The Best Rum: A Guide For Pirates And Drink Snobs Alike

Appleton Estate

Aged in the heart of Jamaica, Appleton Estate rum’s first distillation occurred in Nassau Valley way back in 1749. The combination of Jamaica’s lush climate and the natural springs from being in the valley give this rum its naturally sweet flavor. Appleton Estate offers rums aged between eight and 21 years, so by the time some baby reaches legal drinking age, the next batch will be ready.

Flor de Caña

You don’t have to be willing to spend the price of your monthly car insurance bill for a decent bottle of rum. Flor de Caña offers an affordable selection of rums, aged four years. Extra dry and light, it’s one of the best rums for mixing.

Trois Rivieres

French rum known for being smooth and full, with aromatic notes of seawater, Trois Riveres offers a truly authentic rum-drinking experience, bringing you back to rum’s roots: the ocean. Lights went on for this rum brand in 1785, but their sugar plantation dates even further back to 1660, making it one of the oldest and most respected companies in the game.

Bacardi

It’s not top shelf stuff, sure. But Bacardi has earned its spot on our list nonetheless. Bacardi’s founder, for whom the brand was eponymously named, used only three ingredients in the original batch: molasses from sugarcane, a unique strain of yeast, and spring water. Founded in 1862, Bacardi is somewhat of a newcomer in the world of rum-making. Still, if you’re looking for an affordable bottle you can find pretty much anywhere, Bacardi is a solid choice.

Havana Club

Spanish rum brand Havana Club was born in Cuba. By 1850, the country provided a third of the world’s sugar, making it an ideal breeding ground for some of the best dark rum, too. Get a bottle of the low-shelf stuff for as low as $19, but the Maester aged rum will cost you a pretty penny ($200+).