Objective Notes

Very Smooth (on the RnD scale of Harsh-Smooth-Very Smooth-Extremely Smooth).

Light-to-medium amber in color. Ron del Barrilito is a blend of rums aged 6-10 years in charred oak barrels to create a smooth sipping rum. The name Ron del Barrilito translates essentially to "rum from small barrels," a clue to the smooth, light, aged character of this nice rum. Tres Estrellas (Three Stars) denotes this rum is superior in age and smoothness from their Dos Estrellas (Two Stars) variety. Tastes are gentle, with hints of honey-lemon-citrus tropical fruit, with an oh-so-subtle, almost warm banana-caramel-anise flavor unique to Puerto Rico. A bit sweet, with a medium-dry finish. This is a fun, moderately complex rum.

Anecdotal Notes

Roger and I slowly sipped our way through nearly a bottle of this flavorful rum one night on Antigua before sailing away to many other rum producing islands in the Northern Caribbean. Occasionally, we added a little ice as the tropical heat warranted, but never tired of Barrilito's warm welcoming taste. A nice easy sipping rum, at once more humble and rewarding than demanding, it is a cocktail complete within itself. Widely available in the US, this rum is a staple of any well-stocked rum locker.

Taster’s Opinion

Dave - Fine aged rum is often compared with brandy or cognac. Frankly, I think good rum is a far superior, friendlier and smoother drink. Rum can certainly be enjoyed more often, going well with almost any time of day. But if any rum reminds me of what a nice brandy or cognac should taste like, Ron del Barrillito is it. Ron del Barrilito 3 Star pleases your taste buds with an honest, subtly sweet Puerto Rican flavor, and never harsh. The bottle looks neither fancy nor impressive, but trust RnD's recommendation; buy a bottle in the San Juan airport's duty free shops for about half the price you'll pay in the US as you travel into or out of the Caribbean. You will be glad you did when you get to your destination.

Taster's Rating (10 is best):  Dave - 8 Flasks

Most recently reviewed by: Dave in January, 2007 at RnD's south tasting room in USA

*750ml unless otherwise stated.