Contact Me
About Me
I have been writing reviews of distilled spirits for over 3 years now. It began when I posted a few mad ramblings on the Ministry of Rum which gave my views on a few of the more popular Rum Brands. Soon after those ramblings were published, I was contacted by the owner of a website called Rum Connection. He was wondering if I would be interested in writing a few reviews for his website. I decided to give it a try, and the result was my first published review:
Pusser’s 15 Review
The people at Rum Connection apparently liked what I wrote, and during the next year I published about 15 reviews for them.
Reviewing rum was so much fun that I decided to create my website, but not just for Rum. I made the decision that I would discuss all distilled spirits, and when I opened this website in October of 2009, I made sure I added a few Whisky Reviews, some Gin Reviews and a couple Tequila Reviews such that most of the major distilled spirit categories were represented. (Since opening the website, I have expanded the range to also include Vodka Reviews as well as Brandy and Cognac.) Although my focus is primarily upon Rum and Whisky, it is my belief that acquiring knowledge and skill with respect to all spirits serves to broaden my perspective and is beneficial to my over-all understanding of distilled spirits..
For what it is worth, people (and industry) seem to like what I write. Since opening the website, I have been asked to act as a judge at major International Rum Competitions, as well as for the yearly Canadian Whisky Awards. On occasion, I have also been asked to provide specialized consulting services to certain Vodka and Rum Producers to help assess the quality and marketability of their products. Having said all of that, I think it would be true to state that the reviews on this website represents more of a knowledgeable layman’s perspective than that of a professional taster.
I hope you enjoy my reviews and find value in them; but always remember that an opinion is just that, an opinion. Do not take my writing too seriously, for opinions vary and in the end, only you can really decide if a spirit gives you enjoyment. Use my reviews as a guide, but trust your own tastes and preferences as well.
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How to Contact Me
If you are a member of the spirits industry, and wish to see your spirit reviewed on the Rum Howler Blog, then here is where you should make your initial contact. My email address for such inquiries is:
MAIL.RUMHOWLER@GMAIL.COM
(Please Note: This email address indicated above is for industry and publishing contacts only. I will not respond to other inquiries. If you have questions or comments regarding my reviews, my recipes, or other matters relating to the blog then please use the comments section provided at the end of each article I publish.)
I will respond via email to make arrangements to obtain your sample. All spirits samples must be bottled and sealed in original packaging. I generally will not review a sample of less than 200 ml, although the preferred sample size is 500 ml to 750ml bottle.
Although I am located in Canada, I have made all of the appropriate arrangements to receive samples from the US and abroad.
If you are an advertiser or publisher and wish to use, or republish any of my materials (in full or in part) or have myself submit new material to you for publication, please be advised that all of my articles/reviews/photographs are protected by copyright. Please contact myself using the email address above.)
Please leave a short message regarding your inquiry. If you wish your contact request to be kept confidential, please indicate this in your email.
(Note: I sometimes receive comments and messages from persons who wish me to comment on the value of bottles of whisky and rum that they have in their possession. And from persons who wish to use my blog as a means to sell such bottles. Although I thank you for reading my blog, I cannot help you in these matters. My suggestion for you is to visit Whisky.com or the Ministry of Rum where it appears help in these matters may be provided.)
François said
Dear AW. Can’t get enough of your blog…
Some weeks earlier, I amsure that I read a review of Chivas Regal, but I cannot find it. Is my memory playing tricks? All the very best
Arctic Wolf said
It must have been somewhere else because i have not reviewed the Chivas Brand.
François said
I hope some day then! thanx, best regards
Tom Fahey said
Hi Chip:
I share your appreciation for all things “Forty Creek”, and was at the Forty Creek Distillery last weekend for a VIP Tasting, thanks to a gift from my son.
However, while I was there and discussing whisky stuff with the Forty Creek staff, the topic of a new Canadian whisky distillery just down the road in Beamsville – Dillon’s Small Batch Distillers – came up. The guys at Forty Creek had nothing but good things to say about Dillon’s.
So, the next day I had to take a little side trip to visit Dillon’s Sipping Room… had a wee taste of their three products for sale: vodka and gin (distilled from wine) and white rye (distilled from 100% Ontario rye). All three were very smooth, presenting very interesting to the nose & palate. The vodka and gin with a wine base have a unique flavour & aroma that you just need to taste. This will be a plus for my other son, who has developed an intolerance for both wheat and corn, so a spirit derived from grape should be okay for him to consume.
Anyway, I very much enjoy your blog, and thought I would drop a note and give you a heads up about the new distillery. The retail store opened last December. April 1 is the release date for their white rye at the LCBO. I think the gin will follow soon after, but not sure of the date. The white rye is priced comparable to Highland’s White Owl.
They have also laid down some casks of Canadian Rye Whisky that won’t be ready until 2015. Guess we’ll just have to wait patiently for the oak to work its magic.
Tom
Elmira, ON
Arctic Wolf said
Thanks for the information Tom
I wrote thew an email to introduce myself and asked for some press information. I am looking forward to seeing how this goes.
Chip
Sam said
hey mate! i live in australia, just started work at a liquor store and have been spending some time going through your reviews. really well written and quite helpful for someone with next to no knowledge about how to review such things. just wanted to say hello and thankyou. hope all has been well, and that you continue to keep up the great work!
Mike Z. said
I had the pleasure of attending a rum tasting here in Edmonton last night, hosted by Chip, the Rum Howler, himself; I would highly recommend attending any event that Chip is a part of. I really appreciated the sheer humility and honesty of his opinions, which is a breath of fresh air in the world of “expert reviewers / bloggers”. Chip never elevated his opinions above any of the attendees and genuinely encouraged the fact that rum shouldn’t be a spirit that holds rigid guidelines when it comes to tasting and bottling (albeit honestly must prevail).
Many thanks to you Arctic Wolf, for providing valuable insight into the history and culture of rum, and also, for providing a great example of how sheer enthusiasm and honesty can lead to great things.
Mike Z.
michael reid hunter said
Loving your reviews, especially of the Torres Jaime I brandy…wow
btw: I can’t wait till you run across and review the Van Winkle Family Reserve Rye Whiskey….a truly amazing American whiskey.
I am preferably a rum drinker, and love to winter with a snifter of brandy. I prefer the Spanish lush flavours over the stunning but dry cognacs. What is your favourite ‘sipping’ rum?
Arctic Wolf said
I am glad you like my reviews Mike. And yes the Torres Brandy is a stunner. I have been trying to make my way over to review more American Whisky, but it is always the same problem, too many spirits to review, too little time to get them all. My favourite sipping rum changes from day to day, and sometimes from hour to hour, but if you want to get a good idea of some of the best (in my humble opinion), check out this link.
The 2012 Rum Howler – Top 30 Rums
Bryno Frederico Macneilio said
Hello Chip. I’m going to the Dominican soon for my honeymoon and plan trying some DR rums. I’ve seen Cubaney mentioned here in high regard, but I’m curious if you know anything about Opthimus? So far on my list are Vizcayam Cubaney and Opthimus (not a fan of Bermudez or Don Armando ). Any other suggestions (opinions) are appreciated.
Arctic Wolf said
Dominica has three distilleries that I know of. Bermudez, Brugal, and Barcello. Then there is the independent bottler, Oliver and Oliver. Since you state that Bemudez doesn’t float your boat, I would look for high end product from the other three.
Ken said
You will have no trouble finding Brugal and Barcelo bottlings in the D.R. Only Aniversario in the Bermudez line can be found (in Punta Cana, that is) and even this bottling seems like an older one (750mL at 40% instead of the usual domestic 700mL at 37.5%).
I would recommend trying Barcelo Imperial and Bermudez Extra Viejo if you are looking for the high end. The off bottlings that you mentioned (Matusalem, Cubaney and some Oliver and Oliver blends) seem to be mostly for export markets and you will have difficulty finding them.
Neil said
Hi Chip,
First time reading your website…wonderful! I actually read only the reviews of products I knew I already liked above others in their class (ie, Old Sams for Rum; Forty Creek for Rye) to see what you thought. The value for me is in giving me some “language” to describe my palate. I tend to dislike ‘sweet’ and prefer earthy flavours — in red wine also, and your reviews confirmed that for me. The packaging scores don’t interest me much, nor the /100 score…but the “mouthfeel” is what’s important to me. I live in Terrace BC and have a reasonably good gov’t store here; though many items, especially premium lines, have to be special ordered. If you’re into beer….try Howe Sound Rail Ale. In my opinion, the best beer in the country today! Thanks for a great website… Neil
Ken said
Skip:
What has happened to Ron Burmudez of the Dominican Republic? Were they bought out?
I am there now in Punta Cana on vacation and only the top end Anniversario is available. I asked a bartender at Altos de Chavon and he said that the other labels started to disappear about five years ago. It seems that only Barcelo and Brugal remain.
Also, what happended to the 151 proof white products that I remember years ago? They have disappeared as well. I managed to snag a bottle of Brugal 151 at Altos de Chavon while on excursion (for 550 pesos) (current exchange rate is 40:1). However, it seems I can’t bring it back on the plane due to CATSA regulations (> 70% abv). I’ll have to leave it. I’m already over the limit. I’ll have to pay duty and excise on some bottles and I don’t want customs informing CATSA of my transgression.
I have noticed that the prices have increased. Barcelo/Brugal half bottles (350 mL) are now about $9-$12. Full bottles are now $17-$24. My favourite so far has been Brugal Extra Viejo and I am not normally fond of Brugal Anejo (too oily and pheolic). For casual drinking, I recommend Barcelo Dorado.
Anyway, this is my current two cents worth. I will be returning tomorrow.
Ken from Toronto (By the way, Davin in Ottawa knows me from Toronto whisky events.)
Arctic Wolf said
Hi Ken
The name is Chip not Skip.
I have no idea on the status of Bermudez. (They have been around for well over 100 years and I have heard nothing about them being sold or bought out.)
As for the Overproof bottlings, I suspect they are still around just in smaller distribution. You troubles with the airline safety regs demonstrate why they have less tourist appeal than they had in the past, but I suspect that the smaller neighbourhood shops still carry the 151 proof bottlings for the local market.
Hope you had a nice time in Dominica!
russ said
hi .have picked up another bottle of old monk,and amurat at binnys in chicago..a fun mixer,very” molassisy”,sweet,syrupy..7 yr costs about 13$ and they have aquired me the more aged monk.will let u know. russ
Brad said
I’ve been haunting your site on and off now for awhile, as I feel that you write good, honest reviews. I have, however, recently acquired two products which you may or may not be familiar with, and I think you may enjoy reviewing. Cristall Vodka comes direct from Moscow, and at the time of me writing this, has only been available in Canada for about 8 weeks. In southern Alberta, I found this vodka for around the $35 mark. I also acquired a bottle of Oxley gin($47), which was a little more difficult to find, but actually beats every other gin I’ve had with the superiority stick.
I would suggest that you(who likely has a better-trained palette than I) give these spirits a try and a review. I think both will sit highly on your list, but even if they don’t, it may provide some useful information to your readers(I, for one, generally ignore your 100-point system and look more at your notes regarding the bouquet, flavour, and feel of the spirit).
Arctic Wolf said
Thanks Brad,
I will be on the lookout for the Cristal Vodka and the Oxley gin. Thanks for the heads up.
By the way, when you say that you generally
“ignore my 100-point system and look more at your notes regarding the bouquet, flavour, and feel of the spirit”,
I find myself in complete agreement. That is the correct way to interpret my reviews.
Brad said
I’m happy to see the agreement. After I wrote and posted that, I re-read it and realized that some may take it offensively, which is certainly not how it was intended.
Anyway, in my experimentation with mixology, I’ve stumbled upon the original Trader Vic recipe for the Mai Tai, circa 1944. The recipe was specifically written around a J. Wray & Nephew 17-year aged rum, something no longer available(and I imagine not for some time). I’ve not ever had it, and so I’m not entirely sure what the profile is like. I wonder if you may be able to shed some light on this, and perhaps suggest a replacement? I had a brief online discussion regarding this with Robert Hess, but he read the recipe and immediately started in on how he hates seeing recipes that have “juice of one lime”, etc., etc.
Perhaps you have a suggestion?
Arctic Wolf said
Beachbum Berry is probably the foremost expert on the Mai Tai and its various permutations though history. His website contains an excellent resource entitled “How to Make a Mai Tai” . His suggestion is to use a well aged Martinique Rum mixed with a Premium Jamaican Rum.
The Bum even provides a great recipe for approximating the original Trader Vic Recipe. Have a look see at his website using the links I provided.
Cheers!
Brad said
That is an excellent resource, and now I’ll have to go hunting for his book(s). I have, however, been unable to locate a Martinique rum in Alberta. Perhaps you have a recommendation?
Arctic Wolf said
My only suggestion is to Look for Clemente
Mike B said
To improve the website experience for everyone. Place your scores beside each bottle listing with prices as well. That way we can all try and find the best quality for the price point people are willing to spend. Without having to spend a few hours on here trying to go through every review.
Arctic Wolf said
I have always left the issue of price out of my reviews and will continue to do so. This is because
I have more readers in Florida than I have in all of Canada. The price of Rum there, is very different from what it is here. I have as many readers in the United Kingdom as I have in Ontario, and again the prices are very different. Any price I quote next to any review is going to be misleading to most of my readers. (Even within Canada I have seen the same rum sell for very different prices from store to store and from Province to Province.)
Sahil Singh Duggal said
I love your website and truly appreciate the information you’ve provided. I’ve always said – a man must know his whisky. I’m an ardent dark rum fan and was wondering if you plan to review an Indian dark rum – ‘Old Monk’. It is available in Canada (I stay in Toronto and know so), information regarding the rum is available at – http://www.mohanmeakin.com.
If you are interested in reviewing the rum and have any difficulty obtaining a bottle – feel free to let me know, I’d be happy to arrange it for you.
Regards,
Sahil
Arctic Wolf said
Hello Sahil,
Please contact me at my email address (provided in the Contact me section of the blog) and we will see if a sample bottle can be arranged.
Thank You and I would love to sample the Old Monk!
Christian Kroemer said
Hi Chip!
Great work you’ve put up on this blog, for some time this has been my primary source of information whenever a decision of which great rum to buy next came up. Still being a student at university, I can obviously only spend a limited amount of money and am therefore not only interested in the question “What is a great rum?” which is probably answered quite precise by your ratings, but also “What do I get for the money I spend?”. To answer the second question a little bit more precisely, I’ve collected some data from your blog and the German online retailer from which I usually purchase my spirits and found 30 matches to use for a small analysis.
Here are the results which I’d like to share as they may be of interest for others as well:
http://chk-online.com/files/Rum_Howler_Analysis.pdf
Actually one particular question comes up before deriving any findings: In which ways – if any – do you consider the price of a bottle in your reviews? If your final rating actually mirrors your value-for-money assumption my work would be pretty useless. But if not, we have some very interesting results here…
1. There are some rums, first of all the El Dorado 3 and the Flor de Cana 7, which really stand on from a value-for-money perspective. I’ve simply divided your rating minus 70 points (Anything below 70 is not something to care about in my opinion) by the price to obtain the value in the last column of my analysis. This means that a rum rated at 90 should cost twice as much as one at 80 for the same value-for-money ratio which is in my opinion a quite reasonable assumption.
2. Considering only the really high end of your review (95+), there are only two rums in my list that I consider affordable: the Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva and the Flor de Cana 12.
3. I’ve highlighted some other minor value-for-money recommendations, but the rest of data pretty much indicates one thing: Even though it’s obviously a matter of taste, the quality of a rum is not even close to being proportional to its price. There are many heavily over-expensive rums, first of all the Appleton 21 in my list, and reading your reviews before actually purchasing a bottle is really useful for not wasting too much money on a disappointment. So once again many many thanks and keep up the good work!
Cheers,
Chris
Arctic Wolf said
Hi Christian
You are correct when you made the assumption that price does not influence my review.
The reason why is twofold. First off, prices vary considerably from locale to locale making any value for the money comparison a very localized comparison. And in fact when I receive samples from various parts of the world, I often have no idea what price the rum would be in my market.
The second reason is more important though. How much value does a consumer place having something just a little better? I suspect the answer is different for every consumer, and I suspect that paying more for a 93 versus a 90 is much more acceptable for a consumer than paying more for a 73 versus a 70. So the value for the money process would not be linear for anyone.
I take the position that if I give you a fair score; you can decide how much you would pay for a rum of that score.
Having said that, I enjoyed your analysis, and I agree completely that FDC 7 is a great value for the money. I love that rum!
Christian Kroemer said
Yeah, you’re probably right about the non-linear scale. But anyway, good to hear you’re providing ratings independent of the actual price. This will (no matter which scale is being used) really help in order to not buy a bottle X if another one Y is both, cheaper and rated higher by someone with the ability to properly judge quality
Bill Brushey said
Hello! Love your reviews! I live just NW of Stony Plain, Alberta. Can you recommend a few liquor stores that have a good selection of rums please? Thanks for your time!!
Bill Brushey
Arctic Wolf said
Hi
The AGLC has a website designed to help you find a store which carries the rum you seek. It also lists all of the rums currently listed in the province. Liquor Connect
Bill Brushey said
Thank you for the link! I managed to get myself a bottle of Pusser’s 15 yr. old rum, and Cruzan Black Strap. Haven’t cracked the Pusser’s yet, but the Cruzan’s is amazing!! Want to put it on pancakes! Have you tried Iceberg Demerra Rum yet? Thoughs on it? Thanks!!
Harvey Levitt said
I love sipping Rum. The best I have ever had is Barbancourt 15 which I bought in Haiti on a cruise. I kick myself for not buying more. Any chance you can review it?
I enjoy your blog, thank you.
Arctic Wolf said
Hi Harvey
I have reviewed the Barbancourt 8 Yr but not the 15. As for when I might review the 15, It just always seems like there are too many rums and too little time. But we will see what the future brings to my sample cabinet.
Mike M said
Greetings.
A friend who currently resides in India has sent me a bottle of Old Monk rum (which we have not opened yet, as we were tasting other rums we brought back from St Maarten).
I’ve looked around the blog, but didn’t see a review of this spirit. Just curious if you have tried it and, if so, had any thoughts on how you enjoyed it (neat, rocks, mixed)?
Regards.
Arctic Wolf said
If I ever tried Old Monk, I cannot remember it. Sorry.
Jackmo said
Hello Chip,
Came across your very worthy site this evening after doing my round of homework and finishing with a glass or two of whatever’s in the cabinet. I’m a great fan of Bourbon and Rum, as well as Tequila and to some degree Scotch.
Tonight I chose a glass of the Flor de Cana 18 year, and as I mentioned in my reply to your review, I’m substantially in agreement with you. Now I’ve switched to a glass of Centenario Conmemorativo 9 year rum, and I find it hot and bitter by comparison. Not a bad drink, however, and worth the 20 bucks I spent on sale, but just barely. Still, my fave is one of yours, the Flor de Cana 7 year Gran Reserva, a truly exellent rum that compares in every way to the super premiums out there. Thank you for your excellent observations on such a wide range of spirits.
Have you considered creating a section or forum within your blog for fan reviews? It wouldn’t have to be very complicated. You could even do a listing of as many rums as possible and allow people to do 5 star votes and comment on them. There are so many choices out there, and so little time to review
… Such a section might impart additional understanding of those spirits that you haven’t had a chance to cover yet.
Excellent blog, I look forward to reading more.
Jackmo,
Miami
Arctic Wolf said
Hi Jackmo
Thank you for the very kind words. Originally, when I opened my website, I was going to have a section for fan reviews. However, it was pointed out to me by someone of legal persuation, that I would, as owner of this website, be responsible for everything people wrote. Although that is not an insurmountable obstacle, I do have a ‘real’ job in the real world that demands my time, and so I decided to keep this blog in its present form.
You make a good point, but one which time unfortunately does not permit me to implement.
Cheers!
Andy said
Hi Mr. Dykstra,
I’m a college-age (legal!) student at the University of Minnesota and I’m just getting into rums, as the sugar cane / molasses base seems less intimidating to my taste buds! I know that prices in Minnesota don’t exactly scale with those in Canada, but what would you recommend for my first few entry-level sipping rums? Being a college student, my budget is a little less than most, so I would like to get the most bang for my buck! I have tried Bacardi Gold (cringe-worthy), Cruzan 14mo white (not bad, just sharp), and Ron Abuelo Anejo (Seemed murky to my unrefined tastes!).
Thanks for all the work you put into the site, it really helps newbies like me!
Andy
Arctic Wolf said
I have no idea of what’s available in Minnesota or wht the prices are like there so I think you have to go through my reviews and find a few that interest you.
Good luck!
acrocosm said
I am in Canada as well and have just started up a spirits review blog. What arrangements did you make to receive bottles by mail? How long was it before people in the industry began sending you samples? I’m in Ontario, and my blog will focus on bottles available here.
Thanks.
-N.R.M.
Arctic Wolf said
I think your best course of action is to write honestly and with passion. Only time will tell if your blog gets noticed by industry.
Robert said
Hi RumHowler,
I would love to have you review Old New Orleans Crystal rum. I don’t want to tell you what I think about it because I don’t want to sway your thoughts. All I can say is, if you haven’t tried it, you should…
I value your opinion!
Thanks…
Arctic Wolf said
Hi Robert
I haven’t had the opportunity to try the Old New Orleans Rum. Then again there are probably hundreds of rums I haven’t tried yet. But if the Old New Orleans Crystal Rum becomes available in my locale then I will give it a try.
Cheers!
Chip
Ray said
Hi, I came across your website as my wife just got to Colombia and was going to search out some premium rums to bring back for me. Great website! It has been very informative. I read a number of different reviews as I enjoys multiple types of alcohol, so long as they are premium level. There is one tequila I would highly recommend to as I did not see it reviewed: Don Julio 1942. It is a limited production anejo which has become my beverage of choice. You can drink it neat and it has the mellowness of a premium bourbon with a remarkable tequila flavor. I would venture to say that it may hit your 98 threshold because the bottle is a beautiful presentation of the tequila, has a rich appearance in a glass, is the best I have ever tasted, has no burn and leaves a beautiful remnant of the flavor. I would certainly love to hear your input on this ultra-premium tequila. Thanks again for all of the other information as I await my bottle of Dictador 20!
Ray
Dave said
hey Chip
Stumbled across your website after searching for reviews of Bison grass vodka and been checking out your reviews. I noticed that Wyborowa Exquisite gets your highest review of Vodkas. Its quite pricey where I live (Vancouver), so I havent had a chance to pick up a bottle yet
How do you compare that to the regular Wyborowa, which is about a 1/3 of the price? Would this bottle get a 90′s score?
cheers
Dave
Arctic Wolf said
Hi Dave
I haven’t had the chance to taste the regular Wyborowa although one of the members of my Vodka tasting group says it is quite good.
Bryno said
Hey Chip, I’ve posted here once or twice, but I thought that I would let you know that I mentioned you on my blog. I just provided a quick overview about the site and linked to it. I enjoy your reviews and often have to check on my phone when I go to Sherbrooke or Chateau Louis to grab myself a good bottle of rum. If you wanna check out my post, you can do so here: http://brynosthingsthatareawesome.tumblr.com/. Thanks, keep it up!
Arctic Wolf said
Gee Thanks Bryno.
You brought a smile to my face when you described my reviews as being unpretentious. I consider that a real compliment.
Cheers!
art drysdale said
Hi Chip,
Thanks for the great write up on ZAFRA. We jsut started posting the rums for this years Uncle Ron’s Night and used it to introduce ZAFRA..
cheers
don ron art
Arctic Wolf said
Your Welcome Art
I hope the tasting went splendidly.
Joe said
so i was recently gifted a bottle of the glenfiddich snow phoenix and its something i would like to hold on to for drinking on special occasions. my father will be retiring soon, and i would like to open it, so we can share a drink in celebration. my question is, once i open the bottle, how can i preserve it, and will being opened bring any ill effects to my whisky as it sits on its shelf? thanks in advance, and love the blog!
Arctic Wolf said
Hi Joe
Whisky has a rather long shelf life so it will preserve rather easily. I would suggest keeping the box or sleeve the whisky arrived in to keep light off the bottle. Light is not a huge problem but some believe that UV radiation from light can slowly damage the contents of whisky. (This is a very long term process and nothing to worry about if the bottle is to be consumed within a year.) If your bottle is corked, and if you live in a dry climate like I do, you may want to tip your bottle on its side briefly (an hour or so) every six months or so to wet the cork. Do not leave the bottle on its side for a long period of time as tipping the bottle is a double edged sword, as the whisky can over time damage the cork. Finally keep the whisky bottles in a cool place away from direct exposure to heat.
I hope that helps.
Marcel said
I’ve joined 98 subscibing followers. That makes me No.99…a pretty cool number in this part of Alberta.
I like your awards…Alberta Premium 30yo does not seem to be available any longer for the sub-$50.00 range. The restocking in many stores is well above this. And I’m not surprised that Gibsons Finest 12yo made the short list. It’s always been a favorite here. Another yummy Gibsons is the recent Bourbon cask finish. Keep up the good work. See you again at the Edmonton Whisky Festival.
brad said
Excellent Site, keep up the good work!
Do you have a specific style or brand of glass you use when enjoying Dark Rums?
Arctic Wolf said
When I do my tasting session with Rum or Whisky I always use a glencain glass for at least one of the tasting sessions. But I also use a variety of other glasses depending upon my mood. I have a nice snifter/rocks glass which I like to use as well as some stemmed glassware. I think people in general tend to change things up and use different glasses on different occasions and I guess I am no different.
brad said
Just curious where you usually go to buy dark rum, more specifically the non common varieties
Chateau Louis & Sherbrooke liquor stores?
Just trying to locate a few other stores i can go check out when i am in Edmonton
Thanks for your time
looking specifically for Macombo Art Edition, Zacapa XO (25 YR) & Angostura 1919
Arctic Wolf said
Macombo and Zacapa XO are not available in Alberta. The Logistics website is a AGLC resource set up to help you find who sells what in the entire province. Just plug in the name of the rum and it will let you know who distributes it and at which stores it is at.
David said
What are your thoughts on Lemon Hart 80?
Arctic Wolf said
I am sorry, but although I have a bottle of the LH80, I have not had the occasion to open it yet. My understanding is the the LH151 is the more famous of the Lemon Hart brands as it has a large following amongst Tiki enthusiasts. The LH80 seems not to have caught on in the same way. Maybe I will use this question of yours as an excuse to finally open my bottle.
Cheers and Stay Tuned!
Linda Meade-Tollin said
I am very fond of Bacardi Reserva Limitada, Founder’s Blend, despite the fact that it is not sold outside of Puerto Rico. Do you plan to review it?
Thanks for a very interesting and informative blog!
Taichi
Arctic Wolf said
The Bacardi Reserva Limitada is not on my review schedule. It is doubtful that I will be doing a review in the foreseeable future unless a bottle miraculously arrives at my doorstep, as it is unavailable to me in Alberta.