“Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links.” Rum has long been waiting for its moment in the spotlight. For years, whiskey has dominated the brown spirits market, leaving rum brands eager for their own breakout product. Much like Pappy Van Winkle did for bourbon, rum enthusiasts have been hoping for a limited-release, highly sought-after rum that would create a frenzy among consumers. However, that moment has yet to arrive, and surprisingly, it may be a good thing.

While there are certainly expensive rums on the market, comparable to the most coveted bourbons and scotches, there are also affordable options for rum enthusiasts. In fact, you can find a quality bottle of rum aged for over 20 years for less than $150, a steal when compared to the prices of single malt whiskies or bourbons. Of course, it’s important to note that age doesn’t always equate to quality, but a well-aged rum can offer layers of flavor and complexity that rival any whiskey.

Rum has always held a special place in the hearts of expert bartenders and beverage directors. They see great potential in the category and are excited about its trajectory. Matthew Belanger, bar manager at Death & Co Los Angeles, notes that rum is moving away from a branding-centric model and embracing a more transparent approach. Similar to the world of mezcal, where terroir is highlighted through single-producer bottles from specific regions, rum brands are striving to showcase their origins and histories.

Rum has a complex past, rooted in colonialism and slave labor. However, many Caribbean rum producers are actively working to reset this tragic history. They are focused on creating terroir-driven rums that are less adulterated than their predecessors. While some brands may add sugar, there are others that make it clear they do not. The new guard of rum producers are committed to producing high-quality, authentic rums that honor the spirit’s origins.

One of the beauties of rum is its versatility. It cannot be defined by a single flavor profile, allowing for endless creativity in cocktail-making. Whether you prefer a rum with zero additives or a sweeter option for cocktails like the Dark ‘n Stormy, there is a rum out there for everyone. This summer, explore the world of rum with these 13 exceptional brands that cover a range of styles.

Barbados’s Mount Gay is a historic rum brand with a legacy that dates back 300 years. Under the guidance of master blender Trudiann Branker, the brand has seen significant developments in its core expressions. For instance, the age range of the blend in Black Barrel was expanded, amplifying its flavors. The XO expression also underwent changes, incorporating rum aged in cognac barrels. Additionally, Mount Gay released a limited edition called The PX Sherry Cask Expression, which consists of rums aged for at least 20 years in American whiskey barrels and finished in Pedro Ximenez sherry casks from Spain.

Don’t miss out on these incredible rum brands and their offerings. Whether you’re a rum aficionado or a newcomer to the spirit, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. From affordable classics to limited-edition treasures, the world of rum is waiting to be explored. Cheers to a summer filled with delicious, terroir-driven rums!

From the 1930s to the present day, the rum industry has seen significant advancements and changes. One prominent example is Barcelo, a distillery that has evolved into a carbon-neutral operation producing rum from locally grown sugarcane. Their catalog boasts a diverse range of expressions, including the Organic, Gran Anejo, and Imperial Porto Cask. The recent release of the 40th anniversary special edition, the Imperial Premium Blend, showcases a unique blend of reserve rum aged in French and American oak. While perfect for sipping neat, Barcelo also offers a variety of rums ideal for cocktails.

Another notable figure in the rum industry is Joy Spence, the master blender at Appleton Estate. She advocates for two rum categories: flavored rum, which incorporates sugar, and true rum, without any added sugar. Appleton Estate’s range of earthy rums exemplifies the quality of true rum. The 12- and 21-year-old expressions stand out, with the latter being surprisingly affordable given its age. Additionally, Appleton Estate offers older bottles like the Ruby Anniversary Edition, which blends rums aged between 35 and 45 years in the Jamaican climate. The 17 Year Old Legend, a limited edition release, aims to recreate the original Mai Tai rum from the 1940s and is highly regarded as a sipping rum.

Taking inspiration from France, Alexandre Gabriel, the owner of Maison Ferrand, produces Plantation Rum. Gabriel likens the addition of sugar to dosage in champagne production and openly acknowledges it on the company’s website. Plantation Rum sources various bottlings from Caribbean countries, often aging them in French cognac casks for a secondary period. This results in a diverse selection of single cask expressions and vintage releases, originating from places like Fiji, Panama, and Peru. Notable among recent releases is the “Under the Sea” Vintage Collection No. 2, featuring six vintages from different countries.

Holmes Cay, on the other hand, focuses on one thing – releasing the finest single cask rum, free from any added sugar or adulterants. These high-strength rums, ranging from 55 percent to 64 percent ABV, can be diluted with water to reveal their full flavors. The brand’s latest releases highlight the unaged rums from Distillerie de Savanna of Réunion Island, including the Réunion Island Agricole Rum made from fresh cane juice and the Réunion Island Grand Arôme Rum made from molasses. Holmes Cay’s lineup also includes expressions from Australia, Belize, Jamaica, and Barbados, all of which warrant slow, contemplative sipping.

Diplomático, produced in Venezuela, stands out for its use of both molasses and sugarcane honey in the production process. The Reserva Exclusiva is a reliable addition to any home bar, aged for up to 12 years in oak casks and crafted using various still types. The higher-end Ambassador is equally impressive, with a minimum 12-year aging period in white oak followed by two years in PX sherry casks. Diplomático’s Single Vintage releases showcase specific years of production, with the 2007 vintage aged for 12 years.

In conclusion, the rum industry has come a long way since the 1930s. Distilleries like Barcelo, Appleton Estate, Plantation Rum, Holmes Cay, and Diplomático have contributed to the evolution of rum-making techniques and the creation of diverse expressions. Whether you prefer a neat pour, a complex cocktail, or a rum worth savoring slowly, these brands offer a range of options to suit every palate.

In the world of rum, there are countless options to choose from. Each brand has its own unique approach to crafting this beloved spirit. From the aging process to the choice of casks, every decision made during production influences the final product. In this blog post, we will explore five different rum brands, each with its own distinctive character and flavor profile.

Let’s start with Diplomatico, a Venezuelan rum that has recently caught the attention of rum enthusiasts worldwide. This brand is known for aging its rum in a variety of casks, including bourbon, single malt, and American oak. After this initial aging process, the rum is then finished in sherry butts for a year. While Venezuelan law allows for the addition of sugar during aging, the sweetness in Diplomatico rum only serves to enhance the flavors of banana, oak, and vanilla. With its recent acquisition by Brown-Forman, the owner of Jack Daniel’s, we can expect to see Diplomatico rum gaining even more popularity in the future.

Moving on to Martinique, we find the unique spirit known as rhum agricole. Unlike traditional rum, which is made from molasses, rhum agricole is crafted from fermented sugarcane juice. Rhum JM, a brand hailing from Martinique, offers a white rum that showcases the distinct grassy and earthy notes that are characteristic of this style. The brand also follows a similar age designation system to cognac, with expressions like VO, VSOP (aged three years), and XO. For those looking to try something truly special, Rhum JM’s 2009 Chairman’s Reserve is a blend of pot and column still rum aged for a minimum of 11 years.

Puerto Rico is home to Bacardi, one of the largest distilleries in the world. However, when it comes to the locals’ favorite rum, Don Q from Destileria Serralles takes the crown. This affordable rum is named after Don Quixote and has been enjoyed since the end of Prohibition. Don Q offers a range of expressions, including an añejo aged from three to ten years, single barrel releases, and even a Vermouth Cask Finish that spends time in Italian oak vermouth barrels. More recently, they have also introduced cask-finished expressions using port and zinfandel wine barrels. And for those who enjoy flavored rum, Don Q Naranja, infused with orange flavor, is a perfect choice.

Moving to the Dominican Republic, we find Brugal, a rum brand with a rich history dating back to 1888. Brugal’s core expression, Brugal 1888, is double aged in bourbon and sherry casks, reminiscent of the aging process for many single malt whiskies. The brand also offers a range of expressions, including the more affordable Extra Viejo, as well as limited edition releases like Andres Brugal, which blends together some of the distillery’s rarest reserves. For a truly unique experience, the brand-new Colección Visionaria is matured in a special cask seasoned with toasted Dominican cacao beans, resulting in a rum with notes of spice and dark chocolate.

Lastly, let’s not forget about the independent bottlers and blenders in the rum world. Just as we see in the whiskey scene, rolling Fork, a Kentucky-based brand, is making waves with its Lost Cask Collection and Rolling Fork Series. While the brand was founded in 2017, it has gained more attention recently for its high-quality releases. Their first offering, Fortuitous Union, is a blend of rum and rye whiskey. However, the brand also produces excellent single cask rums sourced from various countries of origin.

In conclusion, the world of rum is as diverse and intriguing as any other spirit. Each brand brings its own unique approach to crafting this beloved drink. Whether you prefer the rich and complex flavors of Venezuelan rum, the earthy and grassy notes of Martinique’s rhum agricole, or the variety of expressions offered by brands like Don Q, Brugal, or Rolling Fork, there is a rum out there to suit every palate. So go ahead, explore the world of rum and discover your new favorite spirit. Cheers!

Title: The Wonderful World of Rum: Exploring Unique and Flavorful Options

Introduction:

Welcome to the world of rum, where the possibilities are endless and the flavors are diverse. In this blog post, we will take you on a journey through some of the most fascinating and challenging rums that you’ve ever tried. Get ready to explore new tastes and break away from the traditional expectations of Caribbean rum.

Renegade: Pushing Boundaries in Distillation Techniques

One distillery that instantly grabs attention is Renegade, founded by none other than Mark Reynier, the mastermind behind Waterford Whisky. Renegade takes a bold approach to rum-making by using sugarcane juice instead of molasses, echoing the style of rhum agricole. The result? Savory, spicy, and citrusy flavors that are completely unique. Renegade offers a range of unaged rums, each providing a distinct expression of the terroir of the farm where the cane was harvested. If you’re a true rum enthusiast looking to dive deeper into the category, Renegade is sure to captivate your palate.

Ten to One: A Simplicity that Shines

Looking for a rum brand that maintains simplicity without compromising on quality? Ten to One is your answer. Founded by Caribbean native Marc Farrell, this brand focuses on creating rum blends sourced from reputable distilleries that do not use any additional sugar, color, or additives for flavor. Their main expressions include a dark rum blend from Barbados, Jamaica, Trinidad, and the Dominican Republic, as well as a white rum sourced from Jamaica and the Dominican Republic. Ten to One has also ventured into special collaborations, such as aging their dark rum in Uncle Nearest bourbon barrels. This brand offers excellent rums that can be savored in a cocktail or enjoyed neat.

Exploring Different Aging Techniques and Distilleries

While the age-old approach to rum-making is undoubtedly captivating, there are new players on the scene that deserve recognition. Let’s not forget about V Generaciones, a high-end rum produced by a new Grenadian distillery. This 30-year-old single barrel rum offers a sipping experience comparable to any whiskey. Its outstanding flavor profile boasts prominent oak, vanilla, and tropical fruit notes. With no additional sugar, this rum showcases the true essence of the spirit.

Conclusion:

The world of rum is alive with innovation and creativity. From Renegade’s unique distillation techniques to Ten to One’s commitment to simplicity and quality, there are plenty of options to satisfy even the most discerning rum enthusiasts. So, why not embark on a rum-tasting adventure? Explore the vast array of flavors and discover your own favorite among the countless offerings available. Cheers to the wonderful world of rum!