Malibu Original Rum

Smell: Definitely coconut present, along with some ethanol. Not much else. Taste: The coconut is quite noticeable. It strikes me as rather artificial, though I often perceive real coconut milk as having a somewhat artificial, bitter quality, so I might be mistaken. The light rum seems to amplify that characteristic. I can detect the ethanol, and I believe it, along with a subtle fruitiness, is what's making this taste odd to me. I don't particularly want to drink it straight, but it seems suitable as a mixer. It is smooth, and while it has some artificial notes, they aren't overwhelming. Finish: The bitter coconut flavor, perhaps with a faint metallic hint, lingers. Unfortunately, the more pleasant elements fade. This would likely work well for a tropical beverage needing a touch of coconut flavor when using rum. However, combining overproof rum with actual coconut milk would be a superior option. That said, it functions adequately for a quick and simple cocktail. It tastes acceptable even when not mixed. I would not choose to drink it neat, but despite its lack of distinct character, it's not unpleasant. I'd estimate an overall score between 8 and 11, with the neat rating falling between 8 and 10 (more likely a 9 or 10). As a mixer, I feel it deserves a score of 11.

Nose: Faint artificial coconut scent. Very strong vanilla. Palate: Sweet water. Weak coconut taste, a slight ethanol bite. Finish: Brief. Sugary. This is precisely what I anticipated. It's not truly bad tasting, but it's oddly indistinct and appealingly fake. The official flavor descriptions are spot on – it tastes just like coconut without actually tasting like coconut. Honestly, in a strange way, it brings vanilla frosting to mind. It's also about as far from rum as I can conceive, but again, it's not unpleasant. There's not much else to add. Mix with your preferred soda [lemonade or ginger beer are good choices] or tropical juice [famously, pineapple, naturally] and presto – a quick, low-alcohol cooler. There are much worse beverages, but just occasionally, try making an authentic piña colada from scratch – it's... superior. Combine one part pleasant, clean white rum (it doesn't need to be pricey), one part coconut cream, and three parts freshly squeezed pineapple juice. Shake vigorously with crushed ice and serve. Pure summer joy. In a peculiar way, I can appreciate Malibu – much like another spirit, it makes no claims or airs of superiority – it simply states, “enjoy yourself.” There are worse ways to live. “Adequate”: 73/100 (2.25 stars)

I recently acquired this for my partner and was quite pleased with the Malibu Coconut rum. It was sweet, but not excessively so. While I don't often drink flavored rum, my partner enjoys sweet beverages, especially in warm weather, and for the price, this is a decent option for those types of drinks. However, at 42 proof, one would need to consume a large quantity to feel any effect, and I'd likely become unwell before reaching that point. It's suitable for making Piña Coladas but not much else.

This is certainly drinkable, but it’s not intended for sipping neat. It would be best either mixed or consumed directly from the flask to alarm your companions. It provides a great boost to anything you’d usually add a spirit to. My fondness for coconut also plays a role. It’s sweet, but not to the point where it tastes like syrup to me. I suggest it as a pleasant, fairly low-proof addition for a warm day.

A flavorful Rum from the Caribbean, made with white rum, coconut essence, and bottled at 21% in Canada. Its aroma presents Demerara sugar, spices, and a touch of coconut. The taste is full and rich with creamy coconut and a hint of pineapple, finishing with a medium-length syrupy sweetness.

As noted by others, it's thin and excessively sweet with an artificial taste. It's inexpensive. Not for drinking straight, but it does make a wonderfully refreshing tiki beverage when combined with plenty of fruit juices and schnapps for a tropical mood.