Welcome to the sun-kissed world of rum. Where the gentle breeze of exotic islands mixes with the sweet aromas of ripened sugarcane. As we slowly indulge in a flavourful journey, it's time to fill our glasses with the most popular rums of 2025!
2025 has already brought us a wealth of masterful distillates, from the tropical treasures of the Caribbean to the sophisticated distilleries of Latin America and beyond. Whether you are a true rum connoisseur or just beginning your adventurous journey of discovery in the world of rum, this list will enchant you with its diverse flavours and unparalleled quality. So, get ready to indulge your taste buds with this year's most exquisite rums. Cheers and enjoy every sip of this extraordinary drink.
In this list, we look at two separate overviews: one of all our rums and one of all rums without the immensely popular Planteray. So if you are not a fan of Planteray (formerly: Plantation) or already know all of this brand's expressions, you can skip the first top 10 right away.
Place 10: Flor De Cana 18y Centenario Gold
The Flor de Cana 18yo rum is a very fine tasting rum. It waited patiently for eighteen years in barrels made of white American oak (Quercus Alba) in which bourbon previously matured. This gave it its unique flavour profile. This rum was produced sustainably at the foot of an active volcano. Nothing extra was added.
In the nose, you get a very pleasant mix of nuts and soft caramel. Very seductive, without being overpowering. The flavour offers you intense vanilla (from the American oak used for the barrels) that gets a pleasant spicy touch. The oak does its work even further, providing a velvety finish.
The best way to enjoy this rum is pure, that's how its complexity comes out best. If we do have a suggestion to make the experience just a little different, try it served with a large, square ice cube and a garnish of an orange zest, gently squeezed. This flavour combination will give you a special sensation!
Place 9: Planteray Barbados 5y
Planteray Rum Barbados 5 years blends both pot and column-fired rums in the authentic Barbadian style of our very own Stade's West Indies Rum Distillery, founded in 1893 by George Stade, a genius distiller with many patents under his name. After a three-year maturation alongside the beach, Barbados casks travel by sea to France, undergoing "dynamic maturation" en route. A second maturation in ex-Ferrand casks - the signature Planteray double maturation technique - for a total maturation of 5 years adds remarkable roundness and structure.
Place 8: Planteray Pineapple Rum
Planteray Pineapple Stiggins Fancy Rum 40° (Planteray Blend) is a rum from Trinidad by the Planteray (formerly Plantation) brand. It falls within the rum group under the category Mélasse.
In this product, you will find quite strong fruity notes right from the start. You will notice these flavours immediately and determine your first impression. Spicy as well as sweet hints are noticeable, but these flavours are only slightly present. They give extra character and depth to this drink, without really pushing it in any particular direction.
Based on this profile, you can conclude that this rum has a distinct, recognisable character.
Place 7: Canerock Spiced Rum
Canerock Spiced Rum 40° is a rum from Jamaica by the Planteray (formerly Plantation) brand. It falls within the rum group under the Mélasse category.
The spicy, fruity, as well as sweet flavours are quite present, but do not dominate. They help determine the flavour, profile and character of this drink but are less decisive as any strong notes. Floral hints are noticeable, but these flavours are only slightly present. They add extra character and depth to this drink, without really pushing it in any particular direction.
Based on this profile, you can conclude that this rum has a fairly pronounced character.
Place 6: Planteray PXXO
Planteray PXXO 20th Anniversary Rum is an extra-vintage rum, aged in three stages. It begins with maturation in the tropical climate of Barbados in bourbon barrels, followed by a second maturation in France in Ferrand barrels, and finally finishing in Pedro Ximenez barrels. This rum is a tribute to traditional craftsmanship with a smooth, refined finish that is perfect for sipping.
Place 5: Planteray Grande Reserve
Planteray Grande Reserve rum 40° (Planteray Blend) is a rum from Brazil by the Planteray (formerly Plantation) brand. It falls within the rum group under the Mélasse category.
The fruity, as well as sweet flavours are quite present, but do not dominate. They help determine the flavour, profile and character of this drink but are less decisive as any strong notes. Floral, as well as spicy hints are noticeable, but these flavours are only slightly present. They add extra character and depth to this drink, without really pushing it in any particular direction.
Based on this profile, you can conclude that this rum has a fairly pronounced character.
Place 4: Planteray Original Dark
Planteray Original Dark is a dark rum that embodies the heritage and tradition of rum from Barbados. With its deep aromas and complexity, this rum offers an exceptional taste experience characterised by character and elegance.
Nose: Caramel, vanilla, woody.
Flavour: Dark chocolate, ripe fruit, subtle spices.
Finish: Toasted oak, tobacco, soft sweetness.
Place 3: Planteray Guatemala Belize
Planteray Gran Anejo Guatemala & Belize42°(Planteray Blend) is a rum from Guatemala by the Planteray (formerly Plantation) brand. It falls within the rum group under the Mélasse category.
The spicy, as well as fruity flavours are quite present, but do not dominate. They help determine the flavour, profile and character of this drink but are less decisive as any strong notes. Floral, woody, as well as sweet hints are noticeable, but these flavours are only slightly present. They add extra character and depth to this drink, without really pushing it in any particular direction.
Based on this profile, you can conclude that this rum has a fairly pronounced character.
Place 2: Planteray Barbados XO
Planteray Barbados XO rum 40° (Planteray Blend) is a rum from Barbados by the brand Planteray (formerly Plantation). It falls within the rum group under the Mélasse category.
The fruity, as well as sweet flavours are quite present, but do not dominate. They help determine the flavour, profile and character of this drink but are less decisive as any strong notes. Floral, woody, as well as spicy hints are noticeable, but these flavours are only slightly present. They add extra character and depth to this drink, without really pushing it in any particular direction.
Based on this profile, you can conclude that this rum has a fairly pronounced character.
Place 1: Flor De Cana 12y
A 12-year-old ultra-premium rum that is sustainably produced (carbon neutral & fair trade certified) and contains no sugar. Sourced from a 5th generation family business, naturally matured in bourbon barrels with no artificial ingredients, distilled with 100% renewable energy and kosher certified. A full-bodied rum with an exquisite and smooth finish. Best enjoyed in a rum old fashioned or with a splash of premium sparkling water or ginger ale and an orange twist.
Nose: Aromas of red fruits, honey and toasted nuts.
Flavour: Wood, vanilla and baked apples. A balanced and smooth finish.
Planteray has been topping our top lists for years. It is a huge rum brand with many different expressions, which are also of exceptionally high quality. However, if you have nothing to do with Planteray, we still list our top 10 alternative rums for you!
Place 10: Flor De Cana 7y Gran Reserva
A premium, full-bodied rum aged in bourbon barrels at the foot of an active volcano. Sustainably manufactured (carbon neutral & Fair Trade certified) on a fifth-generation family farm since 1890, naturally aged without artificial ingredients and distilled with 100% renewable energy. Best with soft drinks, sparkling water or ginger ale.
Place 9: Lazy Dodo
The fruity flavours are quite present but do not dominate. They help determine the flavour, profile and character of this drink but are less decisive as any strong notes. Floral, woody, spicy, as well as sweet hints are noticeable, but these flavours are only slightly present. They give extra character and depth to this drink, without really pushing it in any particular direction.
Based on this profile, you can conclude that this rum has a fairly mild character, without extremes.
Place 8: Hampden 1753
Hampden 1753 is a pure Jamaican single rum from one of Jamaica's most iconic distilleries, Hampden Estate. This rum illustrates almost three centuries of artisanal know-how, with a long fermentation with wild yeasts, distillation in copper pot stills and 3 years of tropical maturation in ex-bourbon barrels. With its classic ester profile and alcohol content of 46%, this is the perfect introduction to Hampden's unique flavour world.
Place 7: Dictador 20 year
What's special about this Dictador 20 year is that it was created using the Solera system. What is the Solera system? This involves stacking barrels of different ages on top of each other, with the oldest rum sitting at the bottom. Bottles are filled from these bottom barrels, and then the barrel is replenished with rum from the row above, etc. The result is a blend of quite a few different ages that results in a flavourful, complex final product that is still consistent in quality, style and recognisability. Because the oldest barrels at the bottom are always diluted with younger rums, the final product in a properly functioning Solera system, after decades of production, basically still contains traces of the very first, oldest rum the process ever started with.
The woody, spicy, as well as fruity flavours are quite present, but do not dominate. They help determine the flavour, profile and character of this drink but are less decisive as any strong notes. Sweet hints are noticeable, but these flavours are only slightly present. They add extra character and depth to this drink, without really pushing it in any particular direction.
Place 6: Dictador Game Changer
Dictador Game Changer is a luxury Colombian rum that combines contemporary art with distilling expertise. Designed in collaboration with visionary sculptor Richard Orlinski, this bottle embodies creativity and boldness with its vibrant and unique design. More than just a spirit, it symbolises an art of living that combines innovation and sophistication.
Place 5: Dictador 12y
Dictador 12y is a rum that was matured using the solera system. This version inevitably brings to mind the world of sherry wines, more specifically a smooth and salty manzanilla. Beyond this comparison, it shows a freshness and youthful expression that the nose does not necessarily suggest. Like an hourglass, the finish evokes the passage of time. Thanks to the talent of its Cuban master blender, the Dictador's style remains elegant and rich, without being too sweet.
Place 4: Smith & Cross Navy Strength
Smith & Cross Navy Strength is a rum from Jamaica by the Smith & Cross brand. The spicy, as well as fruity flavours are quite present, but do not dominate. They help determine the flavour, profile and character of this drink but are less decisive as any strong notes. Floral, as well as vegetal hints are noticeable, but these flavours are only slightly present. They add extra character and depth to this drink, without really pushing it in any particular direction.
Based on this profile, you can conclude that this rum has a fairly pronounced character.
Place 3: Takamaka Koko Rum Liqueur
Takamaka Koko Rum is made from Takamaka White Rum infused with a macerate of coconut. The rum has hints of vanilla and coconut and is perfect for a Piña Colada, or simply served with ice.
Place 2: Flor De Cana 18Y
The Flor de Cana 18yo rum is a very fine tasting rum. It waited patiently for eighteen years in barrels made of white American oak (Quercus Alba) in which bourbon previously matured. This gave it its unique flavour profile. This rum was produced sustainably at the foot of an active volcano. Nothing extra was added.
In the nose, you get a very pleasant mix of nuts and soft caramel. Very seductive, without being overpowering. The flavour offers you intense vanilla (from the American oak used for the barrels) that gets a pleasant spicy touch. The oak does its work even further, providing a velvety finish.
The best way to enjoy this rum is pure, that's how its complexity comes out best. If we do have a suggestion to make the experience just a little different, try it served with a large, square ice cube and a garnish of an orange zest, gently squeezed. This flavour combination will give you a special sensation!
Place 1: Flor De Cana 12y
A 12-year-old, ultra-premium rum that is sustainably produced (carbon neutral & fair trade certified) and contains no sugar. Sourced from a 5th generation family business, naturally aged in bourbon barrels with no artificial ingredients, distilled with 100% renewable energy and kosher certified. A full-bodied rum with an exquisite and smooth finish. Best enjoyed in a rum old fashioned or with a splash of premium sparkling water or ginger ale and an orange twist.
Nose: Aromas of red fruits, honey and toasted nuts.
Flavour: Wood, vanilla and baked apples. A balanced and smooth finish.
Marketing • IT • Klantenservice
I've known Broekmans since I graduated in 2006 and thanks to Jan I've come to know the passion for spirits. I dedicate myself every day to the webshop, customer service and all the IT involved. In my spare time, besides whiskey, I can also really enjoy rum, but just as much as a gin tonic or a simple bellini. In the words of Martien Meiland, if there's no alcohol in it, don't call me!
