Post #763642 by AdOrAdam on Tue, May 10, 2016 11:37 PM

I think it's about time I share my opinion on a few rums I've tried recently. I rarely feel the need to post a 'full' review but these are two really good products so here we go:

A week or so ago I posted a pic that I had brought some Mount Gay XO - now I've broken the seal on it, I've got to say I really enjoy it.

It's really nicely balanced - a little dry on the aftertaste in a good way, fiery & woody but not too much.

I'm not finding cause to use words like vanilla or sweet unless it's to say they are absent. It's akin to Appleton 12 but without the Jamaican edge.

I was so impressed when I spotted a bottle of Black Barrel cheap so picked that up too:

I read a couple of reviews online & was expecting a bourbon / rum cross over (ie rum with a big kick) or a little brother to the XO.

In comparison of the two side by side, on first sip the Black Barrel is softer & appears much more approachable - it makes the XO seem a little over oaked (which I hadn't thought tasting it solo).

After a little time in the glass the Black Barrel opens up with vanilla in the forefront & really well balanced after that - my partner (not keen sipper but knowing what she likes) preferred the Black Barrel immediately.

The reviews comparing Black Barrel to bourbon are a bit far from the mark IMO - I guess they are getting that idea from the 'double aging' used in Jim Beam Devils Cut etc.

I love bourbon & was curious what a bourbon / rum cross over might taste like but this ain't it.

Returning to the XO another time, it's still great solo - if anything you really notice the absence of vanilla in the XO & appreciate it.

The XO has definitely got that oakiness when you think about it but I'd describe it as a 'mature sipper' & let that be you guide for if I wanted to sip it (it makes me take my time with it too).

I pulled out the end of a bottle of Cockspur 12 I've got to compare both to (it's not available in the UK so I had been keeping the last little bit to compare to Mount Gay XO).

I enjoyed it when I have drank it previously now in comparison to the XO, the Cockspur 12 has got all the 'mature' characteristics of XO but turned up a notch, far more 'mature' than the Black Barrel. Maybe even a bit too fiery & dry in comparison to the XO, I think the XO is preferable.

All this is based on my sipping preferences, I rarely have cause to mix higher shelf Bajan rums but will try them out more.

Given that the price is about the same for the two Mount Gays, for the next little while I probably have one them the other to appreciate the differences. I'd probably opt for the XO for sipping because I like a little more 'mature' sipper (& know my partner won't want any).

But If i saw the Black Barrel cheap I would pick it up, I do rate it - it just definitely has vanilla as a flavour that you've got to want.

The Black Barrel will replace the Angostura 1919 as my sipper for 'uninitiated guests' who don't sip a lot of rum - I think it's superior. I'm pretty sure they'll like it & I could enjoy it too.

Although this isn't exactly my taste for regular sipping, qudos to Mount Gay for achieving it.