Cigar Geeks

Hey all - I like my alcohol mixed with something a little sweeter - so when I mix my rum up, I go with Pepsi and Bacardi 151.

I don't use a lot of alcohol since I have found that the older I get the more it makes me headachy in the morning even without even getting buzzed. I use a shot and a half with a 24 ounce drink, but with the 151, you get a really nice flavor and a little warmth that goes very well with a 'gar.

If you get a cigar that sometimes comes on a little stronger than you like with the pepper at first, a sip of this will tend to mellow that out on the tongue producing a nice mixture of the flavors instead of leaving you with the burn/tingle if you don't want as much of that.

I have smoked mild to full with this drink and really don't find it drowning my cigars out. If I want more of the cigar taste, I just adjust the sip to puff ratio down and I get more of the 'gar and less of the rum. The sweet of the Pepsi mixed with the bite and flavor of the rum really adds a pleasant accent to my smoking experience - went REALLY well with an Obsidian, oscuro and maduro wrappers as well.

Just my .02 :)

Pairing our cigars with the right libation can make even the most unruliest cigar so much better.  Rum is a good equalizer when it comes to peppery type cigars and I've been a major fan of Amarula that goes with any cigar there is...it coats the mouth with a nice cream and once the cigar smoke hits...excellent combination.

I love to pair my maduro cigars with Kraken (black spiced rum) with Dr. Pepper. It makes for a great pairing with a cigar.

Makes sense that a cuba libre goes great with a stogie as well I guess. Rum and cigars are indeed a very great pair, though like you, I like mine with a cola or a soda and plenty of ice! :drinking:

Lately I've been enjoying Polar Dry Orange Soda (I like the diet variety) infused with a shot of spiced rum.  The light citrus flavor (not sweet) and rum really compliment a cigar and cleanse the palate.

Big Smoke in Vegas is coming up.  Sunday will have a presentation called "Rum-bunctious" on pairing rum with cigars.  Looking forward to it.

If you like spiced rum, try Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum. So Good.

Kraken is my new favorite with coke, but Sailor Jerry is also great.

Not only getting an education on Cigars on this site, but rums as well. How in the heck can you beat that twofer? :)

QuotePuffinDaPuros - 9/12/2012  12:49 PM

Not only getting an education on Cigars on this site, but rums as well. How in the heck can you beat that twofer? :)

You ain't seen 'nuthin yet!  Wait until Bob shows up and teaches us all about the kinds of women we should avoid.   :biggrin:

My favorites with coke are Kraken and Sailor Jerry.  If I am going to have rum on its own I prefer Goslings Black Seal if I want something dark, or Sailor Jerry or Cap Morgan's Private Reserve if I want something sweet.

Also, I have at my place a bottle of Pyrat that Rebecca infused with vanilla bean and Ceylon cinnamon.  That is a real treat.

QuoteBrlesq - 9/12/2012  12:53 PM

QuotePuffinDaPuros - 9/12/2012  12:49 PM

Not only getting an education on Cigars on this site, but rums as well. How in the heck can you beat that twofer? :)

You ain't seen 'nuthin yet!  Wait until Bob shows up and teaches us all about the kinds of women we should avoid.   :biggrin:

Well now - I WOULD say something about already being too late for that as well, but then my wife would kick my ass, I'd get all embarrassed and y'all would get a huge laugh at my expense. Soooooooooooo..... I won't say that ;)

 :angel:  :whistle:  :kickyou:  :hityou:  :beatup:

I recently discovered Ron Matusalem Gran Reserva 15 rum. It is made in the Dominican using an old Cuban recipe and technique. And, as the good Lord said on the seventh day, "it is good." For my palate, I find it pairs best with Habano and Corojo, but it works well with almost any decent cigar. I sip the rum neat, because it would be every kind of wrong to pollute it with soda.  Matusalem also makes a Gran Reserva 18, but I haven't tried that yet.  If you love rum and you want to try something special, this is one I would highly recommended.

3 Words for rum, Zaya, Zaya and more Zaya

Ok - so where do you find all these wild concoctions? It's been so long since I've visited the ABC store - do they actually carry those?

If you have access to a good quality liquor store then I suspect you'll be surprised at all the things you can find these days.  As far as rum is concerned, It's my first love when it comes to spirits, but lately I've been on a Rye kick.  Just picked up a bottle of Sazerac Rye that I had special ordered day before yesterday.  I'm thinking about sipping a bit of that when I get home in the morning after work.   :dancing:

I always follow the K.I.S.S. method. If you are enjoying a Nicaragua cigar, why not try a Flor de Cana (slow aged rum) mojito:

Ingredients
-1 1/2 oz Flor de Caña 4 Year White Rum
-1 tbsp superfine sugar
-lime wedges
-4 sprigs of fresh mint

Man - I hadn't even heard of most of these rums ::grin::  I'm taking notes

Quote87North - 9/12/2012  11:29 PM  If you have access to a good quality liquor store then I suspect you'll be surprised at all the things you can find these days.  As far as rum is concerned, It's my first love when it comes to spirits, but lately I've been on a Rye kick.  Just picked up a bottle of Sazerac Rye that I had special ordered day before yesterday.  I'm thinking about sipping a bit of that when I get home in the morning after work.   :dancing:

Problem is - I'm in a state with an ABC - and they don't always have the brands that are out of the ordinary - especially in smaller towns. I'll have to cruise by one to see - we're heading out in a bit so I might just do that.

That is one advantage of being in California.  We are pretty much deregulated when it comes to alcohol.  

We have no ABC stores.  Instead, we can just go down to the local BevMo where they have ~2,000 various spirits and ~2,500 different wines in stock, .

QuotePuffinDaPuros - 9/12/2012  10:14 PM

Ok - so where do you find all these wild concoctions? It's been so long since I've visited the ABC store - do they actually carry those?

I can assure you they have Sailor Jerry and Kracken, I have picked them both up there before, and they do have a walk in humidor in the ABC's I have been into, infact was there today!

QuoteDonM - 9/14/2012  4:20 PM  

QuotePuffinDaPuros - 9/12/2012  10:14 PM  Ok - so where do you find all these wild concoctions? It's been so long since I've visited the ABC store - do they actually carry those?

I can assure you they have Sailor Jerry and Kracken, I have picked them both up there before, and they do have a walk in humidor in the ABC's I have been into, infact was there today!

Is that the ones where you live or in VA? and you know, I plumb forgot to go there

Argh.

 Ah well - next time I go to town maybe I'll remember :-)

 

I'm not counting on it though LOL

QuoteBigTA - 9/12/2012  7:13 PM

3 Words for rum, Zaya, Zaya and more Zaya

^This.  

For you Zaya lovers out there, try adding a slice of lime (squeeze some lime juice into the glass as well).  It makes the Zaya a whole new drink that goes amazingly well with a good stick.

QuotePuffinDaPuros - 9/14/2012  9:17 PM

QuoteDonM - 9/14/2012  4:20 PM  

QuotePuffinDaPuros - 9/12/2012  10:14 PM  Ok - so where do you find all these wild concoctions? It's been so long since I've visited the ABC store - do they actually carry those?

I can assure you they have Sailor Jerry and Kracken, I have picked them both up there before, and they do have a walk in humidor in the ABC's I have been into, infact was there today!

Is that the ones where you live or in VA? and you know, I plumb forgot to go there

Argh.

 Ah well - next time I go to town maybe I'll remember :-)

 

I'm not counting on it though LOL

Next time you are in Roanoke, check out the ABC.  Even some of the crumby ones in Richmond have Matusalem.  Sailor Jerry and Krakken are everywhere.

QuotePuffinDaPuros - 9/14/2012  9:17 PM

QuoteDonM - 9/14/2012  4:20 PM  

QuotePuffinDaPuros - 9/12/2012  10:14 PM  Ok - so where do you find all these wild concoctions? It's been so long since I've visited the ABC store - do they actually carry those?

I can assure you they have Sailor Jerry and Kracken, I have picked them both up there before, and they do have a walk in humidor in the ABC's I have been into, infact was there today!

Is that the ones where you live or in VA? and you know, I plumb forgot to go there

Argh.

 Ah well - next time I go to town maybe I'll remember :-)

 

I'm not counting on it though LOL

In looking into it further the ABC liquors here is a chain speciific to FL

http://www.abcfws.com/

Another place to check out is Total Wines, they have a little bit of everything.

Don't do much of the hard stuff. Never have. I've always been more of beer man myself. I have found that I like a good cup of lightly sweetend cup of black coffee with my smokes.

check out

www.rumgallery.com

no cigar pairing discussion but some excellent rum info and reviews to help you decide what you may like...and why.

Hello Brothers of the Leaf: Sipping a good aged rum,straight, I prrefer Havana Club or a good Venezuelanlike Aniversario,
                                       accompanied by good maduro,Perdomo Habano,Henry Clay or similar, is a real luxury,specially
                                       following a steak dinner. Try it

Just had some Black Seal with a Cohiba Corona Especial.  Very nice.

MMM rum.  I like either a ron zacapa 23 or a ron centenario XX with just a single ice cube or kraken with a little agave and limes-shake with some ice and splash of water-mmmmmmmmmm

wolfeman

I am a dirty :spammer: (this message edited by Hot Stuff x)   :spamcan:

I just love getting educated by spammers...  :rolleyes:

QuotePAPI RICO - 12/18/2012  7:22 PM

Hello Brothers of the Leaf: Sipping a good aged rum,straight, I prrefer Havana Club or a good Venezuelanlike Aniversario,
                                       accompanied by good maduro,Perdomo Habano,Henry Clay or similar, is a real luxury,specially
                                       following a steak dinner. Try it

Havana Club also Caney is good

Wow ! The combination of Rum & Cigars together is tremendous.... I had it once. Wanna experience it again in future. Pray...

Ok, so I'm raising this thread from the dead because I've been on a rum kick lately. I'm normally a whisky guy but rum makes a great pairing with a cigar. I don't mix my rum, unless you count a single ice cube as mixing :)

My current favorites:
Matusalem Clasico 10 - Great, cheap rum. I can get it for under $20/bottle at the grocery store and you can't beat it for the price
Zaya - Speaks for itself
Zacapa 15 - Good but at the price point I'd probably grab a whisky
Zacapa XO - Holy wow is this stuff good. I was recently gifted a bottle and it is easily the single best rum I've ever had. The downside is that at ~$100/bottle, I won't be buying this very often

I'm not really a fan of spiced rums or the standard Bacardi stuff. I burned myself out on those at Auburn

I've been known to drink a little rum.


My favorites:
Ron Zacapa 23 - The best I've tried, but I haven't had the opportunity to try the XO or any other super expensive rums.
Zaya - Almost as good as the RZ23 at a cheaper price point.
Gosling's Black Seal - Cheaper and less smooth, but I still enjoy it with an ice cube or two.

Sailor Jerry's - My favorite for rum & coke.

Quotenwb - 5/22/2014  9:50 AM

I've been known to drink a little rum.


My favorites:
Ron Zacapa 23 - The best I've tried, but I haven't had the opportunity to try the XO or any other super expensive rums.
Zaya - Almost as good as the RZ23 at a cheaper price point.
Gosling's Black Seal - Cheaper and less smooth, but I still enjoy it with an ice cube or two.

Sailor Jerry's - My favorite for rum & coke.

I'll have to try the Gosling's Black Seal.

The Zacapa XO is so thick it's practically pours like a syrup. So good.  :rocker:

I am really digging the bottle of Diplomatico Reserva that I picked up for $22 last week.  Aged 8 years and really smooth, a tad lighter than Zaya or Zacapa, but with all the same great taste.  I've had the Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva in the past, but it is at the same price point with Zacapa, so Zacapa wins that battle.  But when the Reserva is half that price, we have a new contender!

Thanks for the tip, Bruce.  That may be my next purchase.

QuoteBrlesq - 5/22/2014  10:02 AM

I am really digging the bottle of Diplomatico Reserva that I picked up for $22 last week.  Aged 8 years and really smooth, a tad lighter than Zaya or Zacapa, but with all the same great taste.  I've had the Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva in the past, but it is at the same price point with Zacapa, so Zacapa wins that battle.  But when the Reserva is half that price, we have a new contender!

Another new to me rum to try. Picking up all kinds of info today :)

If you can find it and don't mind putting out the cash, Appleton 21 year is excellent; had some with a Davidoff Nicaragua, an excellent pairing.

Quotenwb - 5/22/2014  9:50 AM

I've been known to drink a little rum.


My favorites:
Ron Zacapa 23 - The best I've tried, but I haven't had the opportunity to try the XO or any other super expensive rums.
Zaya - Almost as good as the RZ23 at a cheaper price point.
Gosling's Black Seal - Cheaper and less smooth, but I still enjoy it with an ice cube or two.

Sailor Jerry's - My favorite for rum & coke.

I hear that Zacapa XO is pretty good.  :-)

QuoteLonghorn - 5/22/2014  11:30 AM

Quotenwb - 5/22/2014  9:50 AM

I've been known to drink a little rum.


My favorites:
Ron Zacapa 23 - The best I've tried, but I haven't had the opportunity to try the XO or any other super expensive rums.
Zaya - Almost as good as the RZ23 at a cheaper price point.
Gosling's Black Seal - Cheaper and less smooth, but I still enjoy it with an ice cube or two.

Sailor Jerry's - My favorite for rum & coke.

I hear that Zacapa XO is pretty good.  :-)

If I have any left at the next gathering, I'll bring it over. :singing:

QuoteFeldenak - 5/22/2014  11:33 AM

QuoteLonghorn - 5/22/2014  11:30 AM

Quotenwb - 5/22/2014  9:50 AM

I've been known to drink a little rum.


My favorites:
Ron Zacapa 23 - The best I've tried, but I haven't had the opportunity to try the XO or any other super expensive rums.
Zaya - Almost as good as the RZ23 at a cheaper price point.
Gosling's Black Seal - Cheaper and less smooth, but I still enjoy it with an ice cube or two.

Sailor Jerry's - My favorite for rum & coke.

I hear that Zacapa XO is pretty good.  :-)

If I have any left at the next gathering, I'll bring it over. :singing:

You're on!

QuoteJackal - 5/22/2014  10:11 AM

If you can find it and don't mind putting out the cash, Appleton 21 year is excellent; had some with a Davidoff Nicaragua, an excellent pairing.

This..... :bigthumbs:  I was gifted a bottle awhile back. I swear that I get a taste of Werther's Original Caramel Hard Candies on the finish.

Quotewlfwalleye - 5/22/2014  11:39 AM

QuoteJackal - 5/22/2014  10:11 AM

If you can find it and don't mind putting out the cash, Appleton 21 year is excellent; had some with a Davidoff Nicaragua, an excellent pairing.

This..... :bigthumbs:  I was gifted a bottle awhile back. I swear that I get a taste of Werther's Original Caramel Hard Candies on the finish.

Ok, you guys are killing me. A third rum to try?

This thread is like Pandora's Box.... :-(

Quotenwb - 5/22/2014  12:20 PM

This thread is like Pandora's Box.... :-(

 :drinking:

I am taking notes I will have to check one of these out.

REMEMBER GEEKS:  Don't drink rum and bid on the devil site.

QuoteBrlesq - 5/22/2014  1:07 PM

REMEMBER GEEKS:  Don't drink rum and bid on the devil site.

I try to stay away from the devil site...well, I'll check out Free Fall every now and again    :shamebag:

for around $30, El Dorado 12 yr (Guyana) is excellent. Just a bit less sweet than Zaya and Zacapa 23 which sometimes dominate cigars so I find it goes better with cigars, particularly maddies.

There are quite a few surprisingly fine rums for sipping available for short money. I am a true bourbon man, enjoy a few scotches (not peated), but it is hard to beat the value that rum offers for non-mixing drinkers.

Check out www.rumgallery.com for some good info.

Quotefrankj1 - 5/22/2014  10:28 PM
There are quite a few surprisingly fine rums for sipping available for short money.

Yes, there are, and that is one reason I tend to gravitate toward rum.  It leaves more money for cigars. :biggrin:

Quotenwb - 5/23/2014  8:56 AM

Quotefrankj1 - 5/22/2014  10:28 PM
There are quite a few surprisingly fine rums for sipping available for short money.

Yes, there are, and that is one reason I tend to gravitate toward rum.  It leaves more money for cigars. :biggrin:

Yes, that is one of my considerations as well. I also tend to make a move towards rum as the weather warms up.

Quotenwb - 5/23/2014  5:56 AM

Quotefrankj1 - 5/22/2014  10:28 PM
There are quite a few surprisingly fine rums for sipping available for short money.

Yes, there are, and that is one reason I tend to gravitate toward rum.  It leaves more money for cigars. :biggrin:

but there are also some great ones for more $$$!
after a long search, found a bottle of Dos Maderas 5 + 5, $40. Was looking for 5 + 3 (heard it's about $30) but seems to be unavailable near Boston...so far.

The 5 + 5 goes straight to the top of my favorites...

see the review at www.rumgallery.com and look under whatever column shows aged 10 years. For 5 + 3 look under the list that includes aged 8 years (duh!). Very intesting story of these Spanish/Carribbean rums, part of the process involves Spanish Jerez/sherry barrels. also a great site to learn about many others.

Frank

Myers rum... Dark and tasty. Pina coladas made with white rum and then put a Myers shooter on top. Myers and Squirt.

I haven't had it in a while but Appleton Estate is a nice rum.  Its not as expensive as the 21 yr that Jackal referenced but its still a very enjoyable rum.

Quotefrankj1 - 10/15/2014  11:12 PM
after a long search, found a bottle of Dos Maderas 5 + 5, $40. Was looking for 5 + 3 (heard it's about $30) but seems to be unavailable near Boston...so far.

The 5 + 5 goes straight to the top of my favorites...

I'll add it to the list.  Thanks for the recommendation!

For a relatively inexpensive dark, it is hard to go wrong with the Kraken.

Don Q Anejo is an excellent rum for the price.  But I've said before and still say Don Q Gran Anejo is the best sipping rum I have ever had.  If you can find it, try it at least once.  It's amazing, and great with cigars.

I love my spiced rum, Cpt Morgan, Kracken, Sailor Jerry all are my everyday rums

Quotempurtle01 - 10/16/2014  2:39 PM

Don Q Anejo is an excellent rum for the price.  But I've said before and still say Don Q Gran Anejo is the best sipping rum I have ever had.  If you can find it, try it at least once.  It's amazing, and great with cigars.

ah, a new challenge...!

Reading this old thread all day and all I had on my mind was rum!

Having some Zaya with a 2007 BBF tonight.

Ahhhhhhhh Bruce, That sounds like a good night to me....Love the Zaya as well as the Pyrat....

QuoteBrlesq - 10/16/2014  4:00 PM

Reading this old thread all day and all I had on my mind was rum!

Having some Zaya with a 2007 BBF tonight.

nice combo.
I just finished a VR Unico Nov 08 and a Dos Maderas.

10 Cane is also a good clear rum, especially with a cigar.  On the spiced end, got a buddy who swears by Admiral Nelsons and Root Beer. Sounds bad, but actually tastes good (and AN is cheap). Not so sure whether an Admiral trumps a Cappy in this case though.

Matter of fact, I'm having an LP #9 Belicioso with some Don Q Gran Anejo right now...   the best pairing I've ever had.

Quotefrankj1 - 5/22/2014  7:28 PM

for around $30, El Dorado 12 yr (Guyana) is excellent. Just a bit less sweet than Zaya and Zacapa 23 which sometimes dominate cigars so I find it goes better with cigars, particularly maddies.

There are quite a few surprisingly fine rums for sipping available for short money. I am a true bourbon man, enjoy a few scotches (not peated), but it is hard to beat the value that rum offers for non-mixing drinkers.

Check out www.rumgallery.com for some good info.

The El Dorado sounds worth checking out. Have you tried the Zafra 21 YO from Panama? It came highly recommended by smokers at the IPCPR.

Quotes+j - 12/5/2014  11:32 PM

Quotefrankj1 - 5/22/2014  7:28 PM

for around $30, El Dorado 12 yr (Guyana) is excellent. Just a bit less sweet than Zaya and Zacapa 23 which sometimes dominate cigars so I find it goes better with cigars, particularly maddies.

There are quite a few surprisingly fine rums for sipping available for short money. I am a true bourbon man, enjoy a few scotches (not peated), but it is hard to beat the value that rum offers for non-mixing drinkers.

Check out www.rumgallery.com for some good info.

The El Dorado sounds worth checking out. Have you tried the Zafra 21 YO from Panama? It came highly recommended by smokers at the IPCPR.

I have not! Will look into it, thank you.
Just finished a dos maderas 5 + 5 with a RASCC...beautiful.

Quotes+j - 12/5/2014  11:32 PM

Quotefrankj1 - 5/22/2014  7:28 PM

for around $30, El Dorado 12 yr (Guyana) is excellent. Just a bit less sweet than Zaya and Zacapa 23 which sometimes dominate cigars so I find it goes better with cigars, particularly maddies.

There are quite a few surprisingly fine rums for sipping available for short money. I am a true bourbon man, enjoy a few scotches (not peated), but it is hard to beat the value that rum offers for non-mixing drinkers.

Check out www.rumgallery.com for some good info.

The El Dorado sounds worth checking out. Have you tried the Zafra 21 YO from Panama? It came highly recommended by smokers at the IPCPR.

wow! check out this review from the guru...http://www.rumgallery.com/zafra-master-reserve.html
a perfect 10!

I haven't tried most of the rums mentioned but I love Pyrat and Rhum Barbancourt 4,8 & 15. I've had Zaya and wasn't impressed though I did get a 1L for $25.

Appleton Estate Reserve is an another excellent, fairly inexpensive rum.  It is a blend of 20 different rums, with the youngest being an 8 year.  Nice complexity and very smooth.

We finally are getting The Kracken here in The Land of Morning Calm and Limited Selection of Spirits -- I need to give that one a try.  I also noticed they have about 4 varieties of Capt. Morgan now -- Original, Black, White, and one other one, maybe Private Stock.   Only rarely do we get any rums that are near the top shelf.   Anyone tried that Capt. Morgan White Rum?

Had Bacardi 8 with an Ashton VSG Sorcerer last night.  Very good pairing.  Bacardi 8 is a very good rum for the price.

QuoteHot Stuff x - 12/8/2014  12:40 AM

We finally are getting The Kracken here in The Land of Morning Calm and Limited Selection of Spirits -- I need to give that one a try.  I also noticed they have about 4 varieties of Capt. Morgan now -- Original, Black, White, and one other one, maybe Private Stock.   Only rarely do we get any rums that are near the top shelf.   Anyone tried that Capt. Morgan White Rum?

I used to drink the white/ silver with coke.  It is an ok white, nothing special (about equal with Don Q and a lot smoother than Bacardi white) .  The Private Reserve is a decent sipping rum.

I also chose a Partagas. But knowing I wouldn't last too long even at the end of my heated garage with the door open I went with a Party Short. Needless to say, great combo.
Thanks again.

Frank

too lazy to reread the thread, hoping I never mentioned...

Lost Spirits Distillery (Monterrey County) Navy Style Rum, cask strength 68% abv!!!
Buckle up, this stuff is lethal. Also, do not exhale near an open flame. you've been warned.

worth reading about the distillery, amazing rum, most will likely want to add water to proof it down.

whoa!!

and from the same distillery, Lost Spirits, had their Cuban Inspired 151 proof...WOW! This should not be the first rum you try.
Very interesting story going on there, just learned they make a single malt American Whisky (whiskey?)

Frank

Plantation 2001 (Jamaica) Old Reserve w/HDM Epi #2

Mount Gay Black Barrel, $24.99, & Mount Gay XO, $39.99, at Bevmo; not cheap, but excellent with a variety of cigars.

My first experience with aged rum and cigars.I tried an Arturo Fuente Gran Reserva Churchill Maduro with an El Dorado 12yr. It was good.Will visit it again. :-)

Enjoying some Havana Club 7 years Anejo with a Cohiba Behike right now.

QuoteJackal - 12/8/2014  1:25 PM

QuoteHot Stuff x - 12/8/2014  12:40 AM

We finally are getting The Kracken here in The Land of Morning Calm and Limited Selection of Spirits -- I need to give that one a try.  I also noticed they have about 4 varieties of Capt. Morgan now -- Original, Black, White, and one other one, maybe Private Stock.   Only rarely do we get any rums that are near the top shelf.   Anyone tried that Capt. Morgan White Rum?

I used to drink the white/ silver with coke.  It is an ok white, nothing special (about equal with Don Q and a lot smoother than Bacardi white) .  The Private Reserve is a decent sipping rum.

We drink it all the time up here in The GWN.Usually mix it with Coke.I have never tried it neat.

Newbie here, resurrecting an old thread... I just found this and was looking for a good rum to pair with a cigar.  I'm pretty cheap with my alcohol since I tend to drink it all very quickly and I save the money for cigars.  So based on re-reading this thread, it sounded like Zaya Gran Reserva was the winner.  So I was checking Total Wine website from work before taking my lunch to pick up a bottle and read the following review.  Can anyone that recommended it so strongly years ago confirm if it is still a good recommendation?  I think I will pick something else for today, but will come back to this later if so.

On the Total Wine website, I read this review for it:
Not what it used to be
Sometime in 2016, possibly late 2015, Zaya changed the quality of this Rum. The old type of bottle said "Aged 12 Years" on the bottle's medallion and "12 Year Old" on the main label. Newer bottles just say "Blend of 12 Aged Rums" on the main label.
The old version was a five star value for its price. Not only is the newer version not even close, but the price increased around the same time. Shame.

I like El Dorado 12 yr and 15 yr...but they are different animals against each other. The Havana Club Anejo
7year is okay, but I prefer others. Botran and Diplimatico are both good as well.

El Dorado 12 is actually what I picked up.  I'm new to sipping rum, which is a same since my nickname since the Army is Captain Morgan (last name is Morgan, and I drank a lot while in the Army).  Or maybe thats WHY I have only really drank Captain or the like.  I have always been a scotch or bourbon man.  But when I found this thread, it kind of made a good point... rum and cigars.  I need to try it, lol.  I'm looking forward to trying it and will report back here.  Thanks for the feedback.

........just sippin' on Captain Morgan........and enjoying another Flathead......

Lemon Hart 151 is the only rum I drink. neat or with Coca Cola

If you want a decent sipping rum for a good price, give R.L. Seale a try.

Quoteklamm143 - 5/2/2017  6:47 PM

........just sippin' on Captain Morgan........and enjoying another Flathead......

Get your dirty lips off me!  And I can't wait to try a flathead.  Just got one, but usually let mail order sticks rest, especially the ones I'm excited about. (Just came in this weekend).  I love CAO Gold Maduro and CAO Sopranos.  Also cant wait to try Consigliere. Hope its as good as i remember,  cause i MIGHT have been a little drinky when I had the Sopranos.

Quotetgs679 - 5/2/2017  6:57 PM

Lemon Hart 151 is the only rum I drink. neat or with Coca Cola

I'll have to check that out, but not for smoking.  I try to stay away from mixers while smoking and 151 is probably a little too much for me to sip, lol.

QuoteJackal - 5/2/2017  7:02 PM

If you want a decent sipping rum for a good price, give R.L. Seale a try.

Will add this one also, lol.  Because ok...HOW ON EARTH have I been missing out on this?  I guess I dismissed rum after my younger days of drinking cheap stuff.  Never got into fine spirits until I discovered scotch, then dabbled a little in bourbon. (But not nearly as much)  This El Dorado 12 yo is outstanding!  Paired it with a RyJ Vintage tonight and the rum is the main event, lol.  I will admit it is getting a little sweet though.  I think it is great, but I might have poured a bit much.  Anyone ever switch in mid cigar for 2 different experiences?  Think I'll see how 1st half is with rum and 2nd half with scotch...

Drank some El Dorado 12 again last night and this time it seemed even sweeter, straight from the start.  I liked the "character" or "complexity" (big words for me), but not how sweet it was, especially after a few sips.  So, out of all these great suggestions, which one still has the flavors, but not the syruppy sweetness?  Kind of like a scotch or bourbon I guess? Still has flavor, but isn't like a cordial.  Not that I expect it to TASTE like scotch or bourbon... I hope I'm getting my point across.

Wow almost a year to the day....

This Diplomatico has piqued my curiosity, it sounds like a nice sipper.  Anyone drinking it on a regular basis?

QuoteSilverstix - 5/4/2018  5:17 PM

Wow almost a year to the day....

This Diplomatico has piqued my curiosity, it sounds like a nice sipper.  Anyone drinking it on a regular basis?

I am! A bit sweeter than how I usually like my rum, but still one of my absolute favourites. Definitely a sipper, and great with almost any medium to full cigars, too.

QuoteSavonian - 5/4/2018  12:14 PM  

QuoteSilverstix - 5/4/2018  5:17 PM  Wow almost a year to the day....  This Diplomatico has piqued my curiosity, it sounds like a nice sipper.  Anyone drinking it on a regular basis?

I am! A bit sweeter than how I usually like my rum, but still one of my absolute favourites. Definitely a sipper, and great with almost any medium to full cigars, too.

 

So tempted to go buy a bottle tonight after work....I've really tried giving scotch and bourbon a chance but it just does not agree with me 

I just tried the diplomatico last week and really liked it.  I actually found it less sweet than a few others (El Dorado, Zacapa) and a little "spicier".  Still on the sweeter side as it is rum and not scotch or bourbon, but really enjoyed the flavor.  Haven't had a chance to try it with a cigar yet though.

Went to my local liquor store but they didn't have it.  Picked up a little sample bottle of the Sailor Jerry, poured it with an ice cube.  Was not terrible by any means, but I'm still on the hunt for diplomatico

My go to is Cpt Morgan Private Stock.  Great stuff, by blood pressure don't like it so I take it in small doses  :biggrin:

If you get a chance try Zaya rum.I have drank the El Dorado Rum in the 12,15 and 20 and I find This better.

Quoteappollo - 5/7/2018  10:01 PM

If you get a chance try Zaya rum.I have drank the El Dorado Rum in the 12,15 and 20 and I find This better.

I'm  a fan of the El Dorado Rums so I will give the Zaya a go and see what's what  :biggrin:

may have listed before but worth reposting...

Dos Maderas 5+ 5

originates in Guyana and/or Barbados then ships to Jerez, Spain for more barrel aging (assume sherry).
Great sipper, with or without a cigar.

saw a bottle of 3 + 2...maybe the 5 + 5 is the top of the line?

I was never much of a rum guy. I prefer bourbon or tequila.

I liked the El Dorado and Zacapa, but really loved the Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva.  Found it went better with a cigar than the El Dorado, which was great, but a little too sweet to pair with a cigar IMO.  The Diplomatico is definitely sweet, but has a little more character to me.

QuoteChefjohn - 8/18/2018  9:07 AM

I was never much of a rum guy. I prefer bourbon or tequila.

I also prefer bourbon

QuoteCap10_Morgan - 8/18/2018  4:09 PM

I liked the El Dorado and Zacapa, but really loved the Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva.  Found it went better with a cigar than the El Dorado, which was great, but a little too sweet to pair with a cigar IMO.  The Diplomatico is definitely sweet, but has a little more character to me.

agree.
also like another Venezuelan rum, Pampero Anniversario.