Though there are exceptions to be sure, generally speaking a $36 bottle of wine has more care put into it and resultingly better flavor than an $8 bottle of wine; the same holds true for vodka, gin and a host of other tipples. Rum is a notable exception, however. We are actually huge fans of the subtlety and good, simple fun of  a $14 bottle of Bacardi Silver, which has become a staple in our

summer porch parties.  There are aged, more sophisticated runs to be  sure, but we are continuously amazed at what bang (sometimes literally) you get for your buck in this realm.  There are occasions, of course, when spending just a bit more  yields wildly virtuous results. Such is the case in Appleton

Estate VX. From one of the most fabled distilleries in Jamaica (opened in 1749), and situated just

south of Montego Bay and beside  the Black River in one of the most beautiful valleys on the

island, the VX is a blend of 15 different aged rums.  Harvest gold in color, with remarkable clarity and brilliance given the deepness of its hue, it has a subtle sense of brown sugar and dried fruit (most noticeably orange), and to our palates, tastes more of honey than the sugar cane from which it is made. It also

finishes cleanly, unlike so many of its brothers who provide that not always fun rum afterburn.

Given the backbreaking amount of labor that goes into mixing 15 different kinds of rums in order to

produce the VX, its asking price of between 35 and 40 dollars seems a trifle. Our recommendation though, is that you use cheaper stuff for the Cube Libres, and save this true connoisseur's rum for drinking on its own, or lightly kissed with lime or orange.

It's All in the Name

The derivation of the word rum, is another hotly debated topic. Some feel that it comes from the botanical name of sugarcane, Saccharum officinarum. Others credit the English for it. In 1745 Admiral Vernon's men had contracted scurvy. In an attempt, to try something different, the Admiral cut the daily ration of beer and replaced it by an obscure Caribbean drink. This conquered the disease and his men were extremely delighted with their captain. They started to call him by an English slang "Old Rummy", which roughly translated into great guy or jolly good fellow. And hence, the name Rum fell upon the drink as well.  Courtesy of knoll.com.