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You can watch the video version of this episode on YouTube.

This episode is the first entry in our ongoing Daiquiri Bracket series. Join us for a head-to-head showdown between 8 rums to see which one makes the best daiquiri in the classic category — the crisp, clean, refreshing style of daiquiri that made the drink famous worldwide.

Can anything top the beloved Cuban Havana Club? Are Bacardi rums as bland as their reputation among rum nerds would imply? Should multicountry blends belong in this category? Do pot stills have a place if we stretch our definition of "classic" a bit?

We tackled all these questions and more as we tasted our way through daiquiris made with the following rums:

Havana Club 3

Don Q Cristal

Bacardi Heritage

Bacardi Superior

Hamilton White 'Stache

Diplomatico Planas

Flor de Caña Extra Seco

Ron Barceló Blanco

Have a listen to find out which rums reigned supreme! And let us know...do you have a favorite among these?