Post #792209 by AceExplorer on Wed, Jan 2, 2019 6:57 AM

Couple thoughts:

• This is a very subjective question, as there are a number of rums you can substitute, but the final outcome (your satisfaction) will depend on your palate.
• I am also a St. James fan for my Mai Tais, am down to one last bottle of the Hors d'Age, but have noted that they have re-named and re-formulated their line. It may be worth trying some of their current offerings, you may be pleased with the outcome, and if not, then go find one of the suggested substitutions.
• I did a quick Google search on a sub for this rum, and the recommendations from a number of rum-review web sites are helpful but not necessarily trustworthy, some could be paid placements from vendors. I think Martin Cate's suggestions (mentioned earlier by Hiltiki) are a good starting point, but those rums can be hard to track down. Trying some of the current St. James offerings has the benefit of potentially pleasing your palate and also being easier to find than some of the exotic rum substitutes mentioned elsewhere.
• Getting really particular about rums in a mai tai is expected for those of us who are better informed than the average visitor to my home. However I have found that subbing other Martinique rums and making mai tais is better than serving no mai tais to my guests. They love 'em regardless because it's such a good drink, so I encourage you to keep sharing the mai tai love even if you don't have the exact rums you prefer.

A good mai tai is worth being passionate over. Good luck in your search and with your tests. And please let us know what you find and if you settle on something.