MOUNT GAY XO
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Why Rums, appreciated more and more as premium sipping options, are easily the best-value spirits available, says Wynne. Scoring an XO cognac or a beautifully matured Scotch at this price just doesn’t happen. Mount Gay’s new packaging contemporizes the legendary Barbadian rum brand, but the liquid’s just as decadent and versatile as ever. Sip or mix in spirit-forward cocktails.
Price 750 ml/$44.95
Availability LCBO 557975
PLANTATION XO
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Why Though Plantation’s 20th-anniversary bottle is on the steep side, it’s a worthwhile splurge for rum lovers. Double-aged (it does time in bourbon barrels in its homeland of Barbados, then gets shipped to Cognac Ferrand’s Château de Bonbonnet for blending and advanced aging in small French oak casks), this rum is rich, creamy and steeped in complexity. Strictly for sipping.
Price 750 ml/$76.95
Availability LCBO 366609
DIPLOMATICO RESERVA
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Why At this price, you can’t go wrong with Venezuela’s Diplomatico. Cheap enough for guilt-free mixing, it can stand alone neat or on the rocks. Wynne recommends this bottle for budding bartenders and home enthusiasts branching into creative cocktailing.
Price 750 ml/$35.70
Availability LCBO 274258
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