Is aging really a reality for a real rum drinker?

Yes.  Oops, I just gave away the conclusion of this whole blog entry.  Please read on anyway.

What we need to test out the question of just how important aging is for a rum drinker is a rum that is available in a variety of aging choices.  Thank you, El Dorado.  As all the loyal followers of this blog are fully familiar, 

El Dorado is available in these ages and rated by me as follows:

• ·         Aged 12 years (Rated 7),
• ·         Aged 15 years (Rated 8),
• ·         Aged 21 years (Rated 9), and
• ·         Aged 25 years (Rated 10). 

Now one might think these ratings to be suspect considering how neatly spaced they are—7, 8, 9, 10.  Oh, but you must give me credit beyond just lining up these excellent rums in order of their labels.  In fact, I didn’t even purchase them in that order, or taste them in that order, or rate them in that order.  I’ve even set them out in front of friends for tastings and had them correctly identify their aging. 

The most definitive statement about aging is the difference between El Dorado 25 and any other rum I and all my friends have tasted.  Each of us has immediately declared the amazing smoothness of El Dorado 25 compared to other rums and the other El Dorados. 

Of course, we can’t afford to drink “El 25” casually.  So El Dorado 21 is the default, and quite frankly, is a fantastic choice. 

My conclusion is simply, when selecting your rum, pay attention to the number of years it has been aged.  The aging definitely makes a difference.