Spirit Review: Rhum Barbancourt

I have to admit to never being much of a believer in "sipping rum." Over the years, I have enjoyed rum in mixed drinks like a Rum & Coke or a Mojito, but the few times I tried sipping it straight (from cheap Bacardi to expensive Pyrat) it just did nothing for me. The sugary-sweet flavors of most rums tended to overpower most cigars. The only rum I had previously enjoyed sipping was Whaler's, especially their Rare Dark Reserve. Add to that the fact that most rums classified as "sipping rums" cost as much or more than a good bourbon and I was just never interested in taking the chance...after all, I love a good bourbon...who needs more?

I found this Rhum Barbancourt, 8 year, on sale at a local liquor store. I am not sure if it was a limited-time sale or a closeout, but the original price was listed in the mid-$20 range and I picked it up for less than $15. I figured for that price, it will either be a good sipping rum or a fairly price, but superior, mixer. Turns out the Barbancourt made me a believer in the concept of sipping rum.

When I opened the bottle, I got a heavy sugary aroma with some honey--not much different than most other rums I had had. When I poured it into my glass the aroma of honey was even stronger, but there were some aromatic spices, too, and a bit of alcohol vapors. The color was a beautiful amber that you would not find out of place on a darker Scotch or lighter Bourbon, but I cannot remember ever seeing a rum this color aside from Captain Morgan. The norm for rums is either clear or cola-dark brown. When swirled in the glass the legs of the liquor were very slow-moving, denoting a thick, viscous fluid that took forever to trail down the sides of the glass.

While I got a sugary aroma, when sipped it did not have nearly as much sweetness. Really, there was just enough to remind you that it was rum, but it seemed to have a lot in common with Bourbon and Scotch in body. I tried it with several cigars and found it to pair easily and well with anything in the mild to medium range, but not as well with more full-bodied sticks.

If, like me, you have had a problem with the idea of sipping rum, or if you already like a good sipping rum, but have not gotten around to trying this one yet, I highly recommend the 8 year expression of Rhum Barbancourt, especially if you can get a great deal on it like I did.