You may not know it, but today is a very important day. Yes, it is important because it is Friday, but it is also National Rum Day (lucky coincidence, eh?). Many people hear the word “rum” and think of a relatively cheap party booze, used for island cocktails. Others think of the sweet liquor that pirates are known to indulge in. However, as the category continues to grow, you should know that rum doesn’t always have to be sweet, and there are current brands on the market that offer a more dry, balanced and sophisticated flavor. One such brand is Brugal, a rum that calls itself “Refreshingly Dry.” We were able to get our hands on a couple bottles of their top two marques, and here is what we found:
When you first take a sip of the Extra Dry, the first thought you have is that this is not like any rum you are used to, especially white rum. It has a very distinct flavor and dry profile that you’ll notice right away. The Extra Dry enters your taste buds very clean and smooth, making it a great rum to drink on the rocks, and ends quite dry with a lingering finish. Our tasters said they detected mild vanilla and coconut flavors, but nothing overpowering like other sweet rums. When it comes to using the Extra Dry in cocktails, the main benefit is that the dry profile provides a very versatile option that works to make drinks crisper, more balanced and refreshing. It’s a transparent rum in every sense of the word, and we can’t hide that it’s a great value, as well.
Suggest Retail Price: $19.99
Alcohol By Volume: 40%
Once again, the 1888 surprises you with how unlike other aged rums it is. Brugal prides itself in their careful cask aging process, and it definitely pays off here. Like the Extra Dry, it is dry and not sweet, and is very rich and full-bodied. It is a rum that whiskey lovers can enjoy. Give it the sniff test and you may detect some spicy notes and hints of cocoa, coffee and cinnamon. It goes down smooth and leaves a slightly sweet, long lasting aftertaste. The color is a very nice dark amber that is bright and clean. Although you could use the 1888 for cocktails, we recommend sipping on its own or with ice, much like a quality whiskey.
Suggested Retail Price: $49.99
Alcohol By Volume: 40%
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