Bacardi always seemed like a step up in college. Compared to the questionably named brands hiding out on the bottom shelf, it had an air of quality to it. The more experience I had with rum, the more I learned that there were really two kinds of rum that Bacardi was invested in making. On one hand, they offered good quality, reasonably aged rums at (usually) reasonable prices for mixing with a couple of truly high end offerings mixed in. On the other hand, they offer mass marketed, entry level rums that are usually uninspired, and occasionally questionable in taste without a healthy dose of strongly flavored mixers to cover. At $8, Bacardi Superior fits squarely in the second category.
Bacardi Superior
Bacardi Superior is lightly aged in oak (no age statement), and filtered for color.
Sight: Clear.
Smell: There are notes of ethanol, rum ester, vanilla, and tropical fruits that lead off. Then the nose kind of stops evolving. What you smell on the first pass is pretty much where it stays.
Sip: The palate is thin and light, neither dry nor sweet. The note of ester and banana peel starts, with hints of alcohol and touches of vanilla extract and powdered sugar.
Savor: The ending is short, alcohol forward, and slightly dry. It lingers briefly, with just a touch of tropical fruit.
Bacardi Superior is presumably superior to something, but it’s not a first choice rum for us. As the price point implies, there should be low expectations going in, and from that standpoint, it delivers. It’s not offensive or aggressive, but it’s also not interesting. Rather, it does a lightly aged style of rum decently in a way you won’t overtly notice in Rum and Coke or similar mixed drink.
In Cocktails
The main problem with Bacardi Superior is that doesn’t add anything. In a Daiquiri you get plenty of lime and sweetness, but the rum is more an alcohol weight and slightly tropical flavor twist. Where it does best is hiding in something, like a Rum and Coke or spiking a punch. Again, the key here is not to expect much, and there’s not a lot to be disappointed in.
In Review – Bacardi Superior
If you had to buy a rum, and none of recommended rums are available, then Bacardi Superior isn’t the end of the world. From a flavor standpoint, it’s fine. From a price standpoint it’s good. It’s just not recommendable or memorable. Besides, Bacardi makes better things – like their Bacardi 8 – and used to make better lightly aged rums (like Bacardi Mastro de Ron).