Cruzan Estate Dark
Category: Gold
Country: St. Croix, US Virgin Islands
Aged: 2 years
Alcohol: 40% (80 proof)
Availability: Everywhere
Price: $10-$13 (750 mL)
Appearance (0-5): 3
Aroma (0-25): 16
Taste (0-35): 23
Smoothness (0-10): 5
Body (0-5): 4
Overall Quality (0-20): 13
Machete Grade (0-100): 64
Notes: Don't let the name fool you, Cruzan Estate Dark is actually a gold rum - both in its younger age and golden/amber appearance. Medicinal alcohol and vanilla with a light touch of varnish on the nose. Allowed to breathe, the rum releases very sweet molasses and caramel aromas. Simple tastes of vanilla, caramel, pepper and oak - somewhat similar to Cruzan's 151, though not nearly as sweet and obviously not nearly as strong. Light- to medium-bodied with a mildly harsh yet short finish. Brown sugar and sour orange aftertaste. Generally uncomplicated. It's surprisingly not bad neat. On the rocks, its almost grainy texture gives way to a more silky mouthfeel - and a very slight cinnamon flavor appears. Far from ideal as a sipping rum, it'll do when short on options. It gets absolutely lost mixed with coke and in weak drinks, but at the right ratio, it's quite tasty. This easily beats Bacardi Gold, its primary competition at the price range. I'd much prefer to spend the extra $5 for a bottle of Cruzan's 5-year Estate Diamond, though. Cruzan Estate Dark is a bit short on flavors and smoothness, but this bargain rum is a solid choice for parties.
Category: Infused
Notes: Sometimes you just want to keep it simple. Malibu makes quality infused rums at great values and this is no exception. The strong aroma is of (passion) fruit punch and bubble gum. The taste is typical Malibu: sweet, smooth and kind - though it's far from complex as it's a little too artificial and not enough like rum. It works as a fun shot (e.g. jello), and it's sweet enough and completely lacking in bite so that I suppose it can be sipped on the rocks by pros and novices alike (though I, along with the pros, will likely rather reach for a Pampero or Zaya). Its unique flavor keeps it from being overly versatile, but it is simply awesome mixed with juices and in boat drinks, providing a nice twist on a usual favorite. And I've noticed that its exotic fruit taste, low proof, and purple/pink-highlighted bottle all make it a hit among the ladies. Pick it up for your next party and your guests won't be disappointed.
Category: Spiced
Notes: Me and the Cap go waaaay back. And I'm hardly the only one who's had the swashbuckling bootlegger as a homeboy for years (though the real CM wasn't such a nice guy). Captain Morgan Spiced is a staple in many bars and homes across the 
Category: Gold
Notes: I paid $13 for this bottle? It's an unexpectedly smooth, fairly simple rum. Slightly sweet, not very peppery, small pleasant bite, and maybe a little dry - it's just a generally mellow, simple Gold with a fairly smooth, buttery finish. It was okay on the rocks, though I prefer Flor de Caña's Black, Gran Reserva, and Centenario for sipping. Works as a base for a dirty 
Category: Spiced
Notes: Immediately when the bottle is opened and Tattoo is poured, there is a noticable aroma of citrus, vanilla, and cherry. The liquid itself has a dark caramel color with a golden glow. There is a faint taste of general allspice with some warmth but little actual burn in the finish. Mixing is why it was created but it's not necessary as it's pretty good