Double-aged rum invades San Diego’s cocktail scene

There’s a new rum in town, and bartenders have warmed up to its clean, rich taste, inspiring them to create unique cocktails that highlight the versatility of the spirit. What is this premium rum that has taken San Diego by storm?

Enter the Brugal 1888. Made in a distillery in the Dominican Republic, the rum is double-aged: first, in American oak barrels for five to eight years and then a second aging for two to four years in used sherry barrels, developing distinct rum characteristics coated with toasty, nutty sherry tones.

Here’s where you’ll find it in San Diego:

Cat Eye Club in East Village pays homage to mid-century cocktail trends — with an emphasis on classic and tiki cocktails — with its Calypso’s Curse ($15). Crafted with Brugal 1888 Rum, Velvet Falernum Liqueur, lemon, lime, pomegranate juice, passion fruit, it’s topped off with a 151-proof fire garnish. 370 Seventh Ave., downtown, 619.330.950, cateyeclubsd.com

Davanti Enoteca in Little Italy has crafted “8 West,” a tropical mai tai-style cocktail. Named after the Interstate 8 west to San Diego’s beaches, the drink ($13) is a fusion of Brugal 1888 Rum, passion fruit liqueur, lime juice and orgeat. 1655 India St., Little Italy, 619.237.9606, davantienoteca.com/sandiego

The Nolen’s Don Papi, ($15) an old fashioned-style cocktail that pays homage to California’s vast beer scene, is made with Brugal 1888 Rum, Ace Cider pineapple-reduction syrup infused with cinnamon and nutmeg, Stone Mexican Mocha Stout reduction, Peychaud’s Bitters and orange bitters. 453 Sixth Ave., downtown, 619.796.6536, thenolenrooftop.com

Havana 1920 beverage director and lead mixologist Ryan Andrews’ Riders on The Storm ($12) uses fresh ginger and Jagermeister (a digestif made with 56 herbs and spices) to accent the Brugal 1888 Solera Rum, along with lime and R&D House Bitters. 548 Fifth Ave., downtown, 619.369.1920, havana1920.com