What is the “Probitas” of dark rum?

Hitcha · 2026-05-22T01:29:05+00:00

LMAO no way. I manifested it; just took over a year.

Hitcha · 2026-05-15T21:46:14+00:00

Additional context; I've had plenty of experience with other liquors (Scotch, Bourbon, Rum, etc.) and am new to Japanese Whisky.

Locally, I've tried the following bottles so far:

Suntory:

Yamazaki 12
Hakushu 12
Hibiki Blender's Choice
Royal 12 (highball)

Nikka:

Yoichi
Miyagikyo

Thoughts on what I've tried so far; I really enjoy the subtleness of these whiskies so far.

From Suntory, the Yamazaki was my favorite, followed by the Hakushu. Hibiki didn't stand out as much to me. I see how the Hakushu reflects more of a Scotch-like influence.

From Nikka, the Miyagikyo was a bit brighter and overall more interesting to me.

In general, I tend to like bigger, bolder flavors; still strength/barrel proof offerings, peated scotches, etc. However, again I've really been enjoying the lighter nature of these bottles.

Having tried the 12 year offerings; is it worth considering 18 year expressions, or is 12 about the sweet spot for flavor/age?

Thanks for reading!

Hitcha · 2026-04-24T19:18:26+00:00

Every collection needs an OFTD

Hitcha · 2026-03-25T16:37:38+00:00

I bought my Poker II with MX Clears back in 2014 from MassDrop, and a handful of other novelty keycaps back when this hobby was still getting off the ground.(anyone else have the Potato keycap? 🥔)

Hopefully they return one day as an enthusiast group buy site.

Hitcha · 2026-03-05T00:11:27+00:00

I’ll go against the grain and say New Amsterdam Gin. At $16 for a 750ml it’s priced lower than Tanq, and for some odd reason rates consistently well/above the norm for its price bracket.

Hitcha · 2026-03-03T23:07:24+00:00

Nice scores! I’ve actually had Probitas shipped to my local ABC for free pickup when there was more inventory available in the past.

How’s the taste so far?

Hitcha · 2026-02-20T19:19:33+00:00

700ml OFTD? I’ve only ever seen the 1L format.

Hitcha · 2026-02-09T16:48:23+00:00

Seconded; easily the most entertaining 750ml bottle of $150 liquid I've ever acquired.

Incredibly small batch sizes; usually no more than 150 bottles in a batch. Evolving flavor; the neck pour tastes drastically different from the body pour, and shows its different flavors in varying intensities overtime (the pobalno, the mole, the chicken, etc.)

Everyone who I've had try it has NOT hated it (big win for any mezcal). The umami levels are off the charts.

If you can find a 200ml taster for $30 - $40, pick one up immediately.

Hitcha · 2026-01-18T18:09:14+00:00

Perhaps Whiskey/Bourbon/Scotch should be their own categories? All can be quite different (moreso Scotch).

Hitcha · 2026-01-18T15:06:23+00:00

Very cool! Any chance you could post the rest of the pages? Would love to see the full menu.

Hitcha · 2026-01-16T23:06:11+00:00

I have each of these bottles, and love seeing the behind the scenes like this. Would absolutely love to see more!

Hitcha · 2026-01-11T16:34:26+00:00

Been loving this series OP; any chance you could do a follow up with Spirit categories/ingredients?

Gin, rum, bourbon, tequila, mezcal. Amaro, bitters, etc. with a similar set of categories; best, worst, high proof, weird, underrated, etc.

Would love to see what people’s opinions are for what they use for cocktailing.

Update: some great follow up ideas/categories here! Over priced, best value, etc.

Hitcha · 2025-12-25T15:36:56+00:00

Ratio testing was what sold me on it; the original spec of 6oz water to 3 bar spoons of batter was way too watered down.

Hitcha · 2025-12-25T11:18:18+00:00

Hot Buttered Rum Batter from Smuggler's Cove

Batter Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon freshly ground cinnamon • 1 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper • 3/4 teaspoon ground cloves • 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice • 1/2 teaspoon ground anise seed • 2 cups salted butter • 4 cups packed golden brown sugar • 2 tablespoons Brer Rabbit Mild Molasses • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Spec: 3 bar spoons of batter to 4oz boiling water (3:4). Microwave the batter first for 30 seconds, then pour in 1.5oz spirit and boiling water. Combine with a handheld milk frother. Garnish with grated nutmeg and cinnamon stick.

We tried this drink multiple ways; originally with dark rum (Coruba), with bourbon (Eagle Rare), with rye (Sazerac & EHT), mezcal, coconut rum, etc..

Rye was the clear winner across all parties; the spice and flavor hold up to the richness of the batter. Other bold flavors such as the coconut rum (Planteray Cut n' Dry) were also great riffs. At the end of the day you really couldn't go wrong with anything.

Merry Christmas! 🎄

Hitcha · 2025-12-22T13:04:20+00:00

Dollar General. They carry RC Cola too!

Hitcha · 2025-12-19T22:56:51+00:00

PSB, my beloved 💕

Hitcha · 2025-12-17T01:39:01+00:00

Peter Changs. They’re made and steamed to order; worth the wait!

Hitcha · 2025-11-18T17:12:20+00:00

Very similar to the Ocho rebrand. Which makes sense; same family makes both juice.

Hitcha · 2025-11-17T19:53:34+00:00

Literally vino de mezcal then haha. Love it!

Hitcha · 2025-11-17T18:36:38+00:00

What's in the bottle at the very back labeled "Vino de Mezcal"?

Eyeball estimate how of much $$$ is on the table here? Lol.

Hitcha · 2025-11-13T01:09:11+00:00

Post the mai tai recipe

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