My Unforgettable Rum-sipping Adventure
The summer before my freshman year of college was a wild ride. With no classes, exams, or homework, there was lots of free time – time I spent exploring. Specifically, I spent a lot of time exploring the world of rum.
For those of you that know me, you know that I’ve always been a bit of a rum enthusiast. I’m not a liquor connoisseur by any means, but when I was 18 I was determined to try out as many interesting and unique varieties of rum as possible. On this expedition, I was lucky enough to stumble upon the perfect rum-sipping experience.
Puerto Rico, My Dream Destination
I had stumbled upon a travel deal for a week-long trip to Puerto Rico, and of course I jumped at the chance. Puerto Rico is renowned for its rum, and I knew I would get the opportunity to sample many types of the island’s best-known spirit.
It was an unforgettable journey. The beaches were beautiful, the people were friendly, and the rum was top-notch. I had heard so much about Puerto Rico and its rum culture, and I was more than ready to explore it.
An Unexpected Rum Tasting
One evening, I was walking through the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan when I came across a bar that was offering a free rum tasting. Being a budget traveler, this was an offer I couldn’t refuse.
When I walked in, I saw a large bar and a few barrels of large oak barrels of properly aged rum. As I tasted each one, the flavors slowly unfolded in my mouth. First, I slowly tasted a light and fruity variety. This was quickly followed by a darker and more robust rum that had a strong taste of caramel and molasses. By the end, I had tried six varieties of rum that all had different tastes, aromas, and textures.
At the end of the tasting, the barman reached underneath the bar and presented me with a bottle of what he called “La Sirena”—the Siren. He poured me a generous shot and told me to sip it slowly.
That was the most unique and exotic way I have ever enjoyed rum. I had never heard of a rum like this before, and as I took my first sip I immediately fell in love with it. It was unlike anything I’d ever had before. It had a unique, smooth and fragrant flavor that was incredibly pleasing. After that, I immediately decided to buy a few bottles and take them home with me.
My Puerto Rican Rum Story
Since that summer, I have continued my rum exploration in other regions such as the Caribbean, Latin America and the Pacific Islands. But nothing has ever compared to that first time I tasted La Sirena and discovered Puerto Rican rum. It’s an experience I will never forget and an exotic way I still enjoy rum to this day.
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