When it comes to quality rum, we recommend setting the sugary mixers aside and enjoying this delicious spirit on its own. It’s the best way to truly experience all that it has to offer. When looking for good-quality rum, you’re going to want to look to the sun-soaked Caribbean with its plethora of distilleries and bottles. We’ve rounded up the eight best bottles of Caribbean rum on the market today to help you usher in the summer in style.
Boukman Botanical Rhum
This rum is crafted from two of Haiti’s most renowned terroirs for rum: Croix des Bouquets and Cap Haitien. Distilled from fresh sugarcane juice, this botanically infused bottle bursts with flavors of allspice, clove, cinnamon, and natively foraged woods and barks. Serve over ice with a fresh twist of orange to enjoy as the locals would do. Average price: $42
El Dorado 12 Year Aged
Produced in Guayana’s Demerara country for over three centuries, this rum is distilled in both steel and wooden pot stills, then aged in ex-bourbon barrels. Flavors of sweet baking spice and clove dominate the palate, as well as some underlying sappy fruit. A delicious digestif. Average price: $33
Havana Club 3 Anos
Originally founded in 1878, the Havana Club brand began in 1934, producing significant amounts of rum for European export. Light in color yet powerful in flavor, sweet aromas with hints of oak dominate, while the palate is mild, fruit-forward, and slightly citrusy. Sweet and simple, this bottle is a classic for rum lovers everywhere. Average price: N/A
Mount Gay Rum Extra Old
This blended bottle from Barbados combines rums aged between 12 and 17 years, presenting gorgeous aromas of cooked bananas. Bright amber in color, the banana aromas carry over to the palate and mesh with notes of baking spice. Perfect for when you need a little something to warm you up. Average price: $41
Bacardi 8 Anos
Arguably the best-known rum on the market, Bacardi has been distilling rum in Puerto Rico since 1862. It is currently the largest premium rum distillery in the world. Known for affordable, quality rum (and an abundance of fun, flavored rums as well), their 8 Anos bottle is made from “a special selection of barrel-aged reserve rums,” aging for a minimum of eight years. Dried fruit and baking spices dominate the palate. It’s a must-have for Bacardi lovers everywhere. Average price: $25
Appleton Estate 21 Year Old Rum
This Jamaican gem’s 21 Year Old rum uses only the finest blend of aged rums to craft this insanely easy-drinking bottle. Tawny in color and powerful on the nose, with significant notes of orange peel and warm spice, the palate is persistent and dry, with a sweet brown sugar aspect that’s sure to satisfy. Enjoy neat. Average price: $123
Pusser’s Rum Original Admiralty Blend (Blue Label)
Named after the daily serving of rum received by a navy ship’s “purser,” Pusser’s rum was a favorite with the British sailors for over 300 years. This blend was crafted after the daily rum tradition was discontinued in 1970. Spicy flavors of molasses and dried fruit make this bottle perfect for cocktail creations or sipping neat. Average price: $25
Cruzan Single Barrel Rum
This multi-award-winning rum is one of the most celebrated bottles on the market. The blend of vintage rums, aged for up to 12 years, presents a well-balanced palate of sweet, caramel flavors with a warm finish. According to Cruzan, “you can’t hurry quality.” Average price: $30
