Picking The Perfect Rum

With tequila and bourbon stealing the spirits show in recent years, maybe it’s time to explore the often overlooked rum category. The cane spirit is so much more than the white rum found in basic drinks such as the Rum & Coke or Pina Colada. There’s a whole world of aged rums that rival fine whiskeys and rums made in different styles.

Where to start on your rum journey? Chase Lanier, beverage manager at The Bamboo Room Tiki Bar, in Savannah, GA, can help.

Lanier is considered by many as an expert in the versatile spirit of rum, or rather a rummelier — the rum equivalent of a wine sommelier, if you will. He has immersed himself in the rich history, types, and barrel ages of rums from around the globe.

The Bamboo Room’s drink menu showcases the diversity, unique flavor profiles, and possibilities of rum.

The Bamboo Room boasts a collection of over 200 rums and a drink menu that showcases the diversity, unique flavor profiles, and possibilities of the spirit. To make sure his guests experience the perfect rum for their taste buds, Lanier has come up with five questions to ask to find the perfect match.

Are you a whiskey drinker?

If you like bourbon, a rum from Barbados will be right up your alley, Lanier says. The Real McCoy 12 and Foursquare are highly regarded sippers and are mature, complex rums with spice notes and a warm, elegant finish.

Are you a tequila drinker?

Blanc rums from Martinique are a great fit for tequila lovers as they are more similar to tequila than whiskey and are of the highest quality with a unique flavor, Lanier explains. For those who enjoy reposado or añejo tequilas, Clement Rhum Select or Neisson Rhum Reserve are a perfect choice.

Do you like something sweet?

Plenty of rums will appeal to those seeking a sweeter taste profile. Lanier says that Ron Zacapa Centenario from Guatemala, Diplomático Rum from Venezuela, or Zaya Rum from Trinidad are a great start.

Looking for something to talk about?

Jamaican rum is famous for the funky flavor profile known as “hogo,” a term derived from the French “haut goût,” meaning high taste or flavor. In the context of rum, hogo describes a unique, sensory experience from the strong, funky flavor that is imparted upon rum, particularly those produced in Jamaica. If you want a unique rum that packs a punch and has layers of flavor, Lanier says the answer is a Hampden Estate Rum. 

Still not sure what you like?

Lanier recommends trying a blended rum. For example, Planteray, a rum brand from Maison Ferrand that was formerly known as Plantation, is sourced from areas throughout the Caribbean and their rums are thoughtfully blended and aged in Cognac casks for one to two years. Planteray has a pineapple rum that Lanier describes as a great entry point with subtle flavors that are sophisticated and not at all sweet. 

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