8 yr is a completely different rum and is a bit more expensive here ($30 compared to $22 for Hamilton 86.

I know most people like Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva Rum To me It tastes like wine. Some thing I Really don't like and spent $50 dollars on it!

I wouldn't buy Appleton 15 again. I bought it as a treat for myself and was pretty disappointed. Appleton 12 is nearly as good for ~$20-25 less. Makes a (very) good rum old fashioned, and works well in a mai tai blend, but not worth the price IMO.

Controversial opinion: Appleton Signature is over rated. 😅 just take the next step to Appleton 8 if you want Appleton, or just pick something more bold. Signature just doesnt have much personality, fine if youre just getting started by after a while its just take up space on the bar.

Bumbu is the name of a drink pirates would make during the Golden age. Much like Grog but with spices and sugar. So the name itself implies it's a flavored rum.

Taste changes and I‘ve bought enjoyed bottles I would regret buying today (like Zacapa). Then there are rums that I bought in my transition phase (bought some malteco, liked it and then disliked it as I evolved and the opposite with Myers od, even though I’m still not the biggest fan of it). But there is just one full bottle that I regretted buying throughout: Plantation Original Dark. I just don’t get the hype about it.

Coruba.

😊

did i see a Bundy, hiding bottom left? Why was it NOT on your list?

Great video but the title is a bit confusing because the rums that you showed aren’t really bad just not good for the money… I would only change that

Two biggest regrets: Dead man fingers: Taste like perfume to me, and I don't mean the taste of the smell of a perfume, I mean literally the chemical and toxic taste of a perfume liquid. Bacardi 8yo: taste like acetone.

El dorado 5 isnt compareable to most other rums bc it’s specifically Demerara sp u cant compare it to Appleton 8 or foursquare

Exactly. Mt gay eclipse is overrated. People say its "the best rum in the world and im like, not even the best in Barbados. It's got way too much burn, even for mix drinks. A lot of bars here use myers rum, and I would use it to cook with. Again harsh and it has that jamacian funkyness. Not something a bar should have as their go to dark rum.

Bacardi Gold and Bacardi Superior. I'll do Superior in a cocktail if that's all there is, but Bacardi overall just has never done it for me. And goodness, Flor de Cana 7 isn't disgusting, but that bitter alcohol profile is hard to love.

The taste splits the people,.some luv THE don papa,.some hate it,..

I bought the carupano 18 rum, it had a best rum in the world tag, I regret it deeply. It tastes like werthers candies to me, just not a fan at all.

Meyers white is pretty much useless in my opinion, yeah it's cheap but what are we doing here, ya know? Glad that you got to Bumbu here, I've been eyeing it but am not a spiced rum guy, skipping for sure now

Worst rum was abuelo 12 . I ended up using it up in rum punch.

Spent £40 on Hoxton banana rum, tasted bad imo

For me it's Old Monk. Would never buy again. As soon as I opened the bottle, all I could smell was vanilla; vanilla; and more vanilla. The pallet was exactly the same, all I could taste was vanilla. Now, if you love vanilla then Old Monk is for you. Not for me though. I agree with you with the Bumbu. Not really a fan. Disagree with El Dorado 5 year though. But then I am a Demerara distillery fan boy. Navy rums and Guyanese rums are my jam!

For me it was the Brugal Extra Viejo. It was so bad I poured it down the drain.

Ha ha! Bumbu rum £30+ a bottle for a crappy rum with 50gms of sugars/additives added per litre to change the crappy flavour profile to super sweet and silky mouthfeel which kids people into thinking they have a quality rum for the money!

Damn, I can't believe these are all worse than Bacardi Carta Blanca Superior :P

My biggest regret, Bumbu

i buy bumbu for 21$

People of the west don't know what a true cheap rum (polmos galeon) experience is

Hi Steve the Bumbu rum is over priced because it’s linked to American rappers so it’s a fake rich drink.

Mount Gay is the worst rum I've tried this year by a mile!

Worlds End Dark spiced - is more like Jägermeister than a Rum

Bum bu it’s branded by Lil Wayne

The Havana 7 hurt 😂

Ir's Plantation Isle of Fiji for me

Pacto Navio - it really does nothing for me

The strryk not rum was horrendousssss

BrewDog Hand Made Spiced Rum is the worst I've ever tried. Such a shame.