Post #719397 by Swanky on Fri, Jun 6, 2014 6:41 AM

I don't think of Kraken as a dark rum, but a spiced rum. I actually like Sailor Jerry's better, but they are both good. Black Strap may be very dark, but to me it is too sweet and molasses. I could just be imagining the sweet due to thinking about Black Strap molasses. It brings other flavors to the drink that are not "dark rum". I like Myers's because it gives a strong traditional "dark rum" flavor and aroma to a cocktail. I also mix with Brugal and Coruba, and even Appleton VX as my dark. They are not as potent in the "dark rum" flavor, but play well in that role. Smith & Cross could go in there, but to me it has some notes that are distracting. I would also put the Demerara 80 proofs in there as dark rum mixers. Much better straight than Myers's, but in mixes have a similar profile that says "dark rum", only better. I don't use El Do 12 year as a dark rum because I can't get it here and it costs me a lot more than Myers's. In recipes that call for Demerara I sub Myers's if the drinkers are not going to notice. El Do will shine through for those with a good palette and make the drink better.