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Natasha Volkov on Plantation O.F.T.D. (Old Fashioned Traditional Dark): Overproof Alliance

8/10

Incredible value for what it is

A blend of overproof rums from three legendary rum-producing countries, at 69% ABV, for this price? The value is extraordinary. The dark chocolate, molasses, coffee, and banana notes are rich and complex. Use it in place of any dark rum in cocktails and prepare to be amazed.

Yuki Nakamura on Rhum J.M VSOP: The Spirit of Macouba

8/10

Volcanic terroir in every sip

The volcanic soil of Mount Pelée gives J.M's sugarcane a distinctive mineral richness that comes through in the spirit. The VSOP ageing adds vanilla, caramel, and oak, but the terroir always shines through. A more robust, earthy agricole than Clément. Very compelling.

Isla McCallister on Plantation 3 Stars: A Multi-Island Masterclass

7/10

Good complexity for a white

Interesting blend with noticeable Jamaican character peeking through — a slight overripe banana note that adds personality. The Barbadian component keeps it smooth and the Trinidad element adds lightness. A bit pricier than basic whites but you taste the difference.

Yuki Nakamura on Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum: Jamaica's National Spirit

9/10

Jamaica in a bottle

If you want to understand what Jamaican rum is all about, start here. 63% ABV of pure pot still funk — overripe banana, tropical fruit, a hit of ester-rich fire that's absolutely exhilarating. Essential in a Rum Punch and brilliant in a Daiquiri if you're brave enough.

Samir Patel on Plantation 3 Stars: A Multi-Island Masterclass

8/10

Multi-island magic

Love the idea and the execution. Barbados brings the smoothness, Jamaica brings the character, Trinidad brings the balance. You get honey and vanilla on the nose, banana and coconut on the palate. Works brilliantly in a Mai Tai or on its own.

Aiko Tanaka on La Favorite Cœur de Canne: Pure Cane Heart

9/10

Ti' Punch perfection

The Ti' Punch — rhum, cane syrup, lime — is the national drink of Martinique, and Cœur de Canne makes the finest version I've ever had. The intense fresh cane character stands up to the lime, the syrup rounds the edges, and the result is devastatingly delicious. A rite of passage.

Yuki Nakamura on La Favorite Cœur de Canne: Pure Cane Heart

7/10

Challenging for newcomers

If you're expecting the sweetness of traditional rum, Cœur de Canne will be a shock. It's grassy, vegetal, almost savoury — closer to a blanco tequila than a Bacardi. But give it time and the fresh cane character reveals genuine beauty. Best in a Ti' Punch with cane syrup and lime.

Astrid Nilsen on Bacardi Carta Blanca: The World's Most Famous White Rum

5/10

Outclassed by the competition

Twenty years ago this was the default white rum. Now there are so many better options at the same price point. Flor de Cana, Doorly's, even own-brand supermarket rums have more character. Bacardi feels like it's coasting on brand recognition alone. Thin, bland, and forgettable.

Erik Strom on Rhum J.M VSOP: The Spirit of Macouba

9/10

Northern Martinique character

Rhum J.M sits at the foot of Mount Pelée in northern Martinique, and you can taste the volcanic terroir. Rich, intense, with a deeper cane character than southern distilleries. The VSOP ageing adds vanilla, tobacco, and a gorgeous oak complexity. Earthy, mineral, and magnificent.

Kai Oliveira on Plantation 3 Stars: A Multi-Island Masterclass

10/10

The best white rum I've ever had

I've been through dozens of white rums and nothing compares. The three-island blend creates extraordinary complexity — banana, vanilla, coconut, tropical fruit, a hint of funk — all while remaining crisp and clean. It elevates every cocktail and is genuinely delightful neat. This is what white rum should aspire to be.

Sophie Brennan on Santa Teresa Gran Reserva

7/10

Reliable and crowd-pleasing

Brought this to a rum tasting and it disappeared fast. Rich golden colour, soft butterscotch and vanilla nose, approachable and sweet on the palate with just enough oak tannin for balance. Works neat, on ice, or in a cocktail. The kind of rum that makes everyone at the table happy.

Simon Hughes on Havana Club 3 Años: The Benchmark Cuban White

8/10

Cuban character at a fair price

For the money, this is hard to beat. Three years of ageing then charcoal-filtered back to clarity gives it a smoothness you don't get from unaged white rums. There's a subtle vanilla and pear note on the nose, with a clean, slightly sweet palate. Classic Cuban rum.

Hannah Brooks on Don Q Oak Barrel Spiced: Warmly Spiced and Inviting

7/10

Balanced and easy-drinking

A well-made spiced rum that doesn't overdo it. The vanilla and cinnamon are present but not overwhelming, and the Don Q base rum adds a smooth, slightly creamy character. Works well with cola or ginger beer. The oak influence is a nice touch.

Sophie Brennan on Havana Club 3 Años: The Benchmark Cuban White

8/10

Best white rum for the money

I keep coming back to this after trying fancier options. The three-year ageing and filtration process gives it just enough character — soft vanilla, a touch of dried fruit, clean sugarcane — without any harshness. Perfect for Daiquiris, Mojitos, or just on the rocks with a lime wedge.

Daisy Miller on Don Q Oak Barrel Spiced: Warmly Spiced and Inviting

8/10

Puerto Rican spice with depth

Don Q starts with their quality aged rum and adds vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove with a careful hand. The oak barrel ageing of the base rum gives it genuine depth — you get caramel and vanilla from the wood alongside the spice notes. More sophisticated than most spiced rums.

Astrid Nilsen on Don Q Oak Barrel Spiced: Warmly Spiced and Inviting

6/10

Nice but not distinctive enough

Don Q Oak Barrel is well-made but doesn't stand out in a crowded spiced rum market. The vanilla and cinnamon are pleasant, the oak influence adds some depth, but there's nothing that makes me reach for it over Chairman's Reserve Spiced or even Sailor Jerry.

Clara Johansson on Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva: Venezuela's Velvet Jewel

8/10

Dangerously drinkable

Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva goes down far too easily for a 40% spirit. Rich toffee, dark chocolate, brown sugar, vanilla, and a hint of orange peel. It's sweet — almost dessert-like — but the flavours are so well-integrated that you don't mind. Venezuelan magic.

Ingrid Holm on Don Q Oak Barrel Spiced: Warmly Spiced and Inviting

8/10

Quality shines through

You can taste the Serrallés family's century-plus of rum-making experience in every sip. The base rum is smooth and characterful, the spicing — vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice — is balanced and natural, and the oak barrel influence adds a welcome depth. A spiced rum made by people who genuinely know rum.

Sophie Brennan on Wood's Old Navy Rum: Bold and Powerful

8/10

Incredible in hot drinks

Wood's Old Navy in hot chocolate is transcendent. The 57% strength means the molasses, treacle, and dark chocolate notes survive the heat and mingle with the cocoa. It also makes the finest hot toddy — rum, honey, lemon, hot water. A winter essential.

Luna Chavez on Gosling's Black Seal: Bermuda's Legendary Dark Rum

9/10

The benchmark dark rum

Every dark rum is measured against Gosling's Black Seal, and most fall short. The blend of rich molasses, caramel, butterscotch, brown sugar, and subtle spice is perfectly calibrated. It has presence and depth without being overwhelming. The Dark and Stormy exists because of this rum, and that alone earns it legendary status.

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