There are underrated rums and there are under rated rums. Ron Barcelo is, uh, one of those. Lovely bottle with the plastic pour insert that forces you to drink all yer rum - or for preventing unscrupulous types from refilling the bottle with say, La Favorite.
I kid.
I'd been seeing this well presented rum for quite some time. The only thing that prevented me from buying it was (a) we'd already tasted over 90 rums and were suffering from tongue fatigue, and (b) it was so unbelievably economical as to be well, suspicious.
Still, my memories of Ron Barcelo Imperial prevailed, and we just had to know how this younger sibling might perform. The reviews:
Sue Sea:
Me:I love good presentations. When I drink rum I prefer modest lighting in a comfortable and private setting - with the bottle facing us on the lazy Susan, just behind two fresh pours in our favorite tasting glasses. Early aromas often waft forth and my anticipation grows.
Despite its screw-top, Ron Barcelo Anejo comes in a handsome dark glass (almost black) bottle, with an equally dark and sophisticated label. It looks simply rich, far beyond its bottom shelf price. We decided to include a dram of Ron Barcelo Imperial for comparison.
This might be a good time for you to read the Imperial's review (link).
Ron Barcelo Anejo presented with a lightly sweet, leathery aroma. Call it a honey sweet - you know what I mean - just a hint. Nice. This over a background of cinnamon, and with a bit of airing, a light butterscotch. If this rum is flavored (and I think it is not), it is done subtly well. The front palate is honey smooth, then the leather creeps in. Anejo finishes with a rewarding hot pepper. Think white or jalapeno pepper.
All in all, Ron Barcelo Anejo is a terrific younger rum. Had I not known better, I'd have thought it more aged than it is. It is easy to drink, smooth, but with a finishing kick that keeps you interested. A great rum for a party - economical, easy to drink but still memorable.
I'd buy another.
Well, well - so Sue Sea liked this rum! I did too. In the glass, Ron Barcelo Anejo is golden and has the clarity of a gemstone (thank you, Sue Sea), sparkling and brilliant (thank you, Phoebe). Now before I proceed it's important that you know that Sue Sea and I have spent so much time tasting rums that (a) we've gotten pretty good at it, and (b) we are in close agreement. At least on the basics.
Aromawise, we are in complete agreement: light honey, cinnamon, leather and later, butterscotch. I was more aware of the cinnamon, Sue Sea of the butterscotch. All nice and light. This rum is entirely consistent and drinks very easily, yet somehow manages to keep you on your toes, er tongue, with its "...take no prisoners" finish. Quite unusual for such a young rum.
Now I know you reviewed the Barcelo Imperial review (link above), haven't you? Do so now. Back? Good. In comparison, except for the finish the Anejo lacks Imperial's robustness. Still, it is very educational to compare the two to better understand the effects of skilled aging. While Ron Barcelo Anejo makes a great picnic/party easy drinker, Ron Barcelo Imperial is an evening, post prandial cigar rum. It is richer, smoother, deeper, more complex and more robust.
All told though Ron Barcelo Anejo is a very underrated (or under rated if you prefer), underpriced ($12.95) rum, great for easy drinking and for your rum naive friends and ex-wives.
Score (ten is best): 7.