Bacardi Gran Reserva 8-Year

I remember the Ocho being taste and round in mouth. But I also remember being a bit advanced in my spirit taste by then..if you know what I mean

Der Bacardi 8 años Gran Reserva ist ein sehr leckerer Rum in einer stilvollen Flasche und einer edel aussehenden Geschenkdose. Der Geschmack ist süßlich, angenehm und komplex. Im Vergleich zu anderen, günstigeren Rums von Bacardi schon sehr lecker.

Nice step up from the normal Bacardi rums. This one can be sipped and is quite nice. Just not great. A solid every day rum sipped or mixed.

Anejo rums are starting to gain a greater level of traction in the marketplace, and Bacardi has come to understand this. The 8 years spent in cask has allowed for a beautiful sipping spirit, as well as serious mixer to develop.
It has a thicker mouthfeel than many other rums, and it may be from added sugar, though nothing is cloying at all with the sweetness. I find much of the flavor to be smooth, and teasing. Molasses, toffee, spices, and pleasant, smokey dark chocolate that opens into a touch more sweetness and nuttiness with water. Coconut water is a real winner for mixing, otherwise its quite nice on its own, or over ice. Picked this bottle up for $18.

Con mucho caracter, pega fuerte, y se diluye en ciruela, albaricoques y nuez moscada. Termina con reminiscencia a avellana, pistacho...

Not much for a rich rum smell, only slight sweetness on the nose. Taste is little to no sweetness, very woody and oak, some slight dried fruit. Drinks almost closer to a whiskey. Finish is very smooth though and is fantastic for sipping. If you are not a fun of overtly sweet rums or syrupy rums, this is a fantastic choice. Great for its price point as well.

There are better rums at this price point, such as Plantation 5 Year and Flor De Cana 7 Year. That said, this rum is pretty good too. It's somewhat sweet, and not too much of an alcoholic bite. Perfectly sippable, and a pretty good flavor.

In the last 5 years in Canada I have noticed the "Bacardi 8" has had its label changed 3 times. The label shown above was on the bottle in Ontario circa 2013. It was a nice oaky rum, the first from Bacardi that I could enjoy straight.

I have found the latest label/version circa 2019 not quite as smooth, but still drinkable. A good inexpensive standard to have on hand for mixing or sipping.

Has increased in price, but it is a good entry into something better. Bit of a burn that is tolerable. You get wood, fruit and some vanilla aroma with similar taste. Worth trying, but not a go to option.

I quite enjoy the smell and the colour of Bacardi 8 Reserva Ocho. The oak prevails in the overall taste. I enjoy drinking that rum on the rocks, since it makes the overall flavour more balanced, less oaky taste.