Ron del Barrilito Three Stars

Discovered this rum on my first, of what would become many trips, to Puerto Rico. Beautiful example of what Puerto Rican rum can be. As I understand it, the family does not distill the rum themselves, but rather personally selects a blend of Bicardi's finest and ages them to their specifications. Light and sweet, yet has enough body to let the complexities shine. There is a spiciness (allspice, cinnamon) to it that brings outs some woodier notes, leaving a relatively dry finish with a little heat. I typically drink this neat but it also makes a mean cuba libre. I buy no fewer than 3 bottles when I make the trip down there as this rum is very difficult to find in my area (Philly). While in PR, you can easily snag a bottle at the local Walgreens for about $20. The island and this rum have a special place in my heart.

First tried this Boutique rum when I was going to college in Puerto Rico spring of 84. It was also the first time I ever had a sipping rum and was astounded that it could be so good. The Puerto Ricans are justly proud of this which totally smokes Bacardi. Super smooth upfront with caramel toffee tobacco and Oak. Just right sweetness. A little earthy towards the Finish which leaves me wanting more.

Sweet and smooth. I don’t care if its a blended Bacardi rum-what they do with it in the finishing process is just a Grand Slam! One of my favorite sipping rums. I can taste the orange peel and woodiness, and the sugar cane. I personally dont feel like its spicy - a little bit in a balanced way but not overly so. This is my 3rd bottle purchaed and it certainly won’t be my last.

Sweet, sugary, caramel-y and delicious. Hard to find fault with this one, subsequent sips reveal molasses, cinnamon, and very slight tangy fruit notes, with just enough heat to remind you to go easy. The barrel adds complexity and flavor and the finished product is great. Glad this doesn't require a trip to PR to enjoy any longer.

I had my sister bring me back a bottle from Puerto Rico. I had heard good things about it. This is not your typical spiced/flavored rum. It has an overwhelming flavor of something, but I can’t pinpoint exactly what. Maybe something like licorice? Whatever it is, it’s not what I was looking for.

Ooooh yes. This is the Spanish style rum I’ve been looking for. This beats out Don Q Gran Anejo for me, and is the best Puerto Rican rum I’ve tasted thus far. Don’t let the plain bottle aesthetics fool you. This is good sipping stuff.