Rum Recipe

Select glassware

Choose four small tasting glasses (tulip or Glencairn-style recommended) so each rum can be appreciated for color and aroma. Place them in a row left to right.

Label pours

If desired, place small labels or sticky notes in front of each glass reading: 'Bacardi', 'Bacardi 8yr', 'Captain Morgan', 'Goslings Black Seal' to avoid confusion during tasting.

Arrange accoutrements

Set the crackers or plain bread, a carafe of still/sparkling water, extra filtered water in a small measuring cup, lime wedges and orange twists nearby for optional aroma exploration.

Using a jigger or small measuring cup, pour 1 oz (30 ml) of Bacardi into the first glass. Pour 1 oz (30 ml) of Bacardi 8 Year Reserva into the second glass. Pour 1 oz (30 ml) of Captain Morgan Original Spiced into the third glass. Pour 1 oz (30 ml) of Goslings Black Seal into the fourth glass.

If you prefer slightly cooler pours, drop 1–2 ice cubes into each glass for 20–30 seconds, then discard the ice before tasting so the spirit is chilled but not diluted significantly. Alternatively, serve neat at room temperature.

Observe

Hold the glass at an angle and examine the color and legs. Note the clarity and hue: Bacardi (pale), Bacardi 8yr (gold/amber), Captain Morgan (amber with spice notes), Goslings (deep mahogany).

Smell

Bring the glass to your nose and take 2–3 small sniffs. Note dominant aromas: light molasses or citrus for Bacardi, vanilla/oak for Bacardi 8yr, baking spices/vanilla for Captain Morgan, dark toffee, molasses and burnt sugar for Goslings.

Taste (neat)

Take a small sip, let it coat your tongue, and gently breathe through your nose to open the flavors. Note mouthfeel (light, medium, full), sweetness, spice, oak, and finish. Swallow or spit if tasting many samples.

Modify (optional)

If a rum feels too hot or concentrated, add a 1 tsp splash of filtered water to that glass to open aromatics and reduce perceived alcohol. Record how the aroma and flavor change.

Cleanse between samples

Take a bite of cracker or a small sip of still water between each rum to clear your palate. Wait 1–2 minutes before moving to the next sample.

Compare & note

After completing the four pours, compare body, sweetness, spice, oak influence, and finish. Make tasting notes or score each rum on your preferred scale (aroma, taste, finish, overall).

Serve small pours for a tasting flight (1 oz each). If offering to guests who want a drink afterward, provide suggestions: Bacardi (mix with cola or mojito), Bacardi 8yr (neat or on the rocks), Captain Morgan (rum and cola or spiced rum cocktail), Goslings (Dark 'n' Stormy with ginger beer).

Recap and store: recap bottles after tasting and store upright in a cool, dark place. Use within a reasonable time for best freshness (opened spirits remain stable for long periods but aromatic notes are best experienced within a year).