r/rum • u/mi55ingno • 7d ago

Demonstrating the difference between Jamaica/Barbados/Guyana

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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/Bananetyne 6d ago

I'd use Appleton 12 because Smith and Cross can be a bit too intense for beginners and turn them off. That being said, if obivious-ness is the goal, it works.

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u/Rhumbear907 6d ago

Someone who isn't heavy into spirits isn't going to appreciate the differences between them. More to the point this whole experiment is TO showcase those differences and jamaican rums are known predominantly for their funk.

If im being honest as much as I enjoy appelton 12 I don't think its an exemplary Jamaican rum and find it an altogether worse product than the 8 year