Stick with the Bitters: Angostura 1919 Rum

“Let us candidly admit that there are shameful blemishes on the American past, of which the worst by far is rum." - Bernard De Voto

I wanted to love this rum. It was given as a gift by a Trini employee of mine and had all the makings of a great find. It's animated by a unique story, particular to one place and purportedly aged with care. I should have eaten it up. I'm a sucker for marketing. Only it tastes like the unfortunate combination of vanilla extract and paint thinner. But then what rum have I ever loved? Is it me, do I hate rum?

Pyrat XO Reserve is pretty damn tasty. I like Goslings Black Seal 151, although that shouldn't give you confidence in me. Mt. Gay and Cruzan. But none of them are amongst my favorite spirits and, with the exception of Pyrat XO, I have never owned a bottle. Maybe I don't like rum except as a mixer. At least there is a certain bias. But 1919 also marks the year of prohibition--an unfortunate omen. My recommendation... stick with the bitters.