Cruzan Single Barrel Rum

If “rum” makes you think of tropical drinks served in hollowed pineapples and garnished with paper umbrellas, here's one that will banish such preconceptions. Which is not to suggest that showy rum-based cocktails don't have their time and a place! But some rums are meant to be sipped and savored in sophisticated style.

"Rum is growing up and evolving just like your taste buds," says Rachel Poor, senior account executive of Shift Communications. "A new premium category (priced $20-$50) of rum is emerging, defined by handcrafted quality, distinct aging processes and the best ingredients. A premium rum can stand alone as a ‘sipping’ spirit or can be mixed simply with soda water or tonic."

Cruzan’s Single Barrel Estate Rum, the world’s first single barrel rum, is one of the most awarded premium rums on the market. It is aged for a minimum of two and up to 14 years in charred American oak barrels previously used for bourbon or whisk(e)y.

Bottom line: Smooth and mellow with a deep copper color, this rum boasts complex flavors of butterscotch, oak, molasses, maple, vanilla, banana and caramel. A sip to savor. Thumbs up.