Looking to elevate your sipping experience without breaking the bank? Then, opt for budget-friendly yet smooth, flavorful rums. But how can you find such excellent bottles? We got you!
As rum fanatics, we’ve explored a variety of rums, and we’re thrilled to share our top picks.
You don’t have to splurge to enjoy the right blend. Below are the best-sipping rums for under $50.
Top 10 Best Sipping Rums Under $50
1. Rhum J.M. Rhum Vieux Agricole VSOP
Average Price: Around $49.99/700ml (Mash&Grape)
Alcohol Content: 43% ABV
Nose: Fresh and earthy
Palate: Long, funky finish
Star Rating: ★★★★
Why We Like It: Distilled in column stills, this rum gives a unique experience with its splash of fresh, earthy aroma and distinct green, petrichor notes.
This rum packs a punch, and we appreciate its long, funky finish and textural tension. Also, it’s attractively priced and showcases the nuances of sugarcane juice-based rum.
Tip: If you’re seeking more alcohol, Hamilton Jamaican Pot Still Gold Rum (93-proof) is a good alternative.
2. Ron Zacapa Centenario Sistema 23 Solera Gran Reserva
Average Price: Around $50/750ml (Wine-Searcher)
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Nose: Deep, caramelized sugar
Palate: Luxuriously mellow
Star Rating: ★★★★★
Why We Like It: This matured spirit exudes a blend of rums, providing a harmonious taste. We like the punch of sweetness, which transitions to a mellow, velvety palate.
“Savor in style, savor the moment, and discover affordable rum excellence.” – Liquor Laboratory
Also, this spirit provides a complex flavor profile in every sip, thanks to its Solera process.
3. Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva (Venezuelan Rum)
Average Price: Around $44.12/750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Nose: Rich caramel notes
Palate: Velvety smoothness
Star Rating: ★★★★★
Why We Like It: We’re living proof that Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva is a true masterpiece. It’s a mixture of rums, matured up to eight years.
Its captivating aroma leads to an exceptionally smooth and rich taste. This rum’s 12-year maturing process in casks imparts complexity and balance, making it a top spirit choice.
4. Ron Abuelo 12 Year Old Gran Reserva
Average Price: Around $40/750ml (Wine-Searcher)
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Nose: Subtly oaky and caramel-y
Palate: Luxuriously well-rounded
Star Rating: ★★★★
Why We Like It: Aged for 12 years in selected tanks, it exudes refinement and elegance. There’s subtleness on the nose, while the palate provides a luxuriously well-rounded experience.
Its excellent character stands out whether sipped straight, paired with dark chocolate, or alongside mature tobacco cigars.
5. Brugal 1888 Doblemente Añejado
Average Price: Around $44/750ml (Wine-Searcher)
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Nose: Warm vanilla and toffee
Palate: Smooth, flavorful, and balanced
Star Rating: ★★★★★
Why We Like It: Brugal 1888 stands out for its exceptional double-aging process, combining the best of sherry and bourbon barrels.
We adore the inviting bottled aroma with a perfectly balanced, smooth, and flavorful palate. This Dominican gem packs a punch, providing a rich, full-bodied experience that’s truly exceptional.
Also Read:
- Top Rums In The Caribbean
- Top Rums For Dark & Stormy
- Top Rum Drinks For The Beach
- Top Rums For Pina Coladas
- Top Rums For Tiki Drinks
6. Flor de Caña 12-Year-Old Centenario Single Estate Rum
Average Price: Around $38/750ml (Wine-Searcher)
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Nose: Wood, molasses
Palate: Smooth and refined
Star Rating: ★★★★
Why We Like It: Flor de Caña is a true gem among rum bottles. Aged for 12 years in bourbon casks, it gives a smooth and refined blend. We appreciate its smooth, bourbon-like, well-rounded flavor.
Whether sipped with a splash of sparkling water or in classic mixed drinks, it’s a delightful and budget-friendly choice.
Alternatively, you can opt for Foursquare Zinfandel Cask Blend, bottled by Foursquare Distillery.
7. Plantation Double-Barrel Rum
Average Price: Around $30/750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Nose: Complex and interesting
Palate: Smooth and refined
Star Rating: ★★★
Why We Like It: Plantation Double-Barrel is another matured rum with a bold and inviting aroma and a smooth, refined palate.
The rum’s journey – from the distillation through bottling, making it a delightful choice for savoring on its own, in mixed drinks, or with a splash of water.
8. Angostura® 7 Year Old Rum
Average Price: Around $31.60/750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Nose: Maple and chocolate
Palate: Rich and full-bodied
Star Rating: ★★★
Why We Like It: Matured for seven years, this spirit delivers an intense and mouthwatering experience. We like its rich, full-bodied taste, and it’s one of the rums with a silky smooth texture.
It’s an excellent choice for savoring on its own or over ice, and it can also create and elevate classic cocktails [1] like the Manhattan and Old Fashioned.
9. Ron Centenario 7 Year Añejo Especial Rum
Average Price: Around $20.49/750ml (Total Wine)
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Nose: Fresh apple, cherry, and melon
Palate: Fruity and slightly sweet
Star Rating: ★★★
Why We Like It: This is one of the budget-friendly rums with a vibrant blend, resulting in a refreshing fruity experience.
“I also love a little rum, 7 years aged, brown, when it is chilly, before dinner.” – Christian Louboutin, French Fashion Designer
Its slight sweetness, great body, and mouthfeel make it perfect over ice or in tropical and citrus-based drinks.
10. Rhum Barbancourt 4-Year
Average Price: Around $23.99/750ml (Total Wine)
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Nose: Light and grassy
Palate: Crisp and vibrant
Star Rating: ★★★
Why We Like It: Rhum Barbancourt 4-Year stands out for its heritage and unique production method, using sugar cane juice rather than molasses. So, this is the perfect bottle for you if you’re after lighter rums.
We recommend this for beginners as it is not intense. Whether enjoyed neat or in with other spirits, it’s a refreshing choice for those seeking a different experience.
*Note: The star rating was determined based on a blind test, with 1 being the lowest and 5 being the highest. Each product was evaluated on its quality, flavor profile, complexity, smoothness, and enjoyment.
FAQs
What type of rum is good for savoring on its own?
The type of rum good for savoring on its own includes aged and premium rums, especially those rums aged for several years in oak tanks. They offer complex flavors and smoothness.
What is the sweetest rum to consume straight?
The sweetest rums to drink straight are flavored or spiced rums, like coconut or vanilla-infused rums.
Is sipping rum good?
Sipping rums is good, especially if you appreciate nuanced flavors, smoothness, and complexity. You may also try Scotch whisky or bourbons.
Can you recommend sipping rums under $50 that offer exceptional quality?
While prices may vary by location and availability, some sipping rums under $50 that are highly regarded by enthusiasts include Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva, Plantation XO Barbados, and Appleton Estate 12 Year.
What characteristics should I look for in a sipping rum under $50?
Look for sipping rums with complexity, depth of flavor, smoothness, and balance. Aged rums, particularly those with a blend of different ages and cask finishes, often offer the best value in this price range.
Are there specific rum-producing regions known for offering high-quality sipping rums at affordable prices?
Regions such as the Caribbean, particularly Jamaica, Barbados, and Venezuela, are renowned for producing high-quality sipping rums that offer excellent value for money.
Can I expect the same level of quality and complexity in sipping rums under $50 compared to more expensive options?
While ultra-premium sipping rums may offer additional layers of complexity and refinement, sipping rums under $50 can still deliver exceptional quality, depth of flavor, and overall enjoyment.
Key Takeaways
In the world of affordable rums [2], we prefer Rhum J.M. Rhum Vieux Agricole VSOP. Its rich, mature character and delicious flavor notes create a bottled mix – worthy of its value.
While Rhum J.M VSOP stands out among other budget rums, we suggest exploring all these spirits from other brands like Zinfandel Cask (Foursquare Distillery) and Mount Gay – Black Barrel Rum to find what suits your taste.
References:
- https://recipes.howstuffworks.com/5-things-you-didnt-know-cocktails-bartending.htm
- https://www.britannica.com/topic/rum-liquor
