In this article, we are going to discuss the 5 highest quality rums in the world. If you want to check out our detailed analysis of the global rum market, the recent acquisition in the rum industry, and the rise of alcohol-free rum, head to 20 Highest Quality Rums in the World.
5. Plantation Rum
Insider Monkey Score: 15
With its wide range of rums that include vintages, blends, and bar classics, there’s no doubt that the Plantation Rum brand is revolutionizing the world of spirits with its unique blend of tradition and innovation. It was announced earlier this month that the famed brand is finally undergoing the name change that it first promised way back in June of 2020. The new name – Planteray Rum – “pays homage to sugarcane, the PLANT that gives birth to the rum, and the sun’s RAYs that are essential for sugarcane growth and ripening.”
Available in over 68 countries around the world, the Plantation Rum brand is owned by Maison Ferrand.
4. Appleton Estate
Insider Monkey Score: 15
Appleton Estate is the oldest and most famous of all of Jamaica’s sugar-cane estates. It makes some of the best quality 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.
3. Mount Gay
Insider Monkey Score: 16
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.
2. Diplomático
Insider Monkey Score: 16
Hailing from Venezuela, the super premium Diplomático rum brand was awarded Wine Enthusiast’s prestigious ‘Spirit Brand of the Year’ accolade in 2018 – the first-ever rum to win in this category.
Distributed in over 100 countries around the globe, Diplomático Rum consists of three ranges of complex rums, including the Traditional Range, Prestige Range, and the Distillery Collection.
1. Zacapa
Insider Monkey Score: 18
Crafted in Guatemala, Zacapa Rum is a work of art and an expression of patience, richness, quality, and master blending. Co-owned by Diageo and Industrias Licoreras de Guatemala, Zacapa launched its first-ever global creative campaign – Lips to Soul – last year, which highlights the brand’s women-centric approach.
With the veteran Master Distiller Lorena Vásquez taking the reins, Zacapa is one of the few female-led rum brands in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Zacapa is the Number 1 Rum in the World in our list.
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