Bacardí Superior White Rum

It's challenging after all this time to retrace one's steps when evaluating a mega brand like this and give it a fair assessment. It's also reasonable to assume that a product this widespread and global is vastly different from its origin. I imagine at one point, Bacardi was a respected name in rum. Not just a common, mass-produced item, but truly RESPECTED. At some point, this brand must have offered significant value, quality, marketing, or all three. This is likely the first silver rum most Americans encounter, probably obtained from a worn-out, patch-covered backpack in a high school restroom and served in an opaque plastic cup with ice and cola. It's probably the first rum most Americans overindulge in, leading to regrettable consequences. It has become a fixture in nearly every bar across the country simply because people request it, perhaps out of brand loyalty, but more likely because they lack a list of available spirits and thus take a guess, calling out a name that will probably result in a drink rather than a 'we don't carry that' response. At this stage, I won't delve into when, where, or how this product achieved such prominence that they can now remove any and all redeeming qualities it once possessed, and it still wouldn't affect their profits. Yet, at some point, this must have happened. This is barely a rum. In fact, if it weren't for the fleeting sweetness that appears before dissolving into the bland, neutral, papery realm typically occupied by vodka and nail polish remover, I'd guess this is generic plastic bottle vodka. It has been distilled to the point where all character is obliterated. This is rum for people who dislike rum. Rum for those who only drink 'vodka cranberries'. Rum for the individual who drinks rum once a year at their company Christmas party. But this isn't rum for anyone with an interest in rum. This isn't rum for anyone interested in anything other than getting to intoxication as quickly as possible, regardless of the cost. So, congratulations on your commercial success, Bacardi, but you must know deep down, even if you never admit it. You must know it all comes down to one word: Trash. That word not only describes this product, but it also serves as the name of the action you've taken regarding this brand, and it's also the word describing the state of the unrefined masses who consume this, and it's also the name for the medium in which every bottle of this should be residing if this were a just world. Trash. Own it, for it is your legacy. Good day, gentlemen.

I'm not sure why this rum receives such criticism. It has a pleasant, albeit simple, aroma. It's very sweet, almost like banana. The scent is certainly not harsh. When sipped neat, it tastes of molasses and some indistinct fruit, with only a slight hint of ethanol at the end. It's very straightforward, but this drink truly shines as a mixer. It doesn't function like vodka at all; instead, it nicely complements most sweet flavors and juices. Seriously, add this to any juice, and you'll feel like you're on a tropical vacation. In a mojito, it provides just the right amount of sweetness without making the drink overly alcoholic. It's a genuinely enjoyable rum that's perfect for mixing. I suspect much of the negative feedback stems from it being a major brand, because honestly, for its price, it's one of the most excellent mixers available.

I dislike Bacardí in favor of Havana Club. It's more challenging with premium bottles, but it's simple with basic selections. Overall quality is significantly better for Havana, and the price is nearly identical. Havana lacks the Dark rum and Oro/Gold versions, but they aren't crucial. While I occasionally enjoy Havana 3 Años on ice, Bacardí is not an option here. Bacardí basics are slightly superior to Morgan's, but you can obtain Morgan's for less. With the white/blanca bottle, both Bacardí and Morgan's are comparable; they are both terrible. Morgan's is typically cheaper, so it wins between the losers. Nevertheless, I will attempt to avoid both. Bacardí blanca is dreadful, and you can't even use it to make a Molotov cocktail because it only smells like gasoline, but doesn't ignite like it...

sweet and plain Tastes more like a sweet vodka than a rum. It performs admirably in crafting less complex drinks like mojitos with white sugar. I plan to compare it against Wrey & Nephew for mojitos to see if this rum's low cost will still make it my go-to party rum. At $20 a handle, it's incredibly inexpensive, but you don't get much flavor for the money. Actually, if there were a price-per-flavor metric, this would likely prove to be a poor value.

Bacardi White is a robust white rum, perfect for making a decadent and aromatic rum cake. It smells of vanilla, citrus, and caramel, which carry through to the end, tasting of citrus and vanilla. The initial taste is slick and viscous, offering vanilla and caramel, then concluding with citrus and vanilla. It's best appreciated straight or in cooking, as Bacardi White is more suited for the kitchen than a shaker, since its strong profile can dominate a drink.

Very neutral nose, with subtle hints of grapefruit, lime, and sugarcane. Mildly oily, smooth mouthfeel, with a little bit of heat. The same understated notes from the nose reappear on the palate, accompanied by subtle nutmeg and vanilla that dominate the short finish. It's not undrinkable – but don't anticipate it being enjoyable on its own or standing out in any cocktail. 2.00/5.00 – Bad (neat)