For the price, you could do much worse. I have to thank the brother in law for the opportunity (that I hadn’t realized I wanted), but figured I’d record a few tasting notes since I was getting my arm twisted anyway. Yay Thanksgiving. Compared to (the now defunct, thankfully) ubiquitous Bacardi 151, there is no comparison. Whereas I recall the Puerto Rican offering as 100% vile rubbing alcohol, this offers a number of redeeming qualities, despite the proof. Sipping neat because I refuse to shoot it. High proof rum, no doubt about it. Nose isn’t a too bad (or particularly enlightening), but not oppressive. Sweet toffee and butter on the palate. Loads of butter. Butter for days. Pretty impressive really. The proof takes over rather quickly on successive sips, so eventually hard to differentiate, but there is pretty decent flavor overall. Seems like it’s gently dosed but really hard to suss out the details. Either way, could do worse if you need an overproof option.
About this bottle
What would a tiki bar be without at least 151-proof rum? While one brand's offering is ubiquitous, a host of other more flavorful competitors are vying for a place on your back bar. One such rum is Cruzan 151, made on St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands. It's aged for at least one year in ex-Bourbon barrels, and manages to provide a bit more than the punch of ethanol.
How it tastes
Measured across 14 flavor axes. Tap a note to find other bottles that lead with it.
Reviews
Showing the most detailed of 4 parsed reviews.
Not surprised but very sharp alcohol on the nose with almond, vanilla and spicy hints. To be fair, we should all know, this is not a sipper. It’s in a special class. However, pronounced alcohol burn with light brown sugar sweetness, vanilla and oak and a little earthy-nuttiness in the mouth. Great for tiki floats but I use it for seasonal fruit liqueur infusions, most summers. Keeps the ABV from getting too low and makes quick work of the maceration process. I just blend it with mellower counter parts. Usually the only 151 overproof spirit other than Everclear on the shelf but this adds a little bit of flavor and is grain free. Also tends to go on sale during the summer months.
This was always a better choice than Bacardi 151 anyway, but now that's discontinued, so Cruzan 151 is the only game in town in a lot of liquor stores for an overproof rum, an essential ingredient in a lot of tiki drinks. While the Bacardi 151 smelled and tasted like rubbing alcohol, the Cruzan at least has a little depth, some sweetness and spice on the nose. But of course it's not a sipper, it's a mixer, and does its job well at a nice price.
Best overproofed liquor I've had. Traditional gold rum profile with a nice warm burn
Tastes like this
Closest flavor profiles across the whole catalog.
