Best 10 Rums to Experience This Year

Introduction

Rum is one of the world's most versatile spirits, enjoyed in classic cocktails or on its own. Over centuries of history and across centuries of production methods, rum has come a long way, becoming an exquisite spirit created with precision and care. Today, premium rum brands continue to innovate, boasting unique depth of flavors and advanced aging processes that elevate drinking experiences.

No matter your experience level in rum or curiosity for something new to try this year, here is your ultimate list of premium rums available this year.

What is Rum?

Rum is an alcoholic beverage crafted from sugarcane byproducts such as molasses or sugarcane juice, fermented and distilled before being aged in barrels to enhance depth, complexity, and flavor. Aging process, wood type, and climate all play key roles in shaping each rum's individual character, each making each bottle truly one-of-a-kind!

Rums can be divided into categories including white, gold, dark, spiced, and overproof, each offering distinct properties. While some rums make an ideal addition to cocktails or should be enjoyed straight like fine whiskies do.

Top 10 Premium Rums to Try in 2025

1. Old Monk Gold Reserve

Aged for 12 years, Old Monk Gold Reserve is an exceptional version of its famous predecessor. Boasting a deep amber hue and velvety texture, this rum provides rich caramel, dark chocolate, vanilla bean, and oak notes along with its slightly smoky and warm finish, perfect for slow sipping.

Taste Profile: Rich, smooth, and full-bodied with a hint of spice.
Perfect for: Neat sipping or crafting an indulgent Rum Old Fashioned.

2. Ron Zacapa 23

This Guatemalan masterpiece is aged using the Solera method, blending rums of different ages to create an exceptionally smooth profile. It carries rich notes of caramel, vanilla, dried fruit, and oak with a long, luxurious finish.

Taste Profile: Buttery, sweet, with hints of baking spices.
Perfect for: Sipping neat or enjoying in a Rum Manhattan.

Cocktail Suggestion: Zacapa Manhattan 60ml Ron Zacapa 23 30ml sweet vermouth 2 dashes Angostura bitters Stir and serve over ice with a cherry garnish.

3. Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva

Venezuelan Rum is known for being smooth, full-bodied, and subtly sweet—perfect for lovers of fine spirits! Notes such as orange peel, toffee, and cinnamon create a balanced flavor profile that makes this wine irresistible to those seeking quality beverages.

Taste Profile: Sweet, nutty, and well-balanced.
Perfect for: enjoying neat or mixing into a Rum Espresso Martini.

4. Appleton Estate 12-Year Rare Blend

Jamaican rums are known for their bold and complex flavors, and Appleton Estate 12-Year is no different. With notes of molasses, dried fruit, oak, and spice, it provides an authentic island experience.

Taste Profile: Bold, slightly fruity, with hints of nutmeg and vanilla.
Perfect for: A classic Rum Sour or sipping on the rocks.

Tip: Pair with a piece of dark chocolate to enhance its flavors.

5. El Dorado 15-Year-Old Rum

El Dorado 15-Year was handcrafted in Guyana with its creamy texture boasting complex notes of butterscotch, coffee, and dried fruit. Aged in wooden stills adds depth and complexity.

Taste Profile: Creamy, toasty, with a caramel finish.
Perfect for: An El Dorado Old Fashioned or sipping neat.

6. Mount Gay XO

Barbados is home to some of the smoothest rums, and Mount Gay XO stands as proof. Aged in an array of American whiskey, bourbon, and cognac barrels for optimal aging results in layered flavors such as banana caramel spice oak.

Taste Profile: Smooth, fruity, with an oaky depth.
Perfect for: A classic Mai Tai or slow sipping.

Cocktail Suggestion: Mount Gay Mai Tai 45ml Mount Gay XO 15ml orange liqueur 10ml lime juice 10ml almond syrup Shake with ice and strain into a glass filled with crushed ice. Read more cocktail recipes

 

7. Havana Club 7-Year-Old

Havana Club 7-Year Rum, a Cuban classic, is aged to perfection for maximum flavor, offering deep notes of cocoa, vanilla bean extract, tobacco leaves, and dried fruits. A sophisticated balance between sweetness and bold smokiness makes this classic Cuban blend one of their top sellers!

Taste Profile: Warm, slightly smoky, with cocoa and coffee undertones.
Perfect For: A Cuba Libre or neat sipping.

Tip: Enjoy it with a splash of coconut water for a refreshing twist.

8. Gosling’s Black Seal

Gosling's Black Seal Rum is an excellent option if you prefer dark and intense rums, providing rich notes of butterscotch, spice, and molasses—making it the ideal base for creating delicious Dark 'n Stormy cocktails!

 Taste Profile: Deep, spicy, with a sweet molasses core.
Perfect for: The Dark ’n Stormy, a Bermuda classic.

Cocktail Suggestion: Dark ’n Stormy 60ml Gosling’s Black Seal 90ml ginger beer 10ml lime juice Pour over ice and garnish with a lime wedge

9. Flor de Caña 18-Year-Old

Nicaraguan Rum is naturally aged without added sugar for an exquisitely dry yet complex taste. With notes of nutty, woody, and slightly spicy qualities. A long, elegant finish.

Taste Profile: Dry, sophisticated, with oak and vanilla.
Perfect For: A Rum Old Fashioned or neat with a single ice cube.

10. Plantation XO 20th Anniversary

Plantation XO 20th Anniversary Rum is one of the world's finest rums, aged in Barbados and finished in French cognac casks for maximum refinement. Coconut, almond, and spice notes blend harmoniously for an exquisite flavor profile with its smooth texture.

Taste Profile: Velvety, rich, with tropical fruit notes.
Perfect for: A luxurious Piña Colada or neat sipping.

Final Thoughts

Premium rums offer more than just spirits--they offer an experience. From rich Old Monk Gold Reserve rum to smooth Ron Zacapa 23 sipper or bold Jamaican classic Appleton Estate 12-Year, premium rums offer something special for every palate.

Explore different ways of enjoying them--neat, on the rocks, or as carefully crafted cocktails. Which rum are you most eager to try this year? Tell us in the comments!