When you think of the term, "popping bottles," it's primarily accompanied by images of champagne and vodka. But if you're really looking to get the most out of your night, you'll
add a little flavor, and we're not talking about those crap mixers that come with your over-priced bottle. Instead of
bottle service, try sticking to the bar and ordering up what's considered to be the most taste-filled liquor - rum. This is the stuff that real men used to drink before cocktails were invented, just like the pirates that sailed the seven seas, straight out the bottle. We've put together a unique list of rums that you should have on your drink radar.
Sailor Jerry
Any fan of good rum knows that Sailor Jerry is the best bet when you're looking to go through a bottle in one day after you found out you A) Didn't get the promotion, B) Got the promotion, C) Don't care about a promotion. Known for its connection with the father of old-school tattooing, you'll look a lot tougher walking into a party with a bottle of Sailor Jerry, rather than a six-pack of beer (no worries, this stuff won't break the bank). The dark spiced rum goes down smooth with a Coke, but we suggest Vanilla Coke. We guarantee that even the lightest of drinkers will easily put away five rum and cokes when you're dealing with this stuff.
Captain Morgan Private Stock
Rum's all about swash-buckling pirates, but none is tied to this image more than Captain Morgan. Another tasty spiced rum, this upgrade to the normal bottle adds a touch of mellow island spices to enhance the overall flavor. Aged in oak for at least two years, you know you're getting quality liquid out of this bottle. Best served with Cola (Captain and Cola), you can also mix things up with club soda and a wedge of lime. Or even go for a Tropical Splash, throwing in some Parrot Bay Pineapple Rum and orange juice. Sounds like a
drink for the summer time, but doesn't mean you can't enjoy it year-round.
Pirate's Choice Rum
Ever heard of Pirate's Choice? If you know your rum then you have, but we don't expect every liquor store or bar to have this
delicious bottle on their radar. While many cringe when someone mentions "rum," if you leave this little bottle in the freezer for a few hours, only one step follows - taking a big swig. Don't worry, you won't have that "Holy s***, I just drank fire," feeling. It's the smoothest rum we've had and it's all due in part to the strong scents of toffee and vanilla it holds. It may have that chilling effect once it hits your tongue, but when it creeps into the back of your throat a warm explosion of flavor bursts back onto your lips.
Don Q Gran Añejo
Everyone knows that the best rum is made in Puerto Rico...although, many other islands beg to differ. It's safe to say that this little country does produce some of the most popular brands, and Don Q is one of them. While they offer a
variety of different bottles, their prize piece is their Gran Añejo bottle. Aged between 3 and 12 years, creating a balance between sweet and dry that you wont get in other spirits, this elegant rum is made to be consumed on its own. And whatever you do, don't pull out a shot-glass for this one...it deserves a lot more respect than that.
10 Cane
Yes, the majority of the rums we've listed on here are dark and spiced, but here's a clear rum that makes our list. It has quite the bite, but when mixing it up, it's one of the best around. This super-premium rum is created from first press Trinidadian sugar cane juice, and crafted by
experts at Moët Hennessy. Tagged as the "World's Best Rum," it's phenomenal in taste, but we wouldn't go as far as saying it's the world's best. Aged for one year in vintage French oak barrels, which gives it the distinctive gold color, there's a perfect balance of taste that encompasses a rounded finish.
Khukri
Instead of the traditional bottle, Khukri rum is bottled up in a glass knife! That alone should put it on our list, but it's the flavor that really gives it the edge. Known as Nepal's premium rum, this is the darkest one on our list yet. Around since 1959, it's considered as the "Taste of the Himalayas," and is distinguished by it's lingering aroma, as well as smooth and balanced flavor. There's a considerable hint of oak wood, which clearly has an effect on the look of the liquid.
