Chairman's Reserve Rum 700ml

Chairman's Reserve is the flagship of St. Lucia Distillers, formed in 1972 in the Roseau Valley when the island's last two distilleries merged; the rum itself launched in 1999. It blends Coffey column and copper pot still rums made from molasses, aged separately in ex-bourbon barrels and then rested together for six months. The average age is five years, and it is bottled at 40%.

It is balanced and lightly fruity, with vanilla, oak, banana and a touch of spice.

For under $30, this is a rum that works neat and in cocktails. It has more pot still character than Mount Gay Eclipse; for the spiced version, try Chairman's Reserve Spiced.

In St. Lucia it is most often mixed with coconut water, according to the importer. It also makes a fine Daiquiri or rum punch.

Chairman's Reserve White is on the shelf too, with more under rum. Pick it up at our Brooklyn store or get same-day delivery across NYC.