Rum

Mixologists are all stirred up about the plethora of new rum imports. Here, three places to drink now and five bottles to buy.

Agricole-Guava Cooler

Rum Basics: Light to Full Rums

Consultant and importer Edward Hamilton of Ministry of Rum describes different rum styles from various islands; F&W names bottles to match.

Light

Zaya. Photo © Hector Sanchez.

Puerto Rico
The island is known for some of the lightest rums. Try The smooth, aged DonQ Gran Añejo rum, made for sipping. $60; popswine.com.

Trinidad
Producers make light- and medium-bodied rums. Try Vanilla-scented Zaya, distilled from black-strap molasses. $30; bevmo.com.

Medium

Plantation rum grande reserve barbados 5-year-old.

Plantation Rum. Photo © Hector Sanchez.

Barbados
Aged rums are especially popular here. Try Plantation Rum's Grande Reserve Barbados, aged five years in old cognac barrels. $22; parkaveliquor.com.

Martinique
The specialty is rhum agricole, made with sugar-cane juice rather than molasses. Try Duquesne Élevé Sous Bois. $30; ministryofrum.com.

Full

Smith & Cross. Photo © Haus Alpenz.

Jamaica
Jamaican rums tend to have the fullest flavor. Try Smith & Cross's super-strength bottling, a revived historic recipe. $34; caskstore.com.

Excellent New Rum Bars

Courtesy of Smuggler's Cove

Smuggler's Cove, San Francisco

Rum fanatic Martin Cate's pirate-perfect bar offers 200 rums to members of its Rumbustion Society. Cate also uses the spirit in terrific cocktails like his Agricole-Guava Cooler.

Courtesy of Cana Rum Bar

Caña Rum Bar, Los Angeles

This tony Cuban-style spot charges first-time visitors $20, then donates the fees to a different charity every month. Try one of the three classic daiquiris.