My friends who just returned home after visiting for a week called me last night. They bought some Barcel? and Brugal Anejo to take home. They said they had some last night and they felt it tasted like it was watered down. It did not taste as strong or the same as the one I gave them while they were at my house. Mind you I do not buy my rum (when I do buy rum) at souvenir/tourist areas. I normally buy mine at the supermarket. They did not notice that the caps on the bottles had been previously opened so I really have no clue on why the difference in taste. Any takes on why it would seem different. They were drinking it straight with no mixer or ice.