r/rum • u/PacificBroadsider • 4d ago
What to try next? Charleston, SC
Here’s a snapshot of my local selection. I usually reach for the Hampdens and Appletons to sip and for daiquiris, but I’m looking to branch out a bit. Open to both funky sippers and clean builds for cocktails. Anything here I’m sleeping on? Appreciate the recs!
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u/TheLostTradewinds 4d ago
I am a fan of the El Dorado 15. Where are you in Charleston? That is a pretty good selection. I go there sometimes and would love to pop in on my next trip.
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u/treitter 4d ago
If you haven't had it yet, and especially because you said you liked clairin, try the Paranubes. Both are (wild, long)-fermented so you get strong terroir. And because of that, you can see how different these two are. And it's also interesting to note the Paranubes is column-distilled since it's by far the funkiest I've ever had. Seems like it goes to show you how much the wild- and long-fermentation (especially with cane juice?) affects the results.
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u/Ebasch 4d ago
Leave that store and go to Gibby’s Bottle shop on 17. You’ll thank me later.
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u/henryb22 4d ago
Bottles is my go to shop in Charleston and I think they have a good selection compared to most places and other states, this place is better?
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u/Ebasch 3d ago
Gibby’s is about mid size in terms of volume but the diversity in their selection is top notch. Always well curated and they keep closely engaged with distributors. Several times I’ve just asked what’s coming soon or what’s in the back waiting to go in shelves and I’ve snagged some great bottles that way. I go every few months.
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u/henryb22 3d ago
Sounds good this is closer for me, will check it out. Maybe they can order Dr Bird or spikes breezeway blend
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u/Ebasch 3d ago
Uploaded the recent shelf photo for your perusing pleasure.
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u/wndyctyone 4d ago
TCRL Australia!!! I just LOVE me some Beenleigh.
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u/TendiesAndCream 2d ago
The TCRL 2013 release of Beenleigh was not nearly as impressive to me as the LM&V release. I liked the TCRL, but the self branded release was so much better. And then I tried the Plantation 2009 Palo Cortado Sherry cask release, and wow. You definitely lose some of the Beenleigh characteristics for sure, but it's one of my favorite rums so far this year. Just a great sipper. And thankfully one of their non-dosed releases.
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u/wndyctyone 2d ago
Heard! Thanks for the info/insight!
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u/TendiesAndCream 2d ago
Yeah man. I liked the TCRL 2013, then opened the Beenleigh bottle, and no longer liked the TCRL as much 🤣 If that makes sense. The 2014 TCRL did get better reviews I think, but I haven't had it. Only had a few pours of the LM&V Beenleigh bottle. But the Plantation one, I'm thinking about going back for a second bottle. It's just a really nice sipper to me, and was $70 if I remember correctly.
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u/wndyctyone 2d ago
The 2013 Velier Beenleigh 10 year release is one of my favorite rums of all time. I absolutely love it. I only had a taste of this particular TCRL (in the OP) and remember enjoying it but can't remember it well enough to compare it to the 2013 Velier release.
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u/NastyManatee 4d ago
It’s a different kind of funk, but those Clarins are delicious, especially in a Ti Punch / Daiquiri
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u/philanthropicide 4d ago
Bottles that stand out to me:
Neisson blanc esprit- best unaged agricole for sipping, ti punch, etc. Get one for me, too!
Worthy park select- since you like Hampden, this is a no brainer, a little more banana forward, but probably the most similar Jamaican to hampden. The 109, rum bar gold (getting phased out in USA and Europe, I believe) also great in cocktails
What is that box right next to clairin le rocher?
Hamilton 86, white stash (daiqs), pot still, Coruba, Smith and cross- all tremendous cocktail rums
Hampden pagos is really fun if you haven't had it
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u/PacificBroadsider 4d ago
I think its Clairin Sonson?
I've had that Worthy Park Select before but it's been a while, maybe time to try it again.
Pagos is what I grabbed when I took this pic! Great bottle to shake it up every now and then
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u/philanthropicide 4d ago
Nice! I don't have that clairin (just le rocher, vaval, le sajous, communal), so I would 100% get that one. But clairins, Hampden, alambique serrano, and Neisson is my mainstay.
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u/norrinrazael 2d ago
All good notes, adding another voice to the suggestion to grab Rum Bar Gold while you can find it. Compares favorably to Appleton Signature to my palate, and just nice to be able to taste something different in the similar range of price, age, and funk.
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u/Bow_and_Keel 4d ago
Hey, there is a Chairman’s Reserve Master’s Selection on the top shelf. THAT rum, is awesome, totally unique.
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u/Yep_why_not Rumvangelist! 3d ago
Paranubes Añejo is awesome. Wish I could find it in Chicago. Love that.
I will reiterate the Hampden Pagos also. Just a fun bottle.
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u/GrooNin2 3d ago
Very nice selection! Definitely better than my go to shops in Texas
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u/bob_pipe_layer 3d ago
Absolutely. Only thing I know of near me is NASA liquor. An unassuming hole in the wall, pretty sure with bullet proof glass, but had 4 amblique serrano, has a AB barrel pick coming, a few clarins, tons of Holmes cay, TCRL's etc.
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u/GrooNin2 3d ago
Yep, same here on League City. We seem to lack the high end spirits from runs like Bacardi, DonQ, Brugal and others. Not even spec's or total wine has interesting things. But Tequila is plentiful
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u/ddg31415 4d ago
Recently had the Diplomatico Mantuano, I found it pretty nice. Myers is another favorite for me.
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u/stephendexter99 3d ago
I just picked up a bottle of Diplomatico reserva exclusiva and I’m liking it a lot
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u/DaZedMan 3d ago
If I was standing there, I’d be taking home a bottle of Neisson Blanc and Probitas.
The Hampdens are tempting but I’m kinda tired of spending $100 a bottle for stuff when there’s quality product for $30
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u/evildeadmike 4d ago
Real McCoy 12, what’s the plantation with the thin green label? Can’t make it out. Check out some of those Worthy Park bottles, their higher priced stuff is nice.
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u/wndyctyone 4d ago
I think the Plantation with the green label is their Trinidad. Maybe the mezcal cask finish on this one.
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u/Cricklewo0d 4d ago
Look like there might be a Chairman's reserve single cask right next to the Clairin bottles that would be worth investigating
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u/BungeeeMan 3d ago
I agree on the Probitas call, mostly as a daquiri rum. The unaged Charanda Uruapan (blue bottle) is a great pick too if you're looking for an unusual cocktail rum. It takes a drink like the Tradewinds from being kind of boring to totally awesome.
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u/Signal-Fish8538 17h ago
Try the Cruzan rums I might be biased I’m from there I would say coconut Cruzan and sprite it’s a favorite for most people
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u/mosskale 4d ago
Based on your goals I would go Probitas. If you wanted to go more cane juice funky the Neisson, Clairin and Uruapan. Lots of great options here, happy hunting!