In this article, we are going to discuss the 20 most popular rum brands in the U.S. You can skip our detailed analysis of the global rum market, the premiumization in the rum category, and the recent acquisitions in the rum industry, and go directly to 5 Most Popular Rum Brands in the U.S.
The role of rum in early America is often understated. When George Washington entered politics for the first time in 1757, rum was the most popular tipple in the American colonies, to the tune of 3.7 gallons per person a year. Like other prominent colonists, Washington also interacted with rum in many aspects of his life. For instance, in order to win the election in the Virginia House of Burgesses in 1758, the Founding Father attracted voters with charm, entertainment, and rum. During his campaign, Washington’s agents doled out 28 gallons of rum, 50 gallons of rum punch, 46 gallons of beer, 34 gallons of wine, and just for good measure, 2 gallons of hard cider.
In fact, in the year 1770 – the same year as the infamous Boston Massacre – the colonies that would soon coalesce through revolution, violence, and democracy into the United States were also home to more than 140 rum distilleries.
Global Rum Market:
As we mentioned in our article – 12 Countries that Produce the Best Rum in the World – the global rum market is estimated at $17.4 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach $24.5 billion by 2033, with a CAGR of 3.5% during the forecast period.
Rum is building momentum and getting more popular in U.S.A. Today, the category is one of the most steadily growing and continues to benefit from several intersecting popularity shifts. In recent years, distillers have experimented with flavored rums, making the category much more versatile in offerings, and so today, flavored and spiced offerings account for over 57% of all rums sold.
This highly mixable spirit also provides a key function in cocktail culture. While rum is a staple of on-premise tiki bars, it is also one of the only spirits for which it’s common to blend multiple varieties in the same cocktail. According to Bacardi’s 2022 Cocktail Trends Report, four of the top-10 best-selling cocktails are rum drinks, making the spirit a must-have for all on-premise programs.
Premiumization in the Rum Category
Rum has long been considered a spirit dedicated to tropical drinks, but in the last few years, consumer perception of the liquor has evolved dramatically. While the category is still dominated by major producers, consumer preferences are shifting away from value options and towards an appreciation for craft and aged rums. Due to the growing influence of aged and high-quality expressions, many consumers now see the spirit as a premium offering that can be sipped and appreciated in much the same way as rare whiskies and tequilas.
As with other spirits categories, premiumization in rum means finer quality ingredients and more creative barrel finishes, giving consumers a wider range of innovative flavors to explore through. While the global rum market is experiencing a period of slow growth, the premium rum category is growing at a CAGR of more than 24%.
Recent Acquisitions in the Rum Industry:
Premium rum’s growth has also been reflected in the merger and acquisition space in the past year. It was announced earlier this year that Brown-Forman Corporation (NYSE:BF-B) had completed the acquisition of the Diplomático Rum brand and related assets from Destillers United Group S.L. (Spain), for an estimated $725 million. The spirits giant announced its agreement to purchase the brand in October 2022, giving it an entry into the growing super-premium rum category.
As part of the acquisition, Brown-Forman Corporation (NYSE:BF-B) added a Panama-based aging, bottling, and shipping production facility to the company. Destillers United Group S.L. will continue to produce and age the unique, carefully-crafted, and complex Diplomático Rum in their original distillery at the foot of the Andes mountains. The Brown-Forman Corporation (NYSE:BF-B) ranks among the 12 Best Alcohol Stocks to Own According to Hedge Funds.
Another industry giant that has recently been busy making deals in the rum industry is Diageo plc (NYSE:DEO). It was announced earlier this year that the spirits behemoth has completed the acquisition of Don Papa Rum, a super-premium, dark rum from the Philippines. The upfront consideration was $276 million, with a further potential consideration of up to $188.6 million through 2028 subject to performance, reflecting the brand’s current growth potential. Available in over 30 countries worldwide, Don Papa Rum is a super-premium dark rum from the Philippines.
Diageo plc (NYSE:DEO) is counted among the Largest Alcohol Companies in the World in 2023.
With that said, here are the Most Popular Rum Brands in America.
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Methodology:
To collect data for this article, we have referred to the Liquor Handbook 2022 by the Beverage Information Group, looking for the Leading Brands of Rum and Rum Based Drinks in America. The following brands have been ranked by their number of 9-liter cases sold in the U.S. in 2021.
If you’re also interested in other spirits popular in the U.S., here are the Most Popular Liquor Brands in America.
20. Mount Gay
9-Liter Cases Sold in 2021: 139,000
Mount Gay Rum, the oldest, most storied rum in the world, has been produced in Barbados with passion and unparalleled craftsmanship since 1703, thus earning it the title ‘the rum that invented rum’.
In 1989, the French spirits company Rémy-Cointreau acquired the majority ownership in Mount Gay Distilleries, Ltd, and still owns the brand to this day. The alcohol giant has invested heavily in Mount Gay over the last decade, including a $19 million refinery in 2014 and a $9.7 million plantation the following year.
19. Bacardí Oak Heart
9-Liter Cases Sold in 2021: 144,000
This amber spiced rum, which launched in 2011, is aged in charred oak barrels, yielding a smooth, oaky vanilla flavor with a bit of spice on the lingering finish. Bacardí Oakheart was eventually discontinued by the company and replaced by a similar Bacardí Spiced, however, the brand still managed to rank among the Most Popular Rums in 2021.
18. Flor de Caña
9-Liter Cases Sold in 2021: 181,000
A family business for five generations, Flor de Caña is one of Nicaragua’s most prestigious rums, and has won a huge number of awards, medals, and commendations in the last few years. Almost two decades go into the production of this spirit, and the tradition and artisanal excellence behind it can be appreciated in every drop.
Due to its top quality, Flor de Caña is one of the best rums to drink straight.
17. Myers’s
9-Liter Cases Sold in 2021: 207,000
In Kingston, back in 1879, Fred L. Myers began producing rum from pure Jamaican sugarcane juice. Nearly a century and a half later, the pre-eminent cocktail dark rum has retained its original bottle shape, becoming a symbol of Caribbean heritage and pride.
In November 2018, Diageo plc (NYSE:DEO) sold Myers’s Rum and various other brands to the Sazerac Company for $550 million.
16. Ron Diaz
9-Liter Cases Sold in 2021: 220,000
Supplied by the Prestige Beverage Group, Ron Diaz Rum is skillfully crafted with a unique blend of herbs and spices resulting in rich, complex flavors of vanilla, caramel, and baking spices. This rum is crafted using only the finest ingredients, including Caribbean molasses, which is fermented and distilled before being aged in oak barrels.
15. Barton Rum
9-Liter Cases Sold in 2021: 225,000
Originally established in 1879, the Barton 1792 distillery is renowned for its iconic Bourbon. However, some of Barton’s better known brands also include other spirits, like vodka, rum, and even tequila. Barton Light Rum brings the taste of the Caribbean, with a rich, mellow flavor that is ideal straight up or in mixed drinks.
In 2009, Barton was acquired by the New Orleans-based Sazerac Company.
14. Blue Chair Bay
9-Liter Cases Sold in 2021: 226,000
Made with sugarcane molasses and natural ingredients, this authentic Caribbean rum is an award-winning premium brand infused with Kenny Chesney’s heart and soul, from beach to bottle.
Wholly owned by multi platinum singer-songwriter Kenny Chesney, Fishbowl Spirits is the entity through which Chesney created and produces Blue Chair Bay Rum.
13. Parrot Bay
9-Liter Cases Sold in 2021: 228,000
Undeniably Caribbean, Sazerac’s iconic Parrot Bay rums are full of the richest tropical fruits and flavors designed to envelop your senses and transport you to easy times. Parrot Bay is a premium fusion of fresh, rich flavors with a light, crisp rum.
12. Don Q
9-Liter Cases Sold in 2021: 230,000
Don Q, a multigenerational family rum brand, prides itself on its Puerto Rican roots. The label, produced by Destilería Serrallés since 1865, is popular as the oldest operating distillery in Puerto Rico, as well as the island’s best-selling rum. The brand has been available in the U.S. market since 2009.
At only $12.99, the Don Q Cristal Rum is counted among the most popular cheap rum brands.
11. Ronrico
9-Liter Cases Sold in 2021: 230,000
This traditional Caribbean rum has an authentic dry island taste. The versatility of Ronrico is shown by how it mixes smoothly in all of the classic rum drinks and still tastes delicious straight. In 1889, the King of Spain gave the brand his crest of approval declaring it ‘El ron de los nobles’ or The Rum of Noblemen. That crest still remains on the bottle today as a symbol of quality craftsmanship for nearly 150 years.
10. Calico Jack Rum
9-Liter Cases Sold in 2021: 235,000
Made by blending island spices and rum, Calico Jack is popular for its distinctive flavor profile. The brand was acquired by the then Beam Inc. from Maine-based White Rock Distilleries in 2012.
Calico Jack sits among the Top 10 Best-Selling Rum Brands in America.
9. Appleton Estate
9-Liter Cases Sold in 2021: 255,000
Appleton Estate is the oldest and most famous of all of Jamaica’s sugar-cane estates. It makes some of the best rums in the world with characteristic Christmas cake and butterscotch flavors and is known for its long-aged editions.
Appleton, along with the Wray & Nephew and Coruba Rum brands, was acquired by Gruppo Campari in December 2012, as part of the Italian giant’s purchase of the Jamaican company Lascelles deMercado & Co for $409 million.
The Appleton Estate 8 Year Old Reserve is arguably one of the best rums to mix into a Daiquiri, Mojito, and several other cocktail recipes.
8. Castillo
9-Liter Cases Sold in 2021: 391,000
Castillo is a brand made in Puerto Rico by the rum goliath Bacardi under the subsidiary Ron de Castillo. Ron Castillo was designed as a cheaper alternative to Bacardí that could compete on the domestic stages with other brands like Don Q. They are traditional style rums made from molasses.
7. The Kraken
9-Liter Cases Sold in 2021: 503,000
Created by Proximo Spirits in 2010, The Kraken is a blend of Caribbean rums that should certainly suit any fans of rich, navy-style rum.
Named after the Caribbean sea beast of myth and legend, The Kraken is distilled in Trinidad and Tobago where it is blended with 13 secret spices to create a strong, rich, black, and smooth rum. The Kraken is one of the Most Popular Spiced Rums in the U.S.
6. Sailor Jerry
9-Liter Cases Sold in 2021: 608,000
Fully owned by William Grant & Sons since 2008, Sailor Jerry spiced rum is blended with the finest rums from the Caribbean and a recipe of natural spices.
Owner of some of the Most Popular Scotch Whisky Brands in USA, William Grant & Sons boasts distilling and bottling operations in Scotland, Ireland, Iceland, India, the US, and Mexico, with a team of over 2,600 employees at 48 global locations.
Sailor Jerry ranks 6th in our list of Most Popular Rum Brands.
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Disclosure: None. 20 Most Popular Rum Brands in the U.S. is originally published on Insider Monkey.