Rumaniacs

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Short reviews and backgrounders of old, out of production or just plain forgotten rums. For some notes on the series, its origins and philosophy, see the narrative below the list.

The rums, in alphabetical order

Background

The Rumaniacs Project was conceptualized in late 2014 and then formally brought together in Paris in April 2015. It comprised a number of European rum reviewers (and one nomadic West Indian): and its stated purpose was to preserve in writing, the memory of rums long out of production….rums rare and sometimes vanished from the collective consciousness, except in the private stocks of long-time collectors or lucky inheritors, or the memories of old navy men from years gone by who remember with a sigh a particularly grand Caribbean tipple they had in their wild seafaring youth in a shack out on a beach somewhere tropical.

Initially one of the founding members volunteered to send us samples from his very extensive private stocks on an ongoing basis, we set up a website to which we all contributed our tasting notes, and many of us also agreed to exchange samples of our own long-hoarded, jealously guarded bottles. Most if not all of the first 75 or so reviews here came from such sources. However, as time went on, the effort and time seemed to be too much for most, and the effort faltered. By 2018 the “official” group was no longer writing, nor were samples being exchanged as before and by 2022 (when I checked on a whim) the website the founder had set up had died; so I began acquiring rums that fit the criteria on my own account through online sales, exchanges, friends and private arrangements. Whatever the feelings of others are, the idea behind what we formed the Rumaniacs for, is, I believe, of worth, and so it will continue on this site.

This page links to all the rum reviews which are based on those samples. These reviews are very different from the others that I write – here, for the most part, I’m more precise, less verbose (fine, you can stop cheering now). As many historical notes and opinions will make their appearance as are appropriate, especially the former. Where a rum may have been previously looked at, it will be tasted anew as if for the first time, with no reference to any previously posted essays or reviews..

Note 1: Since these rums are not produced or sold or marketed by any member of the Collective or commercial producers, are no longer being made, are rarely for sale and often next to impossible to find, conflict of interest regarding free samples – and most which I cannot buy or afford are free – does not arise. For this series, the Free Samples Rule is relaxed. In any case, the purpose is not to make a case for or against the rums in the commercial sphere, or to recommend them (or not) for purchase, but to describe them and relate something of their heritage before all memory of their names and stories vanishes completely.

Note 2: “Out of production” is a term that creates unique issues with respect to independent bottlings, single cask rums or special years’ limited editions (e.g., millesimes). Technically, once a single cask is bottled (and this is usually by indies), it’ll never be made again, so they could justifiably be included here. However, since they mostly come from “living” distilleries – with exceptions, of course – for the most part they will be reviewed as regular rums. There will always be exceptions, however, and sometimes it’ll just be my own opinion that they deserve to be listed in this section – where this happens, there’ll be a note to that effect.

4 Responses to “Rumaniacs”

Dave says:

May 20, 2015 at 3:06 am

If you are writing as a resource, to “describe them and their heritage” why bother with an opinion or scoring at all?

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- Ruminsky says:
  
  May 20, 2015 at 4:08 am
  
  Because someone will always and inevitably ask
  
  Reply
Henrik K says:

May 21, 2015 at 10:33 am

Exciting stuff, Lance. Looking very much forward to experiencing this new, less verbose side of you. Although I for one do prefer the old, elaborate style 🙂

Cheers.

Reply
- Ruminsky says:
  
  May 21, 2015 at 10:40 am
  
  Both types of writing will continue, never fear 🙂
  
  Reply

The Lone Caner

Rumaniacs

4 Responses to “Rumaniacs”

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