In this article, we are going to discuss the top 5 best rums in the world. If 5 is not enough and you’re interested in discovering more top-notch expressions, check out our complete list of the 20 Best Rums in 2024.
As mentioned in our article – 20 Countries that Export the Most Rum in the World – the global rum market was 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. One of the main drivers behind this growth is the rise of flavored and spicy rums, which make up over 57% of the overall rum sales. Moreover, rum is a staple in many popular cocktails, keeping it in high demand among its many lovers.
An important trend recently observed in the rum category is premiumization. Consumers are now shifting away from value options and towards higher-end craft and aged rums, leading to distillers coming up with more creative ways to make their products stand out, be it through simply adding finer quality ingredients or creating more creative barrel finishes. While the global rum market is going through a period of slow growth, the premium rum category is growing at a CAGR of over 24%.
Another significant trend in this beloved spirit is the rise of alcohol-free options, for those of us who want to thoroughly enjoy the booze, but without the buzz. Several rum makers have realized that the prevalent no-alcohol trend is here to stay and are coming up with innovative solutions to keep their current consumer base engaged, along with attracting a new generation of drinkers that has ditched alcohol for a healthier lifestyle.
Last year, the Diageo plc (NYSE:DEO)-owned Captain Morgan rum brand unveiled Captain Morgan Spiced Gold 0.0%, an alcohol-free alternative to the famous Original Spiced Gold. This new expression further solidifies Diageo plc (NYSE:DEO)’s commitment to move with the trend and create an alternative, full-fledged alcohol-free portfolio of its popular offerings, since the company had already launched Guinness 0.0%, Tanqueray 0.0%, and Gordons 0.0% over the past few years.
With its distinguished ability to adapt so readily to the changing market dynamics, it’s no wonder that Diageo plc (NYSE:DEO) is ranked among the Most Valuable Alcohol Companies in the World.
With that said, here are the Best Rums in the World.
Methodology:
To collect data for this article, we have referred to a number of sources, such as Liquor, VinePair, Men’s Journal, Reddit etc., looking for the Top Rums to Buy in 2024. To make sure we only give you the best of the best, we shortlisted rums that appeared multiple times on the aforementioned websites, assigned them a score of 1 each time they were recommended on these sources, and then summed up the scores and ranked our list accordingly.
5. Flor de Caña Centenario 12 Year Old Rum
Insider Monkey Score: 8
This highly prestigious and award-winning rum from Nicaragua is sugar-free, naturally aged without artificial ingredients, distilled 100% with renewable energy, and KOSHER certified. The Flor de Caña Centenario 12 is a full-bodied rum with aromas of red fruits, honey, and toasted nuts. It is best enjoyed in a Rum Old Fashioned, or with a splash of premium sparkling water, or ginger ale and an orange twist.
4. Mount Gay XO Triple Cask Blended Rum
Insider Monkey Score: 9
Bottled at 43% ABV, the Mount Gay Triple Cask XO is a fine blend of pot and column still rums, matured in a combination of American whiskey, Bourbon, and Cognac casks for between 5 and 17 years. This beautifully round and complex spirit has won several gold medals over the years and is renowned for its finesse, complexity, balance, and of course, its excellent taste.
3. Ron Zacapa Centenario Sistema Solera No. 23 Rum
Insider Monkey Score: 10
Zacapa 23 is a premium blended rum that is crafted in Guatemala using the so-called ‘virgin honey’, obtained from the first pressing of sugar cane. A great rum to drink neat, Zacapa 23 is derived from a blend of aged rums between 6 and 23 years old, originating from the ‘Sistema Solera’ aging process.
2. El Dorado 12 Year Old Rum
Insider Monkey Score: 11
Created on the banks of Demerara, the El Dorado 12 is a rich and diverse spirit aged for 12 years in oak barrels. The award-winning rum boasts a rich fruity bouquet of explosive flavors, mostly due to it being distilled in EHP Wooden Coffey and Metal Coffey Stills.
1. Appleton Estate 12 Year Old Rare Casks Rum
Insider Monkey Score: 15
Ranked as the Number 1 Rum as per our methodology, the Appleton Estate Rare Casks 12 is made from hand-selected, rare golden rums, all aged for a minimum of 12 years in the tropical climate of Jamaica. Smooth, robust, and woody, this sophisticated expression reveals aromas of toasted oak, dried fruit, and hazelnut.
If you want to see more rums, HERE IS OUR FULL FREE LIST OF 20 Best Rums in 2024.
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Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
