Today is apparently National Rum Day — a fact that, just a few years ago, would have sent a shiver down my spine as I flashed back to some none-too-pleasant episodes in college where a few too many rum & cokes left me weepy and sick in the bathroom…

Fortunately those days are long behind me, and not only have I happily reunited with rum in general, I have a new found appreciation for it as a distinctive spirit — rather than just something to cut with mixers or blend in beachy cocktails.

And my new favorite pairing? Rum with barbecue. Seriously — if you have any BBQ plans for the rest of summer (Labor Day, perhaps?) give a rum pairing a try. Here’s my current obsession — Appleton Estate Rums served on the rocks and paired with tasty goodies from Houston’s Goode Co.:

Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum V/X ($20). Yes, this is perfectly appropriate for cocktails, but I like it all on its own for the clean, zesty citrus, brown sugar and the nutty, maple-like touch on the finish.

Pairing: This is a good, get the party started rum. When I added a simple squeeze of lime to the rum on plenty of ice, it became my kind of cocktail — not sweet, bright and drinkable. It’s also a good match if you’re going the barbecued sandwich route — like chopped brisket on a bun.

Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum Reserve ($28). Lush and intense, with rich vanilla and toasted brown sugar accents to the green banana, orange zest and buttery caramel notes.

Pairing: This is my “plate-o-Q with all the fixin’s” rum (again, on the rocks), and my combo of choice is Goode Co.’s sweet water duck, Austin baked beans and old fashioned cole slaw. Absolute heaven. Though the Reserve also works really well with barbecued chicken, sausages, ribs and all kinds of smoky pork — trust me, I’ve done the leg work…

Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum Extra Aged 12 Years ($30). This is serious stuff, with rich Christmas cake dried fruit and spice accents, baked banana and citrus peel flavors, and a lingering, smooth, vanilla- and caramel-laced finish. Best sipped neat or with just a single ice cube.

Pairing: Sheer evil genius with Goode Co.’s justifiably-famous pecan pie. I’m already plotting holiday pie and rum parties…