Setting aside the sugary mixers and enjoying a good rum on its own is the best way to experience all the boozy and fruity flavors it offers.
And when it comes to the best rum, Caribbean rums always come first in mind. But with all the varieties available, which bottles stand out among others?
Look no further as we’ve prepared this list of the best rum in the Caribbean highly recommended by experts.
Table of Contents
ToggleTop 10 Best Rum in the Caribbean Rums Ranked
10. Imperial – Ron Barcelò
Average Price: roughly $31/750ml
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Why We Like It: Ron Barcelo Distillery is known for producing gold and white rum expressions.
And our top favorite among their selection is this Ron Barcelo Rum Imperial for its Scotch-like smokiness, making it one of the best Caribbean rums.
It has a dry finish with brown sugar notes, making it a good after-dinner drink or for making any rum-based cocktail.
9. Don Q Cristal
Average Price: roughly $12/75
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Why We Like It: In Puerto Rico, Don Q rums create incredibly flavorful mixed drinks perfect for summer.
Their rums differ from Mount Gay Rum, which has a variety of flavors ideal for winter and fall.
We like the coconut, pineapple, and passion fruit flavors of Don Q rums that make them ideal for warm weather.
It goes well with any cocktail, like Don Quixote, Mai Tai, and Rum Punch.
8. Boukman Botanical Rhum
Average Price: approx. $45/750ml
Alcohol Content: 45% ABV
Why We Like It: This rum is made from two of Haiti’s most prominent rum regions: Cap Haitien and Croix des Bouquets.
“Among the expected glories of the Constitution, next to the abolition of Slavery, was that of Rum.”
— George Clymer, Politician and Founding Father of the United States
We like this rum as it’s infused with botanical extracts from sugarcane juice.
7. Black Barrel – Mount Gay Rum
Average Price: approx. $41/750ml
Alcohol Content: 43% ABV
Why We Like It: Mount Gay is a Barbadian rum, aged for up to seven years. This “kill devil” from the Barbados Distillery is made with a blend of rums aged in copper pot stills and charred bourbon barrels.
This Mount Gay rum’s unique blend has a complex flavor profile, including hints of oak and caramel.
6. Bacardi 8 Anos
Average Price: approx. $25/750ml
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Why We Like It: This Puerto Rican rum has been in rum-making since 1862, now the largest rum distillery worldwide. It’s a high-quality rum at an affordable price.
Bacardi 8 Anos is an aged rum providing a delicious palate filled with dried fruit and spices. The burst of flavors of this rum is a must-have for rum connoisseurs.
It has the right complexity with an oaky vanilla flavor—one of the best vintage rums.
5. El Dorado 12-Year Aged
Average Price: approx. $33/750ml
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Why We Like It: Made by the Demerara Distillers, this rum is distilled in wooden and steel pot stills, then aged in ex-bourbon barrels, imparting a very little flavor of the whiskey.
There are clove and baking spice notes, with an underlying sappy fruit dominating the palate.
This aged rum is an excellent digestif, served on the rocks, straight, or in classic cocktails.
4. Rhum JM VSOP 4-Year
Average Price: approx. $49.99/750ml
Alcohol Content: 43% ABV
Why We Like It: If you’re looking for rums with a bit of a sweet taste, then we recommend Rhum JM VSOP.
It has vanilla bean and honey flavors, so it has oak and wood aromas.
Although there’s nothing special in this rum drink, it has a smoothness and balance of flavors.
This rum from one of the Caribbean Islands, Martinique, is among the best from the region alongside the popular Rhum Agricole.
3. Appleton Estate 12-Year-Old Rare Casks
Average Price: approx. $38/750ml
Alcohol Content: 43% ABV
Why We Like It: Appleton Estate, in Nassau Valley, is a molasses-based Jamaican rum, perfect for rum fanatics looking for robust flavors.
This rum drink is a blend of dark cocoa, orange peel, and vanilla notes.
Since Jamaican rums are known to have a longer fermentation process, Appleton Estate gives the fermented molasses and fresh sugarcane juice intense flavors, perfect for sipping.
The burst of flavors and notes are enough for this rum to be considered one of the best Caribbean rums that every fan should try.
Fun Fact: Appleton Estate is the country’s oldest continuously operating distillery and sugar estate.
2. Cruzan Single Barrel Estate Diamond
Average Price: approx. $20/750ml
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Why We Like It: Cruzan is the second-best Caribbean rum, made by the Cruzan Rum Distillery in the US Virgin Islands. This blend of aged rums is finished in white oak barrels for one year.
We like this Cruzan rum due to the notes of tropical fruits, giving a slightly sweet taste. This is perfect for cocktails, imparting savory flavors on any drink–be it classic or modern drinks.
Read: Top Sipping Rums Under $50
1. Havana Club 3-Year-Old Rum – Anejo
Average Price: approx. $19.99/750ml
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Why We Like It: The Havana Club brand has been making rum since 1934, so there is no doubt that every bottle of Havana exudes expertise, so it’s the best Caribbean rum [1] we’ve tasted.
Rum lovers shouldn’t skip this bottle of Havana, especially those who want classic rums.
We like its smooth profile, along with its powerful and sweet flavor with hints of oak.
FAQs
What Caribbean island is famous for rum?
The Caribbean island famous for rum is Jamaica. It is home to most of the best-in-class, popular rums worldwide, like Appleton and Hampden.
What is the rum capital of the Caribbean?
The Caribbean’s rum capital is Puerto Rico. Based on reports, 70-80% of the rums worldwide come from Puerto Rico, with Don Q as the best-selling among the best Caribbean rums.
Which Caribbean island has the strongest rum?
The Caribbean island with the strongest rum is Barbados. One example is the John Crow Batty Rum with 75.5% ABV.
What Are Some of the Best Rum Brands Produced in the Caribbean?
The Caribbean boasts numerous renowned rum brands, including Mount Gay from Barbados, Appleton Estate from Jamaica, and Havana Club from Cuba, each offering distinct flavors and characteristics.
Are There Specific Islands in the Caribbean Known for Producing Exceptional Rum?
Yes, several Caribbean islands are celebrated for their rum production. Barbados, Jamaica, Martinique, and Cuba are among the top destinations known for crafting high-quality rums with unique flavor profiles.
What Sets Caribbean Rum Apart from Rums Produced Elsewhere?
Caribbean rum is renowned for its rich history, diverse production methods, and use of local ingredients such as sugarcane molasses or juice. The warm climate and terroir of the Caribbean contribute to the development of complex and flavorful rums.
Can You Recommend Some Premium Caribbean Rums for Enthusiasts?
Enthusiasts seeking premium Caribbean rums may enjoy offerings like Ron Zacapa from Guatemala, Diplomatico from Venezuela, and Plantation Rum, which sources its rums from various Caribbean countries.
What Factors Should I Consider When Selecting the Best Caribbean Rum?
When choosing the best Caribbean rum, consider factors such as aging process, flavor profile, production techniques, and whether the rum is blended or distilled from a single source, as these elements greatly impact the final product.
Are There Any Lesser-Known Caribbean Rum Brands Worth Exploring?
Absolutely! Exploring lesser-known Caribbean rum brands can uncover hidden gems with unique flavors and stories. Look for brands like Foursquare from Barbados, Clairin from Haiti, and St. Lucia Distillers from Saint Lucia for distinctive rum experiences.
Final Say
Now that you have a glimpse of the best Caribbean rums, you can now feel free to pick any bottle from this list.
From Ron Barcelo Imperial to El Dorado to our top pick, Havana Club, all these expressions will surely make a remarkable drinking experience, regardless of your style.
If you want to feel tropical vibes, this list of the best Caribbean rums will surely transport you to the islands of the Caribbean.
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