I'm not an expert when it comes to drinks, but I've learned what I like. The following rums are best plain or on the rocks. I'll beat you senseless with my table lighter if you even consider mixing these rums.
I'll typically pair rum with a fuller flavored cigar or something with some sweeter notes to it as they tend to compliment each other nicely.
Sailor Jerry Spiced Navy Rum
Of all the rums on the list this is one I'll occasionally mix with something else. It is inexpensive and 92 Proof so actually probably better suited to mix.
I still find it easy enough to drink on the rocks, alright maybe a few rocks because I like this one watered down a touch.
Brugal Rum Anejo

This is the first rum I bought for drinking alone and not for mixing. It is inexpensive and not overpowering.
It has some bite if sipped neat, but some ice mellows it out.
If you are new to rum this is a good place to start as it won't set you back too much.
Their website is completely in Spanish and I found it completely useless for product information, but it has to be one of the strangest websites I've ever run across.
Mount Gay Sugar Cane Rum
This also goes by Sugar Cane Brandy in some areas, but it is 100% Rum.
Mount Gay Sugar Cane Rum is very complex and it ended up getting pair with a cigar almost nightly while the bottle lasted.
It is reasonably priced another good starter rum if you are looking to get your feet wet.
10 Cane Rum

This is the current rum I'm drinking. Every time I ask for rum suggestions on the cigar blogs this one is always one of the first ones mentioned.
While technically a white rum it does have a bit of color to it. On the rocks it has light spiced honey flavor. I find it extreme refreshing and I'm actually having some while writing this with an Illusione No. 2.
10 Cane's website is definitely one of the better sites with some great information behind the rum on it.
Zaya 12 Year Gran Reserva Rum

If heaven came in a bottle this stuff is it. But heaven isn't cheap, expect to shell out around $40 for a bottle.
I'd heard a friend of mine rant and rave about this stuff so when I got some extra cash and my humidor was well stocked I picked some up. I'm starting to regret that a bit as I'm hooked now.
This is a darker rum with heavy flavors. When I first had this on the rocks I could have sworn I was drinking a Rum and Coke. Pair this up with a Padron 1964 Maduro or 601 Blue Label along with some nice soothing music and it can turn the worst day into a good day.
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I love some Sailor Jerry rum. I have been drinking it for a while now and find that it goes perfect with a nice full cigar. The sweetness really helps to even everything out.
Another really good one is Pampero Anniversario Rum, about 25 to 30 a bottle, but well worth it, a nice rum to serve over ice.
I’ll have to try the Pampero. If you get a chance I really suggest you pick up some 10 Cane and Zaya, both are amazing.
Have you tried Kilo Kai? It’s a relatively new spiced rum. I was just wondering what you thought about it…
Michelle: Typically I don’t drink spiced rum, but I’ll see if I can find some info on it and maybe give it a try.
This is great. I’ve been trying to think of something new to try. This gives me several options.
If you are interested in delving deeper into the wonderful world of Rum, then I highly suggest you take a look at this site for reviews & suggestions. Don’t let the amusing layout/name fool you… I’ve never been steered wrong!
http://www.bilgemunky.com/reviews/rum/
You cannot go wrong with Cruzan Single Barrel. One of the ten best rum’s in the world!
If you haven’t tried Ron Zacapa Centenario, put that on your list next. I’ve had Pyrat xo, Pampero, Goslings Family Reserve, and a few others. The only one that comes close to Zacapa is Goslings (but at $65 a bottle, compared to about $40 for Zacapa).
I finally got a chance to try the Ron Zacapa Centenario. It and the Zaya are both at the top of my lists now.
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