Post #730310 by mikehooker on Sat, Oct 25, 2014 8:32 PM

Was just informed of my in-laws plan to get me rum for Christmas so I need to send them some suggestions. So.... how to choose a bottle, or possibly even two if they're not that expensive? It will be shipped to me so I imagine the online purchasing options are pretty vast. I don't typically drink rum neat although I'm not opposed to it if they get me something I could really enjoy. I guess I just want to get something interesting that I can't find locally or just don't want to shell the money out for. Here are some ideas I have. If anyone wants to chime in with pros and cons of any of these or have any other preferences of a "must have" rum, please let me know. Mind you, Mai Tai's, Jet Pilots, and 151 Swizzles have been my go to drinks as of late.

My preferred local chain liquor store does not carry any agricole rums. I was thinking Clement or St James. Any preference of one over the other or which variation of either stands out?

I have El Dorado 12 which I love. Should I step up to 15 or even 21? I imagine I wouldn't mix with either of those, so at that price point are there better sippers to be had?

Thoughts on Angostura 1919 or 1824? Kinda really wanting to try Cate's 2070 Swizzle. Are these primarily taken neat or are there good mixing options for either?

Been hearing lots of positive things about Denizen and Lost Spirits lately. If I were to try one bottle of either brand, what would get me the most mileage?

Also, what are the best online shopping stores?