El Dorado 3 Year

White, lightly aged, blanco, or silver rums, whatever you call them, aren't usually my go-to for sipping, but I have a good number of them, so I decided to try 8 to see which one would come out on top (among Angostura, Privateer, Havana Club, Cana Brava, Barbancourt, Flor de Cana, Banks 5 Island & El Dorado). I didn't anticipate this one would rank in the top 4, but it was definitely acceptable neat. It has performed well in most cocktails I've used it in and is generally a very dependable white rum. The nose has butter and nutmeg notes. The palate is creamy, with green apple, vanilla, and cloves. The finish has a slight burn and a bit of sweetness. I wasn't expecting to enjoy this neat, but I was mistaken; it's solid. I wouldn't pass up an aged rum for it, but if offered, I would gladly accept it. It's also a bit less expensive than some of the others on the list, making it a strong value option.

El Dorado 3-Year-Old Rum greets you with scents of honey and molasses. The initial taste is lively, presenting a palate of toffee followed by mild molasses. The finish is short, characterized by neutral grain alcohol. It lacks harmony and complexity, rendering it unsuitable for sipping neat or for use in mixed drinks.

A smooth and clean rum. It has a slightly sweet taste with notes of molasses and sugar, plus vanilla... however, it possesses almost no distinct flavor. Absolutely no 'rum funk' whatsoever. The aroma is earthy and alcoholic. It resembles a sweet, infused vodka. Excellent when you want to use it as a mixer to mask the alcohol's presence.

Aromas of butterscotch, treacle, and banana, with hints of orange blossom and lime peel. Fairly rich mouthfeel. More butterscotch, treacle, and lime peel on the palate, plus buttered popcorn and vanilla. Medium-length finish. 3.00/5.00 – Good (neat)

Nose: Immediate demerara syrup, caramel, almost maple syrup. Palate: Caramel, fruit, some ethanol. It's warm with a velvety mouthfeel. Finish: Quick, with ethanol lingering. A rich and adaptable base for cocktails.

Dry with hints of vanilla, fennel, caramelized tropical fruit, and spice. It has the dry harshness of Bacardi Superior combined with a bit of the fruity complexity of Havana Club 3 Year. Costs $27 in Ontario.