This is part [3/9] of the Rum Home Bar series, focused on helping you stock a thorough and versatile collection of rums for your home bar to maximize your home mixology and tiki adventures! These parts are presented in descending order of importance (in my opinion), so make sure you have 1 before 2, 2 before 3, and onwards!
3 | Gold Jamaican Rum
This is exactly as it sounds, a gold (barrel aged) rum made in Jamaica (read more about Jamaican rum in general here). Jamaica is a former English colony that adheres to unique traditions of rum production that lends to a distinctive flavor profile that is more ‘funky’ due to its higher content of esters (flavor compounds). This tastes very different compared to what many general consumers associate with gold rum, and is an absolute necessity to add a unique flavorful punch to your cocktails (especially tiki). Like many others (myself included), you may find yourself falling in love with its wonderful aromas. While internationally rum has limited regulations governing how it’s made, Jamaica has strict production policies that prohibit added sugar and flavorings.
Bottles to Consider
- Appleton Estate Signature or Reserve
- Smith and Cross
- Hamilton Gold or Black
- Mezan XO Jamaica
- Plantation Xaymaca
Next rum style to stock: 4| Aged (Sipping) Rum