The best rum is always a matter of personal taste, but there are certainly some brands that stand out from the crowd. From a tropical punch to a spicy addition to your cocktail, there are plenty of reasons to try rum. It’s not just for mixing!
But what are the best rum brands? Whether you’re a more experienced tippler or you’re just starting out with rum, there are a few brands that have a special place in the heart of rum fans. Let’s take a look at the best rum brands around.
Bacardi
Bacardi is the oldest tequila-producing company in the world, and their rum was the first imported to the United States. Although rum-making is much older, Bacardi is still the gold standard for many rum enthusiasts. Why is it such a hit with rum drinkers? Bacardi is widely available, and their rums are reliable and consistent.
According to Bacardi, their rums are distilled from sugar cane and wheat and fermented from a blend of molasses and yeast. Bacardi rums are aged in charred oak barrels, and they’re often available in more than one variety. While there are more than 170 different types of rum, Bacardi’s best-selling variety is the Extra Dry.
Captain Morgan
Captain Morgan is the perfect example of a “lite” rum. The company tends to focus on limes and fruitier, spicier varieties of rum, and they also make a spiced rum. Their spiced rum, known as the “XXX,” has been growing in popularity since it was released in 2006. The company also produces a “Red Spiced” variety that’s a mix of rum and fruit juice, and there’s a blend called “White Guava.” That’s one way to get your caffeine fix!
The basic Captain Morgan rum is made of pure, unadulterated rum. The spiced rum is aged for a shorter time, and the other two varieties are aged for a longer time. Aged rums are often sweeter and more flavorful than the original rum. Captain Morgan’s spiced rum also has a cinnamon taste.
Don Julio 1942
This rum is known for its dark color, which is often attributed to its rich molasses-based blend. The company’s website even claims that Don Julio 1942 has “the richest caramel color.” Don Julio 1942 is aged for three years. It’s made from molasses and sugar cane juice, and it’s often used to make cocktails.
Don Julio 1942 is available in many varieties, including: White, Gold, Dark, Extra Dark, and a variety called “Select” that’s aged for five years. Don Julio 1942 is often compared to Havana Club’s Havana Club 7 Años, which is also produced from molasses and sugar cane. It’s available in the United States.
Havana Club
Havana Club is one of the top three most-popular brands of rum in the world, and it’s easy to see why. Havana Club rums are made from molasses and sugar cane, and they’re aged for at least six months. Havana Club produces a variety of rums, including the well-known “Gold” varieties. Havana Club also produces a “Black” and a “Cuba Libre” variety.
Havana Club is available in the United States, though not in all states. It’s a popular choice for many rum enthusiasts because of its history as a company that helped Cuba prosper from sugar production. The company also has a large presence in the Cuban community in the United States.
Diplomat
This rum is from Nicaragua, and it’s made from molasses, sugar cane juice, and fermented mash. Diplomat’s rum is aged for three years in charred oak barrels, and it’s available in many varieties. Diplomat’s rum is often compared to Havana Club’s Havana Club 7 Años.
Mount Gay
This rum is another molasses-based rum, and it’s distilled from sugar cane. Mount Gay is available in many varieties, including: White, Dark, and Extra, which is aged for five years. Mount Gay is often compared to Havana Club’s Havana Club 7 Años and Don Julio 1942’s Extra.
Bacardi Superior
Bacardi Superior is a premium rum, and it’s aged for at least two years. Bacardi Superior is available in many varieties, including: White, Gold, Dark, and Extra. Bacardi Superior is a popular choice among rum connoisseurs because of its smooth taste, and it’s often compared to Havana Club’s Havana Club 7 Años.
Bacardi Select
Bacardi Select is the top-of-the-line Bacardi rum and it’s available in the United States. Bacardi Select is aged for five years. It’s made from molasses, sugar cane juice, and fermented mash, and it’s often compared to Havana Club’s Havana Club 7 Años and Don Julio 1942’s Extra.