In this article, we are going to discuss the 5 most popular rum brands in the U.S. If you want to check out our detailed analysis of the global rum market, the premiumization in the rum category, and the recent acquisitions in the rum industry, head to 20 Most Popular Rum Brands in the U.S.
5. Cruzan Rum
9-Liter Cases Sold in 2021: 791,000
Known locally as ‘The Rum of the Islands’, Cruzan Rum is rooted deep in the heart of St. Croix – the largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Once the rums are aged at the Cruzan distillery, they are then loaded into tankers and shipped stateside to begin the packaging and distribution process.
Although the brand is now owned by the Japanese Beam Suntory, Inc., the founding Nelthropp family still operates the distillery and handles rum production.
It was reported in 2022 that Beam Suntory, Inc. is in talks with banks and potential suitors to possibly offload some brands, a move that could also include Cruzan Rum.
4. Admiral Nelson
9-Liter Cases Sold in 2021: 845,000
Sail the high seas with Admiral Nelson’s Rum, a collection of premium, smooth, and great-tasting rums. The family includes traditional Spiced Rum, Cherry Spiced, Coconut, Pineapple, Vanilla, 101 Proof Spiced Rum, Black Patch, Black Spiced Rum, and traditional Gold and Silver rums.
Owned by the Heaven Hill Distillery, the imported rum is bottled in Bardstown, Kentucky.
3. Malibu
9-Liter Cases Sold in 2021: 2.998 million
Malibu was the third-largest rum brand in 2021, selling over 2 million more cases than the next largest supplier, indicating that the top rum brands command a more highly concentrated attention share than the leading brands in other categories.
Pernod Ricard became the owner of Malibu when it acquired Allied Domecq in 2005, in a deal worth $14 billion.
2. Captain Morgan
9-Liter Cases Sold in 2021: 5.451 million
Captain Morgan’s spiced rum was the original but since then many have been added to the brand, including white rum, cherry vanilla, silver spiced rum, and more.
Diageo plc (NYSE:DEO) got ownership of the Captain Morgan brand after its $8.15 billion joint acquisition of Seagram with France’s Pernod Ricard. The London-based company, which footed $5 billion of the bill, got the lion’s share of Seagram’s portfolio.
1. Bacardí
9-Liter Cases Sold in 2021: 6.828 million
Bacardí is perhaps the most iconic rum in the Americas and is credited with creating classic cocktails, such as the Cuba Libre (rum and Coca-Cola) and the daiquiri, a favorite of Ernest Hemingway. Known for its high quality and smooth taste, Bacardí rum is made with a special combination of molasses from sugarcane, yeast, and water. All in all, about 26% of spirit drinkers in the United States drink Bacardí. Founded in Cuba, Bacardi Limited is one of the largest family-owned spirits companies in the world.
With 6.828 million 9-liter cases sold in 2021, Bacardí is the Best-Selling Rum in the U.S.
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