Yo-Ho-Ho! Rum Goes Top Shelf

For those who associate "rum" with Captain Morgan, it might be time to put away the 2-liter bottle of generic cola. The perennial pirate fave is clawing its way up to the top shelf, writes John Mariani for Bloomberg, and giving whiskies, brandies, and Scotches a run for their money. Mariani's picks:

• Ron Zacapa Centenario Solera Grand Reserve ($39-$45): This Guatemalan offering "has a huge bouquet" with "plenty of caramel flavor and tasty tobacco notes." Cut with water.
• Flor de Cana Grand Reserve ($22): This "tropical, Nicaraguan beauty" has "a mild piney aroma" and fruit flavors.

• Depaz Blue Cane Rhum Agricole ($50): "A fabulous example of complexity, balanced sweetness and dryness, and as sophisticated as cognac."
• Bacardi 151 ($24): The label warns you it's flammable, and that's no lie—"You may want to smoke a cigar with this just to counteract its massive flavor."
• Clement Rhum Vieux ($40) and Tres Vieux ($150): White rums; the former "reminds me of the finest Irish whiskies," while the latter packs an 88-proof wallop.

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