Bacardí Black Rum

Likely suitable for mixed drinks, though I typically don't make cocktails. I just wanted an inexpensive spirit to drink on a tight budget during a pay period. I saw this for only a dollar more than Evan Williams and decided to try it since I've been drinking a lot of rums lately. It's definitely not for sipping. However, based on notes from an experienced liquor store employee: the aroma isn't off-putting, it goes down smoothly, with hints of molasses if you swallow correctly, but then a strong plastic/rubber flavor emerges, intrusively, which I can only liken to the flexible parts of action figures. As I mentioned, it's probably fine in cocktails. I find Bacardi's rums to be quite underrated for their price points so far, but wow... definitely not a sipper. I wish I had purchased Evan Williams instead.

I strongly prefer Havana Club over Bacardí. While it's more challenging with premium bottles, it's straightforward with their basic offerings. Havana generally offers superior overall quality for a comparable price. Although Havana lacks a Dark rum and an Oro/Gold variant, they aren't essential. While I occasionally enjoy Havana 3 Años on the rocks, Bacardí doesn't work for me. Bacardí's basic selections are slightly better than Morgan's, but considering Morgan's lower price point, it becomes a more sensible choice, even though Bacardí Black has a superior taste. However, the difference isn't substantial. You can't even use it effectively in a Molotov cocktail; it tastes like gasoline but doesn't ignite.

Bacardi Black has a deep mahogany clear appearance and some alcohol legs. The nose offers scents of oak, charcoal, rich sugars, vanilla, orange peel, and other notes, perhaps nougat as well. The flavor reflects all those elements. The mouthfeel is low to medium, and the finish is moderately long. This is a beautiful spirit.

I made the error of purchasing this, expecting it to resemble Cruzan Blackstrap. How mistaken I was! It's dreadful with lime and sweetener, or with diet or ginger beer. It's not particularly sweet, certainly lacks molasses, and is simply a spiced rum with dark coloring. It's marginally better than my other misjudgment, Gosling’s Black Rum.

Very strong burnt or charred wet wood flavor that is too dominant. It does not blend well or taste good with anything. I've relegated it to the back of a cabinet. If anyone has suggestions on how to enjoy this, please share.

Swill. If all rum tastes like this, I'll stick to whisky. Couldn't stand the saccharin sweetness. Too much like cough syrup. Had to mix and shoot to get it down.