I’ve been on a bit of a crusade the last few years to get people to try good aged rum. Rum is so much more than something to mix with coke or an ingredient in a fruity cocktail. The subtle sweetness & deep earthiness of the better aged rums are instant hits with people who approach them with an open mind. Especially in an age when bourbon has become both hugely popular & often quite expensive, I find I get much more for my money but sacrifice nothing in enjoyment when my glass is filled by folks much further south than Kentucky.

I’ve become a big fan of Venezuelan rum recently, in part thanks to a generous gift of Cacique Antiguo from a good friend who happens to be an ex-pat. It’s so dry it approaches cognac in flavor & body, with a mellow warmth that is best appreciated neat. Since Cacique isn’t available in the US, Pampero Aniversario is a great option for anyone looking to see what Venezuela has to offer.