Best Overall: Don Q Gran Reserva Anejo Xo
Courtesy of Drizly
Region: Puerto Rico | ABV: 40% | Tasting Notes: Oak, Vanilla, Fruit
This rum checks all of the boxes for me, as I prefer using a rum with a little more depth and character, says Jose Medina Camacho, bar manager at Automatic Seafood & Oysters in Birmingham, Ala. I also like that they practice sustainability and are helping to create a cleaner earth. Gran Reserva is a blend of rum aged between 9 and 12 years, with some as old as 50 years in the mix from the solera system.
Rhum Barbancourt Reserve Speciale 8 Year
Rhum Barbancourt Reserve Speciale 8 Year Rum uses French Limousin oak barrels in the aging process. These casks use oak found in specific forests in France. It gives every taste of this rum a smooth oaky finish.;
You will be able to taste fruits, vanilla, and pepper from this double-distilled rum. It can add incredible depth to any mix, or you can enjoy it by itself for a special treat.;
Your Grandfathers Rum In Panama
Ron Abuelo means simply grandfather rum in Spanish and its one of those dependable brands that works for any party. The regular version is perfectly fine for cocktails and the versions that are aged more can hold their own with a lot of name brands from the Caribbean. It doesnt belong on the top shelf, but not in the well either.
I tried a rum simply called Panama when I was on an Uncruise ship off the coast of the country andI wish I hadnt. Several of us were tasting the whole selection of what was on the boat in terms of sipping rum and this one was a unanimous last place. The bottle is nice, but whats inside will make you want to refill it with something better. Stick with Grandpa.
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Best Dark Rum: Koloa Kauai Dark Rum
Distiller: Foursquare DistilleryCountry of Origin: Barbados
They call this the Real McCoy because it’s named after a Prohibition-era rum smuggler, William McCoy, who was bringing in the good stuff among a wave of fakes. The rum is aged in bourbon casks, and it tastes exactly like bourbon went on a tropical vacation. Read any review, and you’ll immediately notice that fans of the Real McCoy also tend to be fans of whiskey. So if you’re trying to broaden your horizons in the liquor store, stock up on bottles of this before everyone gets in on the fun.
Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum
Average Price:$20
The Rum:
Name for Norman Sailor Jerry Collins, an old school tattoo pioneer, this 92-proof, bold, spicy, sweet rum has been on the market for awhile now. In that time, its gained popularity with bartenders and drinkers alike. Its cheap, flavorful, and designed for mixing.
Bottom Line:
Sometimes spicier rums can be a little too dominant as a base for a simple cocktail. This one manages not only to shine but make the other flavors stand out even more.
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Ron Zacapa 23 Year Centenario
BEST FOR SIPPING
If youre looking for something to sip , check out Ron Zacapas 23-year Centenario. The label 23 actually denotes the oldest rum used in the blended liquor, with the youngest rum being six years old. Thats still pretty impressive by rum-aging standards. The award-winning Centenario separates itself right from the get-go by using virgin sugar cane honey instead of molasses, like most rums. The result is a smooth, complex drink thats best served over a large ice cube.
El Dorado 15 Year Old Rum
Probably the drinks industrys rum of choice, El Dorado is produced in Guyana and has a remarkable quirk in production, as the distillery features wooden stills which are used for distillation at high temperatures. The age declared here is the youngest rum in the bottle, which has been matured in oak for extra flavour. This is one to sip.
Available from:
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Don Q Gran Reserva Aejo Xo
From the small but mighty rum haven of Puerto Rico, this bottle blends spirits aged between nine and 12 years with liquor drawn from a 50-year-old solera system. Dried fruits and berry notes balance its heady luxury of sweet vanilla and toasted oak. Theres masterful blending on show here that makes for a fine sipping rum that over-delivers on price. Average price: $55.
Cruzan Aged Light Rum
Average Price:$13
The Rum:
This rum, from the US Virgin Islands, is a blend of rums that were aged in American oak barrels for between one and four years. Its light, dry, and known for its vanilla and caramel flavors that work well as the base for your favorite cocktail.
Bottom Line:
There isnt much going on with this rum in terms of flavor. If you prefer your cocktail to not taste much like rum, this will be your go-to. Maybe add more rum if you want it to taste stronger.
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Rhum Jm Vo Vieux Agricole
After resting for three years in toasted new American oak barrels, this Martinique rhum agricole enters the bottle at 43 percent ABV. Those numbers dont tell half of its story, though. The time in barrel is more than enough to develop an array of spiced notes that would delight a baker. And while seemingly tame in terms of alcohol, its proof point hits at the perfect pitch to dial up the volume of its complex character. One number you should pay attention to is the price tag: This bottle is a bonafide bargain. Average price: $40.
The Worlds Best Sipping Rumaccording To The Experts
A Rum Sipping Situation
Brad Japhe
August 16th is National Rum Day. But you certainly dont need a holiday to appreciate an exemplary dram from within this dynamic category of liquor. Nor do most other Americans: according to the Distilled Spirits Council, the US poured through $2.3 billion worth of the liquid in 2019. Although the vast majority of that spirit is derived from molasses, rum can come from any form of sugarcaneoften its fresh-pressed juice, as we see in certain forms of production such as agricole.
Whatever and wherever it comes from, when it is done right it should never be cloyingly sweet. The best labels are nuanced and complex, demonstrating all sorts of tonalities ranging from earthy and grassy to smoky and savory. Here are some examples of that versatility as recommended by professional sippers; a handful of rums to be slowly enjoyed as you would a sherried scotch or well-aged Bordeaux.
16-year Gran Reserva
Zaya Rum
A perfect balance of spice notes and heat, Zaya makes a great sipping rum as it offers hints of vanilla, cocoa, banana and cherry that give way to a smooth finish.
Tony Coxum, of;The Grass Skirt in San Diego, CA
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Best Rums For Beginners: Eight To Try
If youre new to the world of rum, then firstly welcome! Rum is one of the fastest-growing spirits categories in the UK and around the world, and is responsible for a wide range of drinks, from the Mojito to the Old Fashioned and Zombie.
Its easy to get lost, however, as rum is a vast category with plenty of overlap between the various styles. Its not helped by the lack of legislation while ageing requirements for whisky are strictly regulated, for example, theres no such measure in place with rum. And the widespread practice of adding sugar and/or colouring makes a nonsense of the, again unlegislated, colour categorisations .
Where rum shines, though, is in its history and diversity. While the spirits birthplace is in the Caribbean, youll find brilliant examples from South America and even the United Kingdom.
Rum can be delicious sipped neat over ice but it is also the signature spirit in many of the most famous and popular cocktails. Rum expert Laura Foster says that consumer knowledge and appreciation of this hugely complex spirit has grown. When it comes to spirits trends, rums star is on the rise, she says.
Learn more about rum cocktails, including top tips and recipes in her Rum cocktails to make at home feature.
How To Drink Rum
Rum is a versatile spirit when it actually comes down to drinking. Because rum varies so much, the chosen method of imbibing really depends on the rum youre drinking. Nicer rums, namely dark and golden rums, are great on the rocks or even straight. Navy rum can also be sipped by the strong-souled, but frankly, its just plain fun, so we recommend tipping back shots when youre in the mood for a wild night .
If you dont want to drink rum straight, there are any number of rum-based cocktails, which is by far the most popular way to enjoy rum. You have plenty of options, from the classic Rum and Coke to more tropical cocktails. White and gold rums are best for most cocktails, but aged rums can bring some sophistication to craft cocktails as well. Mix them up in a Mai Tai, a Daiquiri, a Mojito or any of the fantastic rum cocktails your mind can conjure up.
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Market Row Botanical Rum
Not many rums can boast having Nigerian hibiscus, Kenyan black tea and rose petals from Pakistan but when you have Brixton’s Market Row on your doorstep, the pick of botanicals is always going to be impressive. This rum went down a little too well in our taste tests, so much that we have to order another bottle. There’s some brilliant vanilla notes and a heady hit of spice at the end. Lovely stuff.
Best Dark Rum: Plantation Xaymaca Special Dry
Region: Jamaica | ABV: 43% | Tasting Notes: Grape, Coconut, Bread
Though not an officially recognized category, dark rum is aged rum that is dark in appearance from the time spent in a barrel interacting with wood. Of course, there might be caramel coloring or molasses in the liquid to darken the color, too. Plantation rum makes a great dark rum with just a bit of caramel color. Given its French ownership, the rum gives off a distinctly French twistXaymaca Special Dry is a blend of Jamaican pot still rum aged for one to three years in Jamaica, then another year in cognac casks in France.
Plantation is one of my favorite rum producers, says Kenneth McCoy, chief creative officer of New York’s The Rum House. Extremely aromatic, tons of fruity cinnamon, banana and coconut, is one of my new favorite rums Ive had lately; its amazing neat or on the rocks but equally wonderful in a Daiquiri and Mojito.”
Region: Jamaica | ABV: 66.4% | Tasting Notes: Smoke, Tropical Fruit, Grapefruit
This is not a rum people see everywhere and was never designed to be that, says Brendan Bartley of Bathtub Gin and The 18th Room. There isnt a lot being done with former Islay barrels, so its good to see someone putting them to good use. At a cask strength of 132.8 proof, add a bit of water and take your time sipping this complex rum.
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Cruzan Estate Diamond Light Rum
Though its charcoal-filtered to strip it down to a Chardonnay hue, this aged St. Croix rum doesnt hold back on character, with intense molasses and charred oak aromas kicking things off. The palate shows slightly less definition but its balanced profile makes this rum an ideal canvas for cocktail creation. Anything with lime juice and sugar will do. Average price: $21.
El Dorado 12 Year Old Rum
Crafted in a trio of historic stills, this molasses-based rum ages for a minimum of 12 years in former whisky casks before blending and bottling. The nose delivers an enjoyable array of vibrant fruit aromas, which shift to a more concentrated, dried guise on the palate. With generous body and enticing spice, this bottle begs to be mixed in Rum Old Fashioneds. Average price: $35.
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Gosling’s Black Seal Rum
If you were looking to make a Dark’n’Stormy then Gosling’s is the official rum to do this with – using the brand’s ginger ale at the same time. The rum is rich in taste, with a caramel palate. This rum is the winner of The Beverage Tasting Institute’s Platinum Medal and it’s easy to see why – it’s a great all-round dark rum.
Santa Teresa 1796 Solera Aged
This rum from Venezuela is a blend of casks containing rums of different ages. The oldest rum component is around 35 years old. Santa Teresa is known to add sugar to its rums in this case somewhere between 8 and 12g/L which doesnt please some rum connoisseurs but makes it an accessible, rounded style for the beginner. This is nutty, spicy, warming and smooth, with tobacco, chocolate and oak notes and dried citrus peel overtones. Alc 40%
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Pros And Cons Of The Product
It is also essential that you understand the pros and cons of a product before you buy it. Knowing the disadvantages upfront will save you the disappointment when you receive the product. You can check other reviews online and ask around on social media for people whove used the Best Best Rated Rum before to get the best reviews.
Best Overall Rum: Plantation Barbados 5 Years
Distiller: Foursquare Distillery Country of Origin: Barbados
Dubbed the Pappy of rum, the celebrated distillery behind this limited edition expression is helmed by fourth-generation trader and distiller and renowned rum advocate Richard Seale. This formidable cask strength expression a pot and column still blend aged separately in ex-Bourbon barrels for 12 years before marrying in the bottle is as exceptional as it is accessible. Cream and apple pie bursts on the nose while tropical fruit plays across the palate, followed by a rush of toffee and peppery oak that lingers.
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Bacardi Superior White Rum
Average Price:$15
The Rum:
Theres no rum brand more famous than Bacardi and its Superior White Rum is its flagship expression. Its been made the same way since 1862 and is known for its light, easily mixable, not overly dominant flavor. Its a great base if you want the other flavors of your cocktail to shine.
Bottom Line:
This rum was definitely made to be used as a mixer as it barely has any taste .
Where Are The Best Rums From
While Barbados and Cuba are the natural birthplaces of the spirit, almost every nation has at least one rum label to its name. But if its real quality stuff you’re looking for, going back to the spirit’s home may well be your best bet. Using local molasses, Barbados-born Caribbean rums are aged in whiskey casks, making a deeper rum with woody flavours and hints of tropical fruits. When it comes to Cuban rum, the flavours are a little clearer and crisper and can even be drunk neat or on the rocks as a sipping rum.
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Chairmans Reserve The Forgotten Casks
Combining column- and pot-distilled spirits, this St. Lucia blend draws you in with alluring candied pineapple and floral aromas. Oak and maturation then emerge on the palate with sweet, toasty gusto. The profile may point to sipping occasions but its relative affordability allows it to be equally enjoyed in cocktails. Try it in place of bourbon in the modern classic Gold Rush. Average price: $46.
Mad City Botanical Rum
A great introduction to white rum for gin lovers, this unique rum is distilled in the UK with 25 botanicals, including coffee, papaya, allspice, coriander seeds and vanilla pods. In the mouth it has bold flavours of clove, cinnamon, dried citrus peel, vanilla and a hint of coffee. Try in a Daiquiri or with tonic water over ice. Alc 40%
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Old Line Aged Caribbean Rum Single Malt Cask
Baltimores Old Line Spirits sources its aged rum from the Caribbean, though the distillery doesnt divulge more precise information about its provenance. Each batch of this expression finishes in casks previously used by the producer to age its single malt. The final spirit effuses vanilla, ice cream, butterscotch, and caramel notes, making it the ideal dram to finish the night or a hearty meal. Average price: $48.
Appleton Estate 15 Black River Casks
A recently introduced blend of column- and pot-still Jamaica rums, this release would comfortably go the distance in a matchup against similarly aged bourbons, Scotches, and Cognacs. With an enticing range of fruity, woody, and spiced notes that exceed the sum of its parts, this is a truly special sipping rum. Average price: $65.
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Best Rum Aged Less Than Five Years: Brugal Aejo Superior
Region: Dominican Republic | ABV: 40% | Tasting Notes: Chocolate, Oak, Brown Sugar
This Dominican Republican rum is aged between two and five years in American oak before bottling, picking up notes of vanilla, spice, and wood along the way. Its not the oldest rum out there, but it certainly sips like something way beyond its years. It also works great as a substitute for whiskey in a cocktail like an Old Fashioned or Manhattan.