For all you rum lovers, today is an important one to mark on the calendar: National Rum Day.
A day dedicated to enjoying the best tipples around, it’s the perfect excuse to try a new brand – and we’ve got you covered, with a round-up of our top picks.
There’s something for everyone here – from fun and fruity flavours to the top classics.
CLASSIC PICKS
Starting off strong with the more traditional choices – because you can’t beat a classic, right?
At 46.2% ABV, the Black Tot Finest Caribbean rum was never going to be messing around.
Luckily, it doesn’t sacrifice taste for strength, with the bled including flavour profiles from Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica and Trinidad – creating a lip-smacking concoction.
I’d recommend serving over a handful of ice cubes and sipping (slowly!).
Next up is Étän Rum – a premium West African-inspired golden spiced rum.
Distilled with five botanicals, this is a strong addition for a crisp summer cocktail.
The brand recommends pairing it with chocolate, red meat or oysters – but the drink stands alone perfectly if you’re a rum lover.
One of the more luxe brands, Hattiers’ Egremont Premium Reserve brings the Caribbean, Central America and UK together in one tipple.
Blending four different rums from the far-flung lands with soft water from the hills of Dartmoor, the result is a deep, warm spirit – perfect for when the weather cools.
Another offering to impress guests is Kiyomi Japanese rum, as the bottle alone is a showstopper – a glass oblong with an elegant label.
But it’s not all about looks – this stood up to the (taste) test as one of the best white rums.
It works alone over ice, but would be a strong addition to a cocktail.
The final classic that made our top picks is MacNair’s Exploration Rums.
There are options from Panama and Jamaica, differing by age – from seven-year-old to 15-year-old spirits, as well as peated and unpeated options.
With stunning bottles and a premium taste, this brand should go down well with even the harshest rum critic.
It’s not the cheapest option, but the quality speaks for itself.
FLAVOUR, FLAVOUR, FLAVOUR
And for those of us who like a little diversity in flavour for our palate – the flavoured rums.
Starting strong – literally – with Depth Charge’s roasted coffee spiced rum. Who needs espresso martini when you can have your caffeine fix in your evening tipple?
Infused with vanilla, lime, cinnamon, cardamon and mandarin, this rum is warming and sweet – definitely worth a try.
No rum round-up would be complete without some exotic fruity flavours, and one of the top picks here comes from a rather unlikely source: Aldi.
The Old Hopking Mango & Pineapple spirit drink may have been one of the more budget options, but it really did the trick – and didn’t leave a pounding head the next day! I enjoyed this chilled with a light lemonade.
One of the more unique options is Project 173’s banana rum. If you’re not a fan of the fruit, steer clear as it’s pretty intense.
But personally, I found it to be a caramel-like sweetness and a nice nightcap paired with a Coke.
And last – but certainly not least – was a personal favourite: the Hensol Castle cherry spiced rum.
A newbie to the brand, I was impressed with the backstory – the distillery is located in the cellars of a 400-year-old Grade I listed castle – and knew it would be worth a try.
I was far from disappointed. The tart cherry flavour was perfect, not too sugary and not working to conceal the spirit underneath.
The brand mixes maraschino, red and morello cherries, leading to a sweet-and-sour aftertaste – delish.
