Post #278662 by TikiJosh on Sat, Jan 13, 2007 2:33 PM

Good questions. I usually give anything new a sniff before I do anything with it. I also like taking a shot of anything new, no matter how bad it might be (Bacardi deserves it's relatively poor reputation-- even the Anejo 8 is like gasoline).
I've actually been doing some side by side tastings, comparing Bacardi Gold to Light to Anejo (all three pretty much suck). I've also compared regular Myers to the 10yo Legend (not much difference, especially since a bottle of Legend is twice the cost and half the size).
I've also discovered that I like Pyrat Pistol better than the XO reserve, although both are pretty sweet.
I've tried sipping it straight, which works fine, but I usually like my drinks cold, no matter what, so I personally like a little ice in there. I usually just use a small rocks glass, but a snifter type glass would be better.
Chip and Andy make a good point-- hot vs cold will definitely change the tastes that you get, and some rums will be better one way. Sort of like Sake, I guess.
Trying new stuff is what makes it fun. I've started keeping a journal, the way wine people keep journals about the different wines they try. Sure, there's not as many different types of rum, but I've realized from my records that I like Goslings Black Seal and Pusser's rum as much as I've liked stuff that's quite a bit more expensive (I hated Sea Wynde, as an example-- I think I'd rather drink Bacardi).
Have fun!