INFUSED RUMS

Infused Rums, also known as Flavored Rums, are typically made from light-bodied rums, and are infused with the essence of ingredients such as fruits, coffee, vanilla, or coconut. They're often bottled at less than 80 proof.

Malibu Passion Fruit

Category: Infused
Country: Barbados
Aged: Unknown, likely 0-6 months
Alcohol: 21% (42 proof)
Availability: Everywhere
Price: $11-$16 (750 mL)

Appearance (0-5): 3
Aroma (0-25): 17
Taste (0-35): 23
Smoothness (0-10): 8
Body (0-5): 3
Overall Quality (0-20): 13
Machete Grade (0-100): 67

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.

Reviewed: May 2007

Bacardi Razz

Category: Infused
Country: Puerto Rico
Aged: Unknown, likely 0-6 months
Alcohol: 35% (70 proof)
Availability: Everywhere
Price: $12-$16 (750 mL)

Appearance (0-5): 3
Aroma (0-25): 15
Taste (0-35): 17
Smoothness (0-10): 5
Body (0-5): 2
Overall Quality (0-20): 12
Machete Rating (0-100): 54

Notes: The initial aroma is of strong, rich raspberry and black currant with maybe a bit of cherry. If I were blindfolded, I might mistake the smell for IHOP's boysenberry pancake syrup instead of a rum - which I suppose might only be a bad thing because it is a rum. It tastes a bit like bubblegum, and it's not as smooth as I was expecting considering the thoughts of candy and pancakes. Though mostly masked by the overpowering berry flavor, there's a soft slightly buttery finish with the medium heat. Mixed with 7-Up or as added flavor in mixed drinks (particularly frozen drinks), it can be fairly tasty. Definitely a bottle meant for mass consumption at parties and summer barbecues.

Reviewed: May 2007

Bacardi Island Breeze Wild Berry

Category: Infused
Country: Puerto Rico
Aged: Unknown, likely none
Alcohol: 18% (36 proof)
Availability: Everywhere
Price: $10-$15 (750 mL)

Appearance (0-5): 2
Aroma (0-25): 11
Taste (0-35): 12
Smoothness (0-10): 5
Body (0-5): 1
Overall Quality (0-20): 8
Machete Rating (0-100): 39

Notes: Let's be honest: one doesn't buy this "lite spirit" looking for premium taste. Its purpose is to provide the approximate flavor without so many calories. The aroma and taste is completely artificial - like berry bubblegum (even moreso than Bacardi Razz, which I assume is what Bacardi is providing this as an alternative to) - and the body is thin. Mixed into weak drinks, it serves its purpose, though I'd throw in some other rum to balance the flavor and up the alcohol content. Then again, that would defeat the purpose of a 1/2-the-calories rum. Actually, I'm not convinced this really is rum. And thus why I have to give this guy a low rating: it's not that it's bad tasting, per se, it's just too artificial and too little like rum to merit many points. If you want rum, I recommend just sticking to something better and running a few laps in the morning.

Reviewed: May 2007

Cruzan Banana

Category: Infused
Country: St. Croix (USVI)
Aged: Unknown
Alcohol: 27.5% (55 proof)
Availability: Everywhere
Price: $10-$14 (750 mL)

Appearance (0-5): 3
Aroma (0-25): 18
Taste (0-35): 18
Smoothness (0-10): 4
Body (0-5): 3
Overall Quality (0-20): 12
Machete Rating (0-100): 58


Notes: The pour of this Virgin Island infused rum is clear and heavy. The aroma of banana and alcohol is strong and sweet... if only the taste was as good. On the tongue, it's oily and somewhat artificial, a taste that quickly gives way to an almost brutal harshness that is completely out of place in what should be a more mellow and relaxing tasting experience. Cruzan makes nice flavored rums (and their Single Barrel is fantastic), but this one is far from their best - which is a shame since I love bananas and am ever on the hunt for a really good banana rum. Still, I must admit that it works very well in boat drinks and desserts. Blended into a Piña/Banana Colada, it's great. Don Lorenzo's Banana Rum is a little smoother, but I'm sure there's a better banana rum out there somewhere... Cruzan Banana is a fair infused rum at a bargain price.

Reviewed: April 2007