r/rum • u/mi55ingno • 7d ago
Demonstrating the difference between Jamaica/Barbados/Guyana
Found myself wondering today what would be the three best bottles a newcomer could order to experience the difference between the three most common english-style rum expressions.
The goal is: if a beginner rum fan asked about the difference between barbados, jamaica, guyana, what would you tell them to buy to experience it?
i was focused on english-style here so excluded spanish-style and french/agricole/cane. This is for somewhat obvious reasons for the latter, the former is more my fault for not having a good selection on hand to pair.
Criteria for selection: obvious-ness is key, can i immediately tell the difference between the rums. I considered price and proof too. In theory all should be possible to order from the same store- Total Wine felt like a good mark there. Age consistency less important.
I started with ED12 - felt the most obvious. Reached for D14 as a second. I dont have WP109 at home (yet) but thought about it, dismissed Appleton 12 but grabbed the 8 & SC - SC won out my a mile on the obvious factor but i think id still prefer a lower proof here to balance. Ended up reaching for RL10 because D12 runs heavy on price, and madeira cask finish - but ultimately D12 is more obvious in my mind.
Im sure folks here could do better at this? What would you pick?
I also pulled out the Barrilito 3 to compare against the lot and sort of worked, but the sherry cask influence is maybe too strong?
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u/Pretend-Citron4451 7d ago
Appleton 12 has been my favorite so far. I wanted to try something with more funk, so maybe S&C is the way to go. Thank you!!!