In life, there are several truths. First, do not say yes when a woman asks if a dress makes her look fat. Second, do not tell Chuck Norris that he roundhouse kicks like a girl. Third, do not drink anything with 151 proof straight just to enjoy the smooth flavor.
Cruzan rum is produced by a distiller located in Saint Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands and founded in 1760. An example of their modest nature, the distillery claims the distinction of “the most honored rum distillery in the world.” Most honored in the world or not, they do produce a fine example of 151 proof rum. We did find that Cruzan’s 151 is a bit smoother than other rums of the same proof. This is probably due to the 2 years it spent in an oak cast and the fact that Cruzan’s 151 is just like their 80 proof Estate Dark except on steroids.
I would like to say that we detected hints of oak, sugar cane, etc when we sampled the 151 straight, but we did not. We tasted pure flame. If you think any liquor with a giant flammable liquid warning plastered on the back will be a joy to sip, you need to seek professional help. Our suggestion is that you mix something with this rum before you enjoy it. We chose to mix it with some pineapple juice, which turned out to be a very good choice. Mixed with a little juice, this rum goes down very easily, in fact a little too easily. No big surprise here, this rum will get you drunk with the quickness. While the Nàdurra gave Hunter the desire to remove his pants, the 151 made Robert actually remove his pants. Of course, this is just the sort of activity we condone here at the Pants Free LLC.
The next day Robert may have regretted his dance with the Cruzan 151 as it rendered him useless for the entire day. I suffered no such ill effects, so enjoy this rum at your own risk. In the end, 151 is the sledge hammer of the liquor world, it gets you loosened up but with a complete lack of finesse. At $16 per fifth (750ml), it is a bargain considering the amount of alcohol you get. However, if you are looking for rum with some rich flavor to relax with, we suggest you look elsewhere.
Sipability - 2.5
Mixability - 6.5
Drunkability - 9.0
Hangover-ability - 6.0
Bang for the Buck - 7.5
Overall - 6.0 
Comments
When I was in college, I had a shot of this stuff and had to go lie down for an hour.
I just pourred down a shot of this fine drink, and I really liked it. Even just a little drink will make you feel marginally dizzy
Two words: Watch out.
Typically a higher proof liquor of any kind produces a pretty calm buzz for me. Cruzan is an exception. Within my 6th or 7th cruzan and coke, i had a very strong buzz that was only agitated by an intense sugar rush. The outcome: hateful, cocky bastard drunk. This rum had an effect on me much like Jack Daniel’s old no.7 has on trailer park men that beat their wives.
At my Rum Project Forum (linked on my name above), my partner Sue Sea and I have reviewed over 60 great rums. No doubt this will grow hair on ya. But if you want a hair raiser that is also one of the world’s most respected overproofs, you simply have to try Wray & Nephew White Overproof. A true 9 or 10.
Do stop by the Forum (our main Rum Project website is linked in any of the reviews and covers how to taste rum, tasting glasses, suggested starter collection, etc.).
I’ve never had Cruzan 151, but Mango Cruzan is the best thing I have ever had in my life. The flavor is VERY strong so I wouldn’t drink it alone, but in cranberry juice its amazing!
Just picked up a bottle yesterday to try for the first time. I’m a big rum drinker and cruzan single barrel is my favorite rum. The 151 is good, very strong and dry. Its probably more drinkable than some of the cheaper, regular proof rums out there.
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