Cruzan 151 Rum

For what it costs, it's a decent option. A relative offered it, and I decided to jot down some notes. It's vastly superior to the old 151, which I remember as being entirely undrinkable rubbing alcohol. This one has several positive aspects, even with its proof. I'm sipping it neat, as I won't be shooting it. It's definitely a high-proof rum. The aroma isn't bad or particularly interesting, but it's not overwhelming. Sweet toffee and butter on the tongue. So much butter. It's quite striking. The alcohol becomes dominant quickly on later sips, making it hard to distinguish other flavors, but there's good flavor overall. It seems lightly sweetened, but it's hard to tell for sure. It's a viable overproof choice.

As expected, the nose is quite sharp with alcohol, complemented by notes of almond, vanilla, and spice. Honestly, it's not meant for sipping. It occupies a unique category. However, the palate presents a significant alcohol burn alongside mild brown sugar sweetness, vanilla, oak, and a hint of earthy nuttiness. Excellent for tiki drinks or as an ingredient in seasonal fruit liqueur infusions during the summer. It helps maintain a good ABV and speeds up the maceration. I often combine it with smoother spirits. Typically the only overproof spirit above 151 proof found besides Everclear, this one adds flavor and is grain-free. It also frequently goes on sale in the summer.

This was always a superior option to Bacardi 151, and now that it's discontinued, Cruzan 151 is the sole readily available overproof rum in many stores, crucial for numerous tiki drinks. While the Bacardi 151 had an aroma and taste like rubbing alcohol, the Cruzan possesses at least some complexity, with sweetness and spice on the nose. Naturally, it's intended as a mixer, not for sipping, and it performs its function well at a reasonable cost.

The finest overproof spirit I've encountered. It has a traditional gold rum character with a pleasant warm burn