Last Updated on March 27, 2024 by Lydia Martin
There should only be one King in any Kingdom, so there should only be one true rum pirate King when it comes to pirate rum.
Between Sailor Jerry vs Captain Morgan, who is the true pirate king?
Let’s compare the two alcoholic beverage brands and see their main differences.
Comparing Captain Morgan & Sailor Jerry
Rum is a versatile spirit loved by many because of its identity that you cannot find in other liquors.
Captain Morgan and Sailor Jerry are two spiced rums with influential history. The two liquors have different histories, raw materials, production processes, ABV, flavor profile, and price. While the two distilled spirits are both spiced rums, they are completely different from each other.
Main Differences
History & Origin
Sailor Jerry, Ltd started as a clothing store in Philadelphia where Norm “Sailor Jerry” Collins worked as a tattoo artist. Collins and his style spread around the world, so sailors went to the port. In 1991, the anti-sweat shop expanded its line to create Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum. The rum is distilled in the Virgin Islands, and it is inspired by Caribbean rum.
Different from Sailor Jerry, Henry “Captain Morgan” Morgan is a legal pirate who left home in 1654 for West Indies, rocking the Caribbean and defending British Interests. Seagram then Diago owns the brand, and the British company named it after the 17th-century Welsh privateer.
Raw Materials
Rums are made from fermented molasses, and after the distillation and aging process, it is blended for consistent flavor. Captain Morgan uses blended Caribbean rums with notes of caramel and vanilla, making it a sweeter rum than Sailor Jerry. On the other hand, Sailor Jerry spiced rum is made from rum with chosen spices, vanilla, and cinnamon.
Production Process
Sailor Jerry is produced in an old-school way with the use of a pot still and a blend of spices in high-proof rum for perfect balance. On the contrary, Captain Morgan spiced rum uses continuous still for distillation, and then it is aged for at least a year before adding the spice.
Alcohol Content
Sailor Jerry Spiced rum contains 46% alcohol content, while Captain Morgan spiced rum contains 35% alcohol content. Rum is made from sugar-based products [1], and its alcohol content arises from the distillation process.
While Sailor Jerry has a lower ABV than Captain Morgan, be reminded that drinking alcohol can lead to illness. In addition, pregnant women should refrain from drinking rum because it can affect the baby’s health and increase the probability of congenital defects.
Read: Does Rum Ever Go Bad?
Flavor Profile
Color
Sailor Jerry has an amber to golden color and is a little lighter liquor than Captain Morgan. A bottle has a darker hue than Sailor because it is matured in barrels for at least a year before adding spice.
Nose
Captain Morgan has sweet notes of vanilla and caramel, while Sailor Jerry has notes of bold cloves and cinnamon, slightly sweet and has extremely spice forward. The Sailor Jerry has dominating notes of spices and hint of vanilla but smells great for a spiced rum.
Read: Popular Mixers For Spiced Rum
Palate
Sailor Jerry has a balanced flavor of vanilla and oak followed by hints of cinnamon, cloves, and other spices. In contrast, Captain Morgan has distinct rum and classic taste but is sweeter and lighter than Sailor Jerry and goes well with cocktail mixers like ginger beer and tropical fruits.
Finish
Sailor Jerry has a dry and warm finish, and the drink has a balance of sweetness and bitterness of rum. Captain Morgan has a rich taste and smooth finish. The two drinks are ideal for sipping and cocktail because it compliments well with mixers like ginger beer, soda and citrusy flavors.
Price
A bottle of Sailor Jerry costs around $19.99 to $22.99, while Captain Morgan rum is roughly $21.99 – $23.99. While there is a small price difference between the two spirits, it is notable that Sailor Jerry has a higher ABV.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Are Sailor Jerry and Captain Morgan top-shelf rums?
Yes, Sailor Jerry and Captain Morgan are top-shelf rums. The two rum brands have excellent taste. They are well-known for their distinctive flavors and are a go-to option for bartenders when making a cocktail drink.
Which came first, Captain Morgan or Sailor Jerry?
Captain Morgan came first because it was started in 1943 by Seagrams. They started and bought the right to produce spiced rum from a Jamaican Pharmacy. Sailor Jerry started their liquor venture in the late 90s, and in that time, the first brand established a great reputation in the world of rum.
Is Sailor Jerry a good rum?
Sailor Jerry is well-regarded as a quality spiced rum. Known for its smooth and rich flavor profile, it often features notes of vanilla, cinnamon, and a hint of toffee. Many enthusiasts appreciate its versatility, suitable for sipping or as an ingredient in various cocktails.
Is Captain Morgan considered top shelf?
Captain Morgan is generally not considered a top-shelf rum. It is more widely recognized as a popular and accessible brand, suitable for a wide range of cocktails. Top-shelf status is often associated with premium and higher-priced spirits with unique characteristics.
Which spiced rum is better, Bacardi or Captain Morgan?
The preference between Bacardi and Captain Morgan spiced rum depends on personal taste. Bacardi Oakheart and Captain Morgan Original Spiced are both popular choices, each offering distinct flavor profiles. Bacardi Oakheart tends to have a smoother taste with vanilla and nutmeg notes, while Captain Morgan Original Spiced is known for its bold and sweet characteristics.
Is Captain Morgan or Kraken better?
Choosing between Captain Morgan and Kraken depends on individual taste preferences. Captain Morgan is a well-known spiced rum with a milder flavor profile, while Kraken is a black spiced rum known for its bold and robust taste with hints of caramel and spices. Those who enjoy a more intense and complex flavor may prefer Kraken, while Captain Morgan may appeal to those seeking a smoother and sweeter spiced rum.
How strong is Sailor Jerry?
Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum typically has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 46%. This higher ABV makes it slightly stronger than many traditional rums, contributing to its bold and robust flavor profile. It’s important to consume it responsibly and be mindful of the higher alcohol content.
How strong is Sailor Jerry rum?
Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum has an ABV of 46%, which is higher than the standard 40% ABV found in many rums. The increased alcohol content contributes to the rum’s intensity and flavor. It is advisable to enjoy Sailor Jerry responsibly, especially due to its higher alcohol strength.
Why is Bacardi so cheap?
Bacardi is often considered an affordable or mid-range rum, and its pricing is influenced by several factors. Bacardi is a mass-produced brand, benefitting from economies of scale, efficient production processes, and widespread distribution. Additionally, Bacardi offers a range of expressions, including entry-level options, contributing to a competitive price point.
Is Bacardi cheap liquor?
Bacardi is generally considered a mid-range rum, offering a variety of expressions at different price points. While some of Bacardi’s products are more affordable, the brand also produces premium and aged rums that are priced higher. The perception of Bacardi as “cheap liquor” may stem from its entry-level offerings, but it is a diverse brand catering to various preferences and budgets.
Is Captain Morgan a strong rum?
Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum typically has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 35%, which is standard for many flavored and spiced rums. While it may not be classified as exceptionally strong compared to some higher-proof spirits, it still provides a flavorful and enjoyable experience.
What is the world’s number 1 rum?
The designation of the “number 1 rum” can vary depending on personal preferences and industry awards. Popular and highly regarded rum brands globally include Bacardi, Mount Gay, Appleton Estate, and Ron Diplomático. The title of the world’s best rum is often subjective and can depend on individual taste preferences.
Which brand is best in rum?
Determining the “best” rum brand is subjective and depends on personal preferences. Some well-regarded rum brands include Ron Diplomático, Mount Gay, Appleton Estate, and Havana Club, each known for its unique expressions and characteristics. Exploring different brands and styles allows enthusiasts to find the one that suits their taste.
What rum is similar to Captain Morgan?
Several spiced rums are similar to Captain Morgan in terms of flavor profile. If you enjoy Captain Morgan, you might also like:
Sailor Jerry: Known for its bold and spiced flavor with notes of vanilla and cinnamon.
Kraken Black Spiced Rum: Recognized for its rich and robust taste with hints of caramel and spices.
Admiral Nelson’s Spiced Rum: Offers a smooth and moderately spiced profile, similar to Captain Morgan.
Exploring different spiced rums allows you to find alternatives that match your taste preferences and create diverse cocktail experiences.
Final Thoughts: Sailor Jerry Vs Captain Morgan
We think Sailor Jerry is better than Captain Morgan. The two prominent spirits in the kingdom of pirate rum are great, but there should only be one hailed king, and we prefer Sailor Jerry.
With 40% ABV, Sailor Jerry is a great spiced rum with hints of sweetness, bold cloves, and cinnamon. It has a smooth finish and rich taste, ideal for the food recipe, cocktails, and sipping.
Drop by the nearest local store and try the richness and spice of Sailor Jerry and Captain Morgan.
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