Christmas Spirits, Part IV - Rumming on Empty

When it comes to the holidays, rum and whiskey run neck and neck in the race for most important spirit. While whiskey gets points for the iconic hot toddy, rum is the one that makes egg nog special and puts a punch in grog. That having been said, this is not time for going crystal clear. Save the white rums for degreasing engines and cleansing wounds; when it comes to the holidays, you want a rum that will stand up to heavy flavors and biting cold!

The classic dark rum is Myers's. Rich and flavorful, it has notes of vanilla, molasses, and a very slightly burned taste. Unfortunately, at $23 for a fifth, it is also fairly expensive. On the other hand, Cruzan Black Strap Navy Rum is a lot cheaper ($14), and even more flavorful. Made with a heavy dose of molasses, it has a very rich, sweet flavor, a lower alcohol content, and a dark, almost impenetrably black color. Best of all, like Myers, it holds up very nicely against fruit juices, egg nog, and all the other rich flavors that make most lesser rums quail.

For more refined tastes, there is nothing like a golden rum. Unfortunately, this is one of those places where low quality translates pretty directly into low taste. Luckily, Appleton Gold ($14) and Mount Gay Eclipse ($16) are both outstanding and relatively cheap.

If you absolutely must go with spiced rum, you're probably better off making it yourself. That having been said, I have to admit a deep appreciation of Rogue Hazelnut Spiced Rum. It has a subtle, adult flavor that tastes fantastic in a simple grog. Unfortunately, at roughly $30 per bottle, it's a little pricey!