Bacardi Reserva Ocho Rare Gold 8-Year

Bought this for a fairly reasonable price of $29CAD. Keeping in mind this is still a Bacardi rum, it’s certainly a step up from their mixers, but not competing with other “neat-drinking” rums.
They’ve done a pleasant job of blending the apricot to start and finish the tasting notes, however the typical Bacardi spice is what sticks around in the palate. This rum pairs well with cigars, as the spicey - leatherniness overpowers that of a Cuban, allowing you to taste other notes in the cigar.
For the price, I’d recommend - but wouldn’t make my top lists.

Typical Bacardi flavor with a bit of refinery. Sweet, slightly oakey finish, mild burn at the finish. Good for higher end cocktails or if you want an "ok" sipper.

Bought this at the airport on a recommendation from the person in the shop. Lovely box but the contents of the bottle are a bit rough.

It pours deep gold in colour. Quite alcoholy in aroma. Decent brown sugar flavours. Smooth enough to drink neat but probably better as a mixing rum.