Post #438339 by Chip and Andy on Sat, Mar 7, 2009 5:46 AM

First, congratulations on your first steps down the path to Rum Mixology. There is no turning back now, and we still haven't figured out just how deep the rabbit hole really is.

Then, your claim to stick with Mai-Tai's and Zombies means you should already have a good idea about what rums can do to a drink, especially when you get a bad pair of rums together. You probably know more about rums than you realize.

And then, to your question specifically.....

You can't go wrong with the Appleton's for your Jamaican. Get the oldest bottle you can afford, I recommend Estate V/X.

As for the dark, I would shy away from the Spiced rums like Capt Morgan, Myers, or Sailor Jerry. I say that for two reasons, the drink seems to be headed for something sweet, and second because I don't much like the commercial spiced rums. You have an idea of what you like so I will leave the Spiced Rum decision to you and your gullet.

I find that most of the Demerera rums play well with the Jamaican, so you could use Lemon Hart or El Dorado for your dark. Coruba would be good, but I think you might enjoy a Cruzan Dark a little more.

Remember, your mileage may vary. And please report back your findings on this quest.