The winner is a rum that isn't available anymore? Denizen changed their formula and admitted they were lying about what was in the original. You should probably re-do this entire video with the new version if you want people to take you seriously.
Same rum different label. It was never aged 8 years despite what the label said. That was known. Denizen says it’s the same, if you don’t trust that then good for you. Have you tasted the old label vs new label in this version or the white? You probably haven’t. You should redo your comment if you want people to take you seriously, Steve. The thing I just don’t understand about you is that you make videos on UA-cam. Yet you still find the urge to talk shit. I can’t imagine doing that. Your problems are your own. Take your insecurities elsewhere.
@@makeanddrink It's not even remotely the same, and yes I have both bottles. The current bottle adds something like "and other Caribbean rums", meaning they've cut the original formula with cheap rum, probably to keep the price the same. And then they raised the price anyway. Too bad you can't tell the difference...
Well you know everything don't you, Steve. I'll pin your comment so everyone can see it first! That way when they go to your channel they can watch your videos and choose to not subscribe. Same as everyone else.
@@BitterSteve @makeanddrink These types of comments are exactly what isn’t fun about the cocktail community. Derek and Kevin just wanting to show everyone a fun side by side but deciding to come in and discredit someone else for just enjoying a drink and having fun. Super lame, I feel like the whole point of sharing bottles and recipes is about giving people ideas and showing the fun of trying new things in cocktails. Calling someone unserious because they aren’t using a certain bottling is pretty out of pocket. If someone likes what’s in the glass, then there is no point in yucking their yum.
@@BitterSteve I am not happy to learn that the original bottle was not actually aged a full eight years. It irritates me. That said, I’ve done a side-by-side comparison and to my palate they are the exact same rum. Moreover, people working with the brand also say it’s the same rum and the new label corrects the flawed age statement on the old. They’ve also explained why the mistake happened. While I respect that we each taste things differently and your own taste tests may tell you that they are different products, but writing such things in the way that you did simply isn’t conducive to meaningful conversation for me. I prefer people make such statements with verifiable facts, not speculation or interpretation. YMMV, cheers.
This was great, thank you! More of this kind of content please. Just too bad I can’t get your top pick in my country, but I can get everything for the ”Ultimate” Mai Tai so I’m at least grateful for that.
SPOILER: Knowing that Smuggler's Cove uses Denizen's 8, and using it myself for years, this makes complete sense. Of course Appleton 8 and Smith and Cross would be good, just different notes. For that taste of perfection, it's hard to beat the one engineered to be the best of the best.
For my everyday Mai Tai I use Denizen with a 1/4 oz of O.F.T.D. It's affordable, easy, to make , and tastes like how I feel a Mai Tai should taste. The Ultimate Mai blend works so well it has more depth and greater aroma I can see why the rums that go into that are all standouts.
@@Arlo360-Official Plantation rums recently renamed themselves to Plantaray, so while you'll probably find both labels around still, going forward anything that you see as Plantation will be Plantaray.
Im not surprised. Knew that Plantation Xaymaca would make it to the top 3. It’s one of the most underrated Jamaican rums, because some people have probs with the plantation brand itself. Unfortunately the winner Denizen Merchant is hard to come by in Germany.🇩🇪 so I have to stay with Xaymaca and sometimes I can up it with Rum Fire. One Rum Mai Tai tests are really helpful because it brings the rums to the ultimate test for awide range of cocktails
Xaymaca is an excellent and budget friendly rum for sure! Appleton 8 is probably the closest to Denizen since they're both 8-year Jamaican rums, and that's my personal favorite in a Mai Tai.
Love the video! I have done similar tests myself and conclude with your results! I enjoy blending different rums in various ratios to come up with something new. Sometimes it’s a hit, sometimes it’s a mess.
I added the winner to my rum wishlist about an hour before I watched this video today, so it was fate! Will need to get bottle soon. I did, however, make two if the Make and Drink recipe Mai Tai's tonight with Hamilton 86 and Appleton 12. It was quite excellent and excited to see how Denizen compares the two bottle blend.
Hi Derek, this was EXACTLY what I asked for a few ago. THANK YOU !! I already have 3 of the top 4. Getting S&C this week :) I'm still learning about rum, not an expert by any means, but so far, I do love Denizens ! So I guess I'm on the right track. Thank u again for the excellent content, always appreciated!
Denizen for the win! By far it always stands out to me how good it makes Mai Tais. It’s my secret ingredient for all of my friends who’ve never had a legitimate Mai Tai before.
I am glad you posted this video. I prefer a one bottle Mai Tai and I usually go with Appleton 8 for myself or Appleton Signature for first timers as it’s not as funky. It’s kinda like the Camry Mai Tai…it just works and will not offend at its price point
The first time I opened a bottle of Denizen Merchant Reserve and smelled it, my immediate thought was "Wow, this smells exactly like a Mai Tai." Martin Cate really knows his stuff
I guess Mr. Cate knows what he's doing after all🗿👍 Also, Derek, you mentioned that you had tried that WP Select in a Mai Tai previously, and really enjoyed it. What changed when you tried it here?
Side by side against others. Anything can taste great on its own. Anything can be the best you’ve ever had when it’s alone. It’s tasting next to other things where you can really determine how much you like something.
@makeanddrink I think that's a good takeaway as well. Enjoy what you've got, it can make a stellar drink when you're not obsessing over how it compares to others ;)
Did I die & wake up in tiki rum nerd heaven. I love these head 2 head tasting episodes! Especially cool to see how xaymaca stands up to Appleton 8 etc.. Awesome stuff.
I asked Kevin at one point if he had ever made a top10 list of 1 rum Mai Tais. He was hesitant to answer, so thank you Derek for making him rank these Mai Tais. 🙂 Not having access to Denizen rums in the EU, my favorite 1 rum Mai Tai is probably still a Rhum J.M. Terroir Volcanique.
Appleton signature together with El Dorado 12 is my go-to! Sometimes a quarter oz of la favorite rhum blanc, per death and co's spec. I like the grassy addition to a Mai Tai. Not at all surprised about the winner. Never had a bad Mai Tai with it
That's a really cool video ! When I saw the line up, I was expecting S&C, PXaymaca & AE8 to be in the higher tier/top4 (Denizen is not available in FR unfortunately), so I am really pleased you picked them up :) I use those 3 + OFTD in my Mai Tai blend so really close to the ultimate Mai Tai ;)
I'm familiar with all those runs on the list. I'm surprised they even thought about the Worthy Park expressions because they don't have the ABV for me. If I were thinking of 1 rum Mai Tai it would be with Smith & Cross. The more funk for me the better it is for me 🙂. If I were doing a mix rum I would go AE12 and W&N. Choose the percentage of each mix based on your preference, but those 2 together would make a killer Mai Tai.
I do like that Appleton Signature is middle of the road, it's just everywhere and reasonable and it fits a lot of cocktails. Now to find some Denizen or Xaymaca.
I knew I made the right decision on my Florida trip last week - I searched to find a total wine store with denizen MR in stock - and bagged a bottle! First thing back in the U.K. was make a maitai!
Denizen vatted dark is what I have been using lately and I love it. I'm curious if you have tried it as a single bottle Mai Tai solution. Slainte mhath
Great video, Derek, as always. Interesting that the primary bottle that started the idea for this video ended up being one of the least liked. Also really interesting that the Smith & Cross didn't stand out.
Love these blind tests. I’m almost always surprised how disappointing the Monymusk is in a cocktail. It smells and tastes fairly funky neat, but for whatever reason that doesn’t seem to hold up in a drink. Fortunately my bottles were also $10.
My favorite Mai Tai recipe (more than 1 rum) 3/4 oz Appleton 12yr 3/4 oz Clement VSOP 1/2 oz Clement Creole Schrubb 3/4 oz Lime juice 1/4 oz Orgeat 1/4 oz Sugar syrup Garnish with 1/2 spent lime & mint. To me, this is the perfect Mai Tai. Two great rums and subbing orange Curaçao with the Creole Schrubb elevates this to a higher level. This is the recipe served at Club 33 in Disneyland.
I have to say i'm not super impressed with any of the worthy park products since the rebranding. I'm a big fan of Jamaican rums and it's definitely put itself in my bottom tier for Jamaican.
I am sad I cannot get Denizens in the UK but happy that the other top 3 are available. If you had to pick a number 2 out of the rest which would it be?
@@makeanddrink Thanks, Appleton 8 is cheaper than Xaymaca here in the UK. £29.95 ($39.58) vs £35.21 ($46.54). In fact the Appleton is on sale here currently for £25.49 ($33.69)
It would be interesting to see what would happen if Worthy Park Select was not tried after Smith & Cross. Old Brigand makes an excellent Mai Tai and is very affordable. Admittedly, not Jamaican, but a great Mai Tai nonetheless.
We went back and forth and sometimes out of order. When we broke them out into favs and least fav we tried those few ones again side by side which was not against S&C. The telling sign that the order does not matter much is Denizen was last and still our favorite and S&C was one of the favs and tried first
Bad a** video. Mai tai is the closer of all deals. I am curious what portions you used for the balance of the drink. That makes a big difference as well. Cheers.
I think it’s too expensive. Over $50 for me now. That would open this up to another wide category of rums and then you’d have to taste against far more than 8
I wanted to use rums that were more available to most people. Plus I didn’t want to do a 20 bottle taste test. There’s dozens and dozens of others that could have been included.
The winner is a rum that isn't available anymore? Denizen changed their formula and admitted they were lying about what was in the original. You should probably re-do this entire video with the new version if you want people to take you seriously.
Same rum different label. It was never aged 8 years despite what the label said. That was known. Denizen says it’s the same, if you don’t trust that then good for you.
Have you tasted the old label vs new label in this version or the white? You probably haven’t. You should redo your comment if you want people to take you seriously, Steve.
The thing I just don’t understand about you is that you make videos on UA-cam. Yet you still find the urge to talk shit. I can’t imagine doing that. Your problems are your own. Take your insecurities elsewhere.
@@makeanddrink It's not even remotely the same, and yes I have both bottles. The current bottle adds something like "and other Caribbean rums", meaning they've cut the original formula with cheap rum, probably to keep the price the same. And then they raised the price anyway. Too bad you can't tell the difference...
Well you know everything don't you, Steve. I'll pin your comment so everyone can see it first! That way when they go to your channel they can watch your videos and choose to not subscribe. Same as everyone else.
@@BitterSteve @makeanddrink
These types of comments are exactly what isn’t fun about the cocktail community. Derek and Kevin just wanting to show everyone a fun side by side but deciding to come in and discredit someone else for just enjoying a drink and having fun. Super lame, I feel like the whole point of sharing bottles and recipes is about giving people ideas and showing the fun of trying new things in cocktails. Calling someone unserious because they aren’t using a certain bottling is pretty out of pocket. If someone likes what’s in the glass, then there is no point in yucking their yum.
@@BitterSteve I am not happy to learn that the original bottle was not actually aged a full eight years. It irritates me. That said, I’ve done a side-by-side comparison and to my palate they are the exact same rum. Moreover, people working with the brand also say it’s the same rum and the new label corrects the flawed age statement on the old. They’ve also explained why the mistake happened. While I respect that we each taste things differently and your own taste tests may tell you that they are different products, but writing such things in the way that you did simply isn’t conducive to meaningful conversation for me. I prefer people make such statements with verifiable facts, not speculation or interpretation. YMMV, cheers.
Love the Denizen! Thank you Martin Cate!!!😊
Love these blind tests. Great Video
This was great, thank you! More of this kind of content please. Just too bad I can’t get your top pick in my country, but I can get everything for the ”Ultimate” Mai Tai so I’m at least grateful for that.
SPOILER:
Knowing that Smuggler's Cove uses Denizen's 8, and using it myself for years, this makes complete sense. Of course Appleton 8 and Smith and Cross would be good, just different notes. For that taste of perfection, it's hard to beat the one engineered to be the best of the best.
That was hugely entertaining, thank you both! Glad I already have those top choices :)
For my everyday Mai Tai I use Denizen with a 1/4 oz of O.F.T.D. It's affordable, easy, to make , and tastes like how I feel a Mai Tai should taste. The Ultimate Mai blend works so well it has more depth and greater aroma I can see why the rums that go into that are all standouts.
1.5 oz Denizen, 0.5 oz OFTD, and 1 barspoon of Rum Fire made a pretty amazing mai tai for me.
@@Arlo360-Official Plantation rums recently renamed themselves to Plantaray, so while you'll probably find both labels around still, going forward anything that you see as Plantation will be Plantaray.
@@Arlo360-Official OFTD is very different from Xaymaca, but still an excellent rum to keep on hand.
The best rum for Mai Tais is the best rum you enjoy in Mai Tais!!! Like a daiquiri I love trying out various Rums!
Yup. Every new bottle i get the firt thing i make is a daq to try it out.
Watching two people blind taste a bunch of rums and cocktails for over 25 minutes? I’m not sure people are going to be into that. But what do I know.
But if we did it with Rum Fire it would be okay then, right? Got you, friend.
@ultimatemaitai he doesn’t even like Rum Fire. He’s a Monymusk OP guy.
I’m so into it. I can’t imagine a better way to spend an hour.
Easy half hour. Great video guys...
We watched to the end to see them get redder and redder as the rum hit them
Great video, very enjoyable. Love the collaborations like this.
Im not surprised. Knew that Plantation Xaymaca would make it to the top 3. It’s one of the most underrated Jamaican rums, because some people have probs with the plantation brand itself. Unfortunately the winner Denizen Merchant is hard to come by in Germany.🇩🇪 so I have to stay with Xaymaca and sometimes I can up it with Rum Fire. One Rum Mai Tai tests are really helpful because it brings the rums to the ultimate test for awide range of cocktails
Xaymaca is an excellent and budget friendly rum for sure! Appleton 8 is probably the closest to Denizen since they're both 8-year Jamaican rums, and that's my personal favorite in a Mai Tai.
Appleton 12 all the way!
P.S. Maybe contact the rum depot guys in Berlin and ask them if they can make the Denizen happen ;-)
Love the video! I have done similar tests myself and conclude with your results! I enjoy blending different rums in various ratios to come up with something new. Sometimes it’s a hit, sometimes it’s a mess.
Great video guys! I still haven't tried the Denizen Merchant Reserve, but I'm definitely gonna have to grab a bottle next time I get the opportunity!
Love this gents!! Sadly Denizen is not available in the UK. I may have to pick up a bottle or two during my trip across the pond in October
I added the winner to my rum wishlist about an hour before I watched this video today, so it was fate! Will need to get bottle soon.
I did, however, make two if the Make and Drink recipe Mai Tai's tonight with Hamilton 86 and Appleton 12. It was quite excellent and excited to see how Denizen compares the two bottle blend.
Hi Derek, this was EXACTLY what I asked for a few ago. THANK YOU !!
I already have 3 of the top 4. Getting S&C this week :) I'm still learning about rum, not an expert by any means, but so far, I do love Denizens ! So I guess I'm on the right track.
Thank u again for the excellent content, always appreciated!
Denizen for the win! By far it always stands out to me how good it makes Mai Tais. It’s my secret ingredient for all of my friends who’ve never had a legitimate Mai Tai before.
I tried a lot of Mai Tai recipes, but my favorite is Martin Cate's with Denizen's Merchant's Reserve.
I need to try that Denizen! Favourite blend for me so far has Been 1.25 oz Appleton 12 with 0.75 oz Wray and Nephew.
I am glad you posted this video. I prefer a one bottle Mai Tai and I usually go with Appleton 8 for myself or Appleton Signature for first timers as it’s not as funky. It’s kinda like the Camry Mai Tai…it just works and will not offend at its price point
The first time I opened a bottle of Denizen Merchant Reserve and smelled it, my immediate thought was "Wow, this smells exactly like a Mai Tai." Martin Cate really knows his stuff
I guess Mr. Cate knows what he's doing after all🗿👍
Also, Derek, you mentioned that you had tried that WP Select in a Mai Tai previously, and really enjoyed it. What changed when you tried it here?
Side by side against others. Anything can taste great on its own. Anything can be the best you’ve ever had when it’s alone. It’s tasting next to other things where you can really determine how much you like something.
@makeanddrink I think that's a good takeaway as well. Enjoy what you've got, it can make a stellar drink when you're not obsessing over how it compares to others ;)
Even with multi-bottle recipes, it's hard to beat Denizen's Merchant's Reserve in a Mai Tai. '
Did I die & wake up in tiki rum nerd heaven. I love these head 2 head tasting episodes! Especially cool to see how xaymaca stands up to Appleton 8 etc.. Awesome stuff.
I asked Kevin at one point if he had ever made a top10 list of 1 rum Mai Tais. He was hesitant to answer, so thank you Derek for making him rank these Mai Tais. 🙂
Not having access to Denizen rums in the EU, my favorite 1 rum Mai Tai is probably still a Rhum J.M. Terroir Volcanique.
Appleton signature together with El Dorado 12 is my go-to! Sometimes a quarter oz of la favorite rhum blanc, per death and co's spec. I like the grassy addition to a Mai Tai.
Not at all surprised about the winner. Never had a bad Mai Tai with it
I do 50/50 Appleton 8 and 12, and it just makes me so happy 😁
That's a really cool video !
When I saw the line up, I was expecting S&C, PXaymaca & AE8 to be in the higher tier/top4 (Denizen is not available in FR unfortunately), so I am really pleased you picked them up :) I use those 3 + OFTD in my Mai Tai blend so really close to the ultimate Mai Tai ;)
This is low key awesome.
I have to try Denizen 8 again. I have the bottle but prefer Appleton 12 and El Dorado 12 mix.
I love a 100% S&C Mai Tai and it's typically my house Mai Tai. So good. So funky.
I'm familiar with all those runs on the list. I'm surprised they even thought about the Worthy Park expressions because they don't have the ABV for me. If I were thinking of 1 rum Mai Tai it would be with Smith & Cross. The more funk for me the better it is for me 🙂. If I were doing a mix rum I would go AE12 and W&N. Choose the percentage of each mix based on your preference, but those 2 together would make a killer Mai Tai.
Another great combination of rums is Smith and Cross and El Dorado 8 or 12 year.
I do like that Appleton Signature is middle of the road, it's just everywhere and reasonable and it fits a lot of cocktails. Now to find some Denizen or Xaymaca.
I love the channel. I’m also in the Bay Area. Are you going to be at trader Vic’s this Friday?
I’m shocked! Shocked! Okay well I’m not that shocked lol
Worthy Park 109 is my favorite affordable one bottle Mai Tai.
Excellent video and test. I also tasted and es rated each of them. In general I can understand your ratings
I knew I made the right decision on my Florida trip last week - I searched to find a total wine store with denizen MR in stock - and bagged a bottle! First thing back in the U.K. was make a maitai!
Denizen vatted dark is what I have been using lately and I love it. I'm curious if you have tried it as a single bottle Mai Tai solution. Slainte mhath
Doctor Bird, but you'll have to balance it a bit more if you consider it too much...but one of my fav flavor makers in cocktails.
Great vid!
Thank you!
Great video, Derek, as always. Interesting that the primary bottle that started the idea for this video ended up being one of the least liked. Also really interesting that the Smith & Cross didn't stand out.
Not surprised that Smith and Cross mad a drink with funky notes. It’s about as assertive as run gets 😂
I cashed in on the mony musk deal at K&L too, score!
I use 50/50 Wray and Nephew and Appleton 8 with an 86 float.
Love these blind tests. I’m almost always surprised how disappointing the Monymusk is in a cocktail. It smells and tastes fairly funky neat, but for whatever reason that doesn’t seem to hold up in a drink. Fortunately my bottles were also $10.
That’s this thing with the moneymusk… how is it $35? Even at $20 I’d prefer something else.
Would have loved if you had thrown in the Captain Morgan’s Spiced Rum just for fun 😂😂😂
My favorite Mai Tai recipe (more than 1 rum)
3/4 oz Appleton 12yr
3/4 oz Clement VSOP
1/2 oz Clement Creole Schrubb
3/4 oz Lime juice
1/4 oz Orgeat
1/4 oz Sugar syrup
Garnish with 1/2 spent lime & mint.
To me, this is the perfect Mai Tai. Two great rums and subbing orange Curaçao with the Creole Schrubb elevates this to a higher level.
This is the recipe served at Club 33 in Disneyland.
I have to say i'm not super impressed with any of the worthy park products since the rebranding. I'm a big fan of Jamaican rums and it's definitely put itself in my bottom tier for Jamaican.
The Overproof is excellent and I do find their aged rums more to my liking than Hampden.
Have you tried black tot in a mai tai? If so any thoughts? How does it compare with this list?
I am sad I cannot get Denizens in the UK but happy that the other top 3 are available. If you had to pick a number 2 out of the rest which would it be?
I’d do Appleton 8. I just enjoy Appleton Mai Tais. But the Xaymaca is a great budget option if you want the bold Jamaican flavor.
@@makeanddrink Thanks, Appleton 8 is cheaper than Xaymaca here in the UK. £29.95 ($39.58) vs £35.21 ($46.54). In fact the Appleton is on sale here currently for £25.49 ($33.69)
It would be interesting to see what would happen if Worthy Park Select was not tried after Smith & Cross. Old Brigand makes an excellent Mai Tai and is very affordable. Admittedly, not Jamaican, but a great Mai Tai nonetheless.
We went back and forth and sometimes out of order. When we broke them out into favs and least fav we tried those few ones again side by side which was not against S&C. The telling sign that the order does not matter much is Denizen was last and still our favorite and S&C was one of the favs and tried first
Rum is so cheap where you are, smith and cross is €50 in Ireland,, Appleton signature is 50 as well
Can't get Denizen in the UK and probably not in the rest of Europe either!
Can you post your recipe used? I didn’t see that in the description area.
It’s 2 rum, 1/2 orange, 1/2 Orgeat, 1 lime
Maybe upping the ABV with Worthy Park 109 would have been a good contender?
I didn’t want to include any dark rums because there are several Jamaicans to choose from and that would have added at least 4 to the mix.
I am surprised that WP 109 wasn’t in the lineup?
Had to have some limits and opening it up to dark rums would have meant a handful more to add to the already large list.
You missed one of the best Hamilton's Zombie Mix makes a great MaiTai and is a bargain.
Had to draw the line somewhere. Couldn’t use every possible rum out there.
I'll bet Denizen Vatted would beat the 8 year in a blind.
should have used plantation oftd as well
It’s 69% ABV
@@makeanddrink thats the good part 🤣
What a job ...
Where is the Hamilton Rum??
Didn’t use any
I do love Hamilton Pot Still Blonde, but this was an aged rum comparison and the Hamilton rums aren't aged very long (or at all).
Bad a** video. Mai tai is the closer of all deals. I am curious what portions you used for the balance of the drink. That makes a big difference as well. Cheers.
Just a standard Mai Tai. 2 rum, 1/2 orange, 1/2 Orgeat, 1 lime.
Needed Appleton 12 in the mix.
I think it’s too expensive. Over $50 for me now. That would open this up to another wide category of rums and then you’d have to taste against far more than 8
Wondering why not use the Hamilton Pot Still? I love it in Mai Tais- And I see it on the back shelf!🫣
I wanted to use rums that were more available to most people. Plus I didn’t want to do a 20 bottle taste test. There’s dozens and dozens of others that could have been included.
@@makeanddrink Makes sense! I guess it’s an excuse to do round 2!