With its superlatively smooth mouth feel and rich notes of brown sugar and baking spice, Trader Joe’s Panama Rum might just be the finest rum we’ve ever carried. Not just the finest rum from Panama, not just the finest barrel-aged rum, not even just the finest rum we’ve ever sold for under twenty dollars —the finest rum, period. What’s the secret behind such smooth, sippable success? Each batch spends at least five whole years aging in 100% Bourbon barrels, before being finished in wine barrels, which not only mellows out its edges, but imparts some delicately spiced aromatics to accentuate its naturally caramel-y profile.

So, how best to enjoy such an eminently easy-drinking spirit? We find that it makes an excellent sipping rum, simply served neat or on the rocks. That said, we certainly wouldn’t discourage mixing it with a bit of club soda, pineapple juice, or Organic Coconut Water, or even using it as the star of a minty mojito or refreshing Hemingway daiquiri. As far as food goes, we’d reccomend pairing it with spicy, full-flavored fare, like a seared steak with Chimmichurri or a peppery pulled pork sandwich.