The Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) has revealed the results of its 2025 Wine & Spirits Tasting Competition (WSTC), highlighting exceptional rums. The standout winner, Botran 8 Reserva Clásica Rum, not only claimed the title of Best in Show Overall Rum but also earned a place at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition, which further emphasizes its outstanding quality.

Finalists

Botran 8 Riserva Classica Rum, 40% ABV, 750 ml – $24
Produced in the highlands of Guatemala since 1939, Botran 8 is aged for eight years using the Solera method, blending rums of different ages and maturing them in ex-sherry and ex-bourbon barrels. This process crafts a rum rich in caramel, dark fruits, and soft spices, offering a smooth palate experience with lasting notes of chocolate, molasses, and oak.

Funk Harbor No. 1 Rum, 44% ABV, 750 ml – $60
This Jamaican rum, crafted by Funk Harbor Distilling, embodies a modern take on traditional recipes and emphasizes high-quality, small-batch production. Its complex aroma features caramel, vanilla, and spices, leading to a balanced palate of brown sugar, butterscotch, and a hint of smoke. The finish enhances its richness, leaving a notable caramelized sweetness.

Red Eye Louie’s Immoral Spiced Rum, 40% ABV, 750 ml – $20
Recognized as the Best in Show Flavored Rum, this spirited offering combines aged rum with natural spices for a bold flavor profile. Its aromatic bouquet includes cinnamon, cloves, and a touch of dried fruits. The palate showcases layered spices balanced with sweetness, culminating in a smooth, spicy finish.

The WSWA’s competition combines the expertise of a panel of judges, including sommeliers and industry professionals, ensuring the recognition of high-quality products. The three rums celebrated this year not only differ in style—from the complex aging of Botran to the bold spices in Red Eye Louie’s—but also embody the diverse qualities the rum category can offer, making them excellent choices for both sipping and cocktail mixing.