Rum Et Al Baseline Rum

Rum Et Al Baseline Rum is an unaged, pot-distilled molasses rum from Rum Et Al, the experimental Los Angeles micro-rum project of Dr. Robyn Smith, bottled at 49% ABV (98 proof) in a 750mL bottle. Baseline is exactly what its name promises: the no-frills, no-additives reference rum against which every Rum Et Al experiment is measured. It is fermented from 100% baking grade molasses with a distiller’s yeast strain for two and a half to three weeks, then double pot distilled in extremely small batches — craft rum production at its most transparent, with nothing added and nowhere to hide. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor.

• Proof / ABV: 98 proof (49% ABV)
• Size: 750mL
• Style: Unaged pot-distilled molasses rum, no additives
• Fermentation: 100% baking grade molasses, distiller’s yeast, 2.5–3 weeks
• Distillation: Double pot distilled, extremely small batches
• Origin: Los Angeles, California

The Reference Point for Every Experiment

Rum Et Al was founded in Los Angeles in 2024 by Robyn Smith — chemical engineer, former research distillery chemist, and the rum obsessive behind the blog This Blog’s Neat — on a scientist’s premise: first make one honest, always-available rum, then release Variable bottlings that change a single element of its recipe so drinkers can taste what each technique actually does. Baseline is that foundation. Every Variable release, from Dunderclap onward, is this rum plus one change. Start here, then run the comparisons across our rum range and the wider spirits shelves.

Tasting Notes

Buckwheat honey, cinnamon raisin toast, orange zest and coconut shavings on the nose. The palate is creamy and generous for an unaged rum — dried figs, mango, pineapple and over-roasted cinnamon bark — finishing with a satisfying grapefruit citrus note. Reviewers single it out as surprisingly good neat, a rare compliment for an unaged American craft rum.

How to Enjoy

Sip it neat first — it earns it — then use it as the control in a side-by-side with Variable Dunderclap, and as a full-flavored base for daiquiris and Ti’ Punch-style serves. Find the rest of the build in our cocktail ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it called Baseline?
Because it is the control in Rum Et Al’s experiment: the standard recipe every Variable release is compared against, changing one element at a time.

Is anything added to it?
No — no additives, no aging, no shortcuts: 100% baking grade molasses, a long fermentation, double pot distillation and bottling at 49% ABV.

What proof is it?
49% ABV (98 proof), unaged, in a 750mL bottle, made in Los Angeles, California.

Shop Rum Et Al Baseline at Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA — American craft rum with its lab notes showing.