El Dorado 12 Years - alternatives

I have told my buddies for years I think the Eldorado 12 was better than the 15, personal tastes. Something I like even better is the Diplimatico Family Reserve. It looks like the very popular Reserve Exculsive, but it is slightly overproof and not as sweet about $10 more per bottle but hard to find at times. It was made for EU market at 700 instead of 750 size and I believe the RE had too much sugar to call rum in EU. Although I have not had them in a while I used to drink the Costa Rican Ron Centenario rums, well worth trying. Two of my favorite full bodied rums I love now in the $85-$100 range are both made by Barcelo in DR. Barcelo 30th anniversary (we get it at Costco for around $85) and the very similar E.Leon Jimenez a lot harder to find. Both exceptional rums worth every penny. If you like full bodies rums with a bourbon or slight whiskey hint The Real McCoy 12 year old really surprised me around $45. Its made for them by Foursquare but very well done with solid full body flavor. Ron Abuelo 12, 2 oaks and their extra aged 15 year old additions are all worth trying as our the Zacapa Heavenly Casks and Reserve Limitada's if you can find them.

El Dorado 12 is probably the best value for money when it comes to rum that I have tried. For those who can get it, Havana Club 7 is probably second. 

I've been quite happy with this one. My favorite for a long time was the 15yr but this one absolutely puts that to the test. I also tried their 8yr old. More alcohol burn but more flavor. So, I no longer spend the extra $$$ for the 15 and go with the other 2. Oh, and that Havana Club 7 is even better especially after it sits for a while, it opens up a whole world of flavors! 

@Jim: funny, just last night, I had a glas of the Ron centenario 25; I also have the real mccoy 12 y prohibition edition and the abuelo 15 tawny cask. Love the distinctive flavor of the latter two. Centenario is nice and beautifully smooth but not as distinct - I call it the zacapa/diplomatico effect as those are all quite similar (will also add the ED15 to that section).

So yes, I love them full bodied rums. Diplomatico FR I enjoyed at the Vienna rum Festival last year. Also the barcelo imperial which surprise me and think is great for people coming more from the whisky department. 

Rum that really surprised me - and which I hated at first due to false expectations is the Deamon share 12yo

@ric/kevin: I did do a comparison test between the ron centenario 25, the deamon share 12, the HC7, the pampero aniversario, the real mc coy 12 pe and some others.Result of the HC7 is just as you described: let it sit for 15 min at least and this rum really opens up.I must say, however, compared to the DS12, the HC7 feels a bit watery. But you only pay half the price! Btw. Pampero Aniversario is also very nice.

Recently picked up the Pampero Aniversario in Florida. Had never seen it before here in Canada. Really enjoyable rum. Worth the money. I'll buy it again. Also got the Centenario 20 on that trip. Top notch rum. Special occasion rum, not a good value daily sipper. 

Think it's just down to the indivdual 

I think 15 is better than the 12 not had the 21 yet but people say it's not worth the money 

El Dorado is quite special, other brands don't really do that Guyana/Demerara style, and the ones that do get their spirits from the same distillery as El Dorado. There are some independent bottlers that might be worth checking out if you're willing to pay premium, e.g. Compagnie des Indes, SBS.

Ulli, just wait a week or more that HC7 just doesn't quit!

I too prefer the 12 to the 15 - both good, but the 12 just does more for me for some reason.