Rum & South American Spirits Reviews

Amber color. Toasty, sweet aromas of mocha latte, amarena cherry, mahogany, leather, and caramel-coated nuts with a round, crisp, fruity sweet medium-to-full body and a tingling, interesting, medium-long fresh grated cinnamon, black peppercorns, and molasses cookies finish. A decadent and roasty aged rum in the most serious class; sip respectfully.

Awards: 2018 Best Aged Rum

Brilliant amber color. Aromas and flavors of spiced baked bananas, molasses raisin cake, lit scented candle, and rubber leaf and sap with a silky, bright, dryish medium body and a warming, subtle, medium-long vanilla cola float, sweet and peppery spices wrapped in banana and tobacco leaves, latte with coconut milk, and copper finish. A vivacious, pot still aged rum with boatloads of character and finesse.

Clear color. Interesting aromas and flavors of roasted cane and nuts, rubber leaf and sap, buttermilk milkshake, and ironed linen with a satiny, soft, dryish medium body and a peppery, delightful, long mineral ore, lime pepper, vanilla yogurt with dried papaya, and watermelon with tagine spice finish. A complex, dry, and very serious, slightly funky white rum for classic cocktails.

Awards: 2018 Best White Rum

Brilliant golden amber color. Aromas of burnt sugar and coffee bean, lit candle, singed fruit cake, and fennel with a satiny, vibrant, fruity sweet medium body and an interesting, long iron grilled pineapple with mesquite honey, cream and fruit punch sodas, and hint of licorice finish. A fantastic pineapple rum with rich, complex flavors that perfectly bridges the fun and the serious.

Awards: 2018 Best Flavored Rum

Golden amber color. Fruity aromas of caramelized banana, dark chocolate dipped dried mango, salted caramels, summer artichoke, and roasted almonds with a satiny, lively, fruity medium body and a peppery, complex, medium-long Madeira cake, apricots in syrup, lush cane fields, and mission fig finish. An exceptionally smooth rum that maintains balance and poise just the right amount of twang.

Gold color. Exotic, spicy aromas and flavors of cardamom custard, turkish rose water dessert, orange marmalade on cinnamon rye toast, and dried mushrooms with a silky, vibrant, off-dry medium body and a tingling, elegant, long sweet chai tea, caramel gelato in cola, and crystallized ginger finish. A delicious exotically spicy rum with lots of fun and creative cocktail applications.

Clear color. Funky aromas of green plantain, green tomato, flint, freshly ground black pepper, and key lime with a silky, vibrant, fruity light body and a searing, interesting, long arugula, sweet fondant, hazelnut candy, and cream finish. A funky overproof rum to kick up the night.

Brilliant amber color. Aromas and flavors of chocolate coffee bean and coconut chips, varnished wood, dried bananas and mangos, and hint gauze and iodine with a silky, bright, dry-yet-fruity medium body and an effortless, layered, long spiced nut brittle, caramel creme Anglaise, minerals, and cigar tobacco finish. A very tasty, dryish Cuban style aged rum perfect for cigars or high end cocktails.

Pale dark amber color. Attractive aromas and flavors of baking spices, cherry handpie, root beer, wet oak, menthol mint, and vanilla bean with a satiny, bright, fruity medium body and a smooth, medium-length bananas foster and custard finish. An attractive and warmingly spicy aged rum that is excellent for sipping.

Gold color. Interesting aromas and flavors of fruity Brach’s caramel, pickled plantain and olives, varnished cedar, and pistachio nougat with a satiny, bright, fruity sweet medium-to-full body and a warming, complex, long spumoni gelato with nuts, brown spices, hay and raffia, and mineral ore finish. A wonderfully vibrant and exotic dark rum with great interplay of sweet, spicy, and savory tones.

Brilliant gold color. Artificial aromas and flavors of chocolate nuts coconut bar, toasted Hawaiian bread with mango-peach marmalade, chocolate with cacao nibs and espresso beans, and fine polished wood with a satiny, bright, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a smooth, prodigious, very long praline and cola, spiced nuts, minerals, and leather finish. A superb brilliantly aged gold rum oozing with flavor and class.

Golden amber color. Inviting aromas and flavors of cinnamon-pumpkin loaf, pecan pie, castelvetrano olive, ginseng, mace, thyme, and violet with a velvety, crisp, fruity light-to-medium body and a tingling, complex, medium-long Manzanilla sherry and grass clippings finish. A complex and lengthy rum with a unique style and spicy-salty allure.

Bright golden amber color. Aromas of watermelon candies, lemon verbena, caramel, cream soda, and apricots in syrup with a supple, crisp, fruity sweet medium body and a tingling, easy pineapple confection, banana syrup, and pink peppercorns finish. A sweet and fruity rum that will be a real crowd-pleaser.

Brilliant amber color. Aromas and flavors of honey butter on dark toast, polished cedar, and rickhouse with a satiny, bright, fruity medium body and a seamless, interesting, medium-long chocolate caramel bar, spiced nuts, coconut creme brulee, and dried tobacco leaves finish. A very smooth and attractive sipping rum.

Golden amber color. Aromas and flavors of salted dark chocolate, toasty oak, chocolate covered cherry cordials, and dried peach with a satiny, lively, moderately sweet medium body and a searing, medium-length caramel truffle finish. A potent overproof rum that packs a flavorful punch.

Clear silver color. Aromas and flavors of fresh cane, corn husk, sweet gum tree, candied lime peel and pineapple, cumin, and charcoal with a round, crisp, dryish light-to-medium body and a tingling, compelling, medium-long fondant, coconut milk, and cola finish. An earthy and authentic white rum; rich in character.

Dull bronze color. Attractive, candied aromas and flavors of spumoni gelato with almond whipped cream, spiced chocolate toffee, and vanilla caramel frosted rum raisin cake with an oily, bright, moderately sweet medium-to-full body and a tingling, refreshing, medium-long cherry cola float with Neapolitan ice cream, frosted gingerbread and carrot cakes, vanilla nut fudge, and pink peppercorns finish. A fun and engaging spiced rum that will make tasty cocktails.

Brilliant copper color. Spicy, fruity, attractive aromas and flavors of rum fruit nut cake, chocolate rum cherry bonbons, and black strap molasses with a supple, bright, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a sleek, compelling, medium-length spumoni and butter pecan ice creams in a root beer float, mace and asian spices, and clove and oak finish. An exotically spicy dark rum that will be fun to experiment with.

Amber color. Aromas and flavors of toasted dark nougat, mocha creme brulee, white pepper, and hint of corsage and swimming pool with a silky, bright, dryish medium body and a tingling, complex, long caramel creme Anglaise, grilled molasses fruitcake, tobacco in a cedar box, and chicory and black garlic finish. A flavorful and nuanced dark rum that will elevate cocktails.

Pale slivery straw color. Citrusy aromas and flavors of honeyed ruby grapefruit and orange powder drink and gelatin candy with a supple, crisp, fruity sweet medium body and a warming, captivating, long grapefruit dreamsicle, Italian ice, and grapefruit soda finish. A very flavorful grapefruit flavored rum that will add zingy citrus notes to cocktails.

Golden amber color. Aromas and flavors of caramelized nuts, brown spice, spiced mocha, and polished wood with a silky, bright, fruity medium body and a tingling, stimulating, medium-long coconut creme brulee, tropical fruit gelato, and leather and cedar finish. A very tasty and nicely balanced aged rum.

Brilliant amber color. Complex aromas and flavors of buttery nut brittle, polished wood, caramelized fruits and cheese, and sandalwood soap with a satiny, vibrant, fruity medium-to-full body and a graceful, elegant, long mocha gelato, chocolate cherries and oranges, and sassafras float finish. A deliciously fruity and satisfying aged rum that is sure to please.

Medium amber color. Artificial, creamy aromas and flavors of mocha milkshake, banana and coconut cream pies, berry buttercream, and cedar with a satiny, bright, fruity medium body and a warming, complex, long toasted fruit nut cake, rich brown spices, straw and minerals, and pink pepper finish. A satiny and sensual dark rum that entices and delights.

Medium dark amber color. Roasted aromas and flavors of iced coffee, dark caramel and treacle, wax polished wood, and chocolate figs and dates with a satiny, vibrant, dryish medium body and a tingling, interesting, medium-long chocolate citrus peels, brown spices, roasted cane, and tea finish. A nice roasted dark rum with a tasty coffee notes that will mix nicely.

Straw color. Green, grassy aromas and flavors of banana peels and leaves, candle wax and starched linen, bananas foster in a cast iron skillet, and cappuccino with mace with a supple, crisp, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and a tingling, breezy caramel ice milk in a pewter bowl, wet stones, pepper, and bamboo finish. A excellent gold rum with a mellow finish.

Clear color. Creamy, elegant aromas and flavors of coconut custard, candy corn, vanilla latte, and toasty nut brittle with a satiny, soft, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a warming, intricate, very long melon in sweet vanilla cream, frosted white cake with dried fruit, and brown and peppery spices. finish. A clean and pure white rum with lovely creamy and tropical notes that will make this an ideal sipper or cocktail launch pad.

Brilliant light gold color. Spicy, interesting aromas and flavors of durian and papaya, spicy egg pastry, and antique wood with a glycerous, soft, fruity sweet medium body and a warming, delightful, medium-long mesquite honey cream, caramelized bananas and coconuts in custard, light molasses butter, and banana leaf finish. A interesting and slightly funky honeyed golden rum for exotic tiki cocktails.

Golden amber color. Attractive aromas and flavors of sassafras float with mocha ice cream, cashew brittle, chocolate-coconut soufflé, and dried stone fruit and alfalfa with a satiny, soft, fruity medium body and a tingling, elegant, long vanilla custard on tropical fruits, hint of caramelized fennel, and orange cola finish. A soft and elegantly styled sipping rum.

Dark mahogany color. Aromas of burnt sugar, molasses, charcoal, charred nuts, sharpie, and curry with a round, bright, off-dry full body and a seamless, delightful, medium-length dark chocolate coated toffee, graphite, dark tobacco, clove cigarettes, and black tea finish. A rich and spicy rum with a smoky character; try in stirred and boozy cocktails or cocktail floats.

Gold color. Sweet aromas of vanilla flan, orange caramel sauce, polished wood, blonde tobacco, and lemon verbena with a velvety, crisp, off-dry light-to-medium body and a warming, appealing, medium-length praline, caramelized banana, and buttered brioche finish. A sweet and friendly dark rum for all manner of tropical cocktails.

Dull reddish mahogany color. Attractive aromas of circus peanuts, caramel macchiato, banana sundae with chocolate fudge, nuts and cherries, and banana peel with a satiny, bright, off-dry medium body and a tingling, interesting, medium-long spumoni gelato, coconut latte, and pepper dust finish. An attractive coffee rum with a nice combination of flavor, restraint, and tingle.

Brilliant mahogany color. Roasted aromas and flavors of black strap molasses, baking chocolate, instant coffee crystals, and roasted nuts with a silky, bright, dryish light-to-medium body and a tingling, interesting, medium-length coffee ice cream finish. A classically styled old school dark rum that will shine in cocktails.

Brilliant golden amber color. Aromas and flavors of caramelized black walnuts and bananas, toasty raisin bran muffin top, spicy honey, and bison grass with a velvety, off-dry medium body and a warming, nuanced, long maple and Neapolitan gelatos, root beer float, melange of brown spices, and hint of pink pepper finish. A delicious and vibrant dark rum loaded with attractive flavors.

Light golden amber color. Attractive aromas and flavors of brazil and cashew toffee, chocolate granola with corn puff, coffee cheesecake, and bourbon barrel and fine shaving soap with a silky, bright, fruity medium body and a warming, nuanced, long peach creme brulee, chai, corn pudding, and pink pepper finish. A mellow and tasty sipping rum that will appeal to bourbon drinkers.

Brilliant clear color. Curious aromas of almond frosting, Elmer’s glue, maraschino cherry and candied apricot, and pistachio nougat with a silky, off-dry medium body and a tingling, refreshing, medium-long spumoni gelato, coconut custard dessert, vanilla salt water taffy, and grape creamsicle finish. A fun fruity flavor ride of a rum.

Medium amber color. Creamy, toasty aromas and flavors of caramelized banana, creme brulee, and roasted nuts in a cedar bowl with a satiny, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a warming, complex, long toffee, sweet and peppery spices, cola float, and minerals finish. A silky and artfully balanced dark with deep flavors and superb versatility.

Clear color. Interesting aromas of vanilla rice cake, flax raisin bread, and dusty cane with a velvety, fruity medium-to-full body and a tingling, medium-length vanilla cream, candy corn, pepper, and steel finish. A solid, well balanced white rum for cocktails.

Brilliant amber color. Candied aromas and flavors of spicy frosted carrot cake, toasted marshmallow, and sarsaparilla float with a satiny, soft, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a smooth, intriguing, medium-long dried fruits, dusty brown spices, and suede finish. A tasty well balanced spiced rum that is not too sweet and will mix well.

Clear color. Attractive aromas and flavors of egg whites, mocha kefir, and green peanuts with a satiny, bright, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a tingling, appealing, medium-long caramel-vanilla fudge, mocha latte with whipped cream, and vanilla soufflé finish. A pleasant easy going gold rum that will be fun to mix with.

Clear color. Aromas and flavors of nougat, creamy meringue, overripe plantain skin, and yeasty white cake with a soft, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and an appealing, medium-long vanilla-coconut custard, pepper, and wet stone finish. A pleasant creamy, lightly sweet rum that will mix well.

Rich brown color. Aromas and flavors of brown butter, dark burnt sugar, molasses coffee cake, and leather with a supple, bright, dryish medium body and a peppery, cheery coffee grounds, bark, and charred nuts with honey finish. A very dry, dark, and austere dark rum for cocktails.

Clear color. Aromas of roasted sugar cane and papaya, praline, yeasty fruit pastry dough, and overripe pear and pineapple wrapped in gauze with a silky, bright, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and a tingling, interesting, medium-length caramelized fruits and nuts, mocha milkshake, orange gelatin, and mineral and pepper dust finish. A very nice dry, nuanced, and funky rum for artisan cocktails.

Golden amber color. Aromas and flavors of light caramel, green plantain, black licorice, cantaloupe, cinnamon gum, and chamomile with a round, crisp, fruity medium body and a polished, interesting, medium-length dried leaves, toffee, and orange zest finish. A delicate aged rum that will serve as a great sipper or craft cocktail base.

Clear golden amber color. Nutty aromas and flavors of caramel coated peanuts, pecan pie, nutmeg, orange liqueur, orange flower water, and fruit stripes gum with a satiny, crisp, fruity medium body and a peppery, brisk raisin bread, brown sugar, and toasted coconut finish. A luscious rum for tropical cocktail escapes.

Clear color. Confected aromas and flavors of toasted marshmallow, coconut custard, tapioca pudding, and vanilla frosting with a silky, soft, off-dry medium body and a peppery, brisk candy corn, cotton candy, and whipped cream finish. A sweet, tingly white rum for cocktails.

Dark amber color. Confected aromas and flavors of nutella, caramel layer cake, milk chocolate covered espresso beans, German chocolate cake with coconut frosting, and maple syrup with a round, crisp, moderately sweet medium-to-full body and a warming, stimulating, medium-length maraschino cherry and sesame finish. A not-too-sweet sipping rum with heaps of chocolatey, nutty flavor.

Brilliant amber color. Aromas of tobacco, candied mango, banana cream puff, butterscotch, animal crackers, and cinnamon with a glycerous, lively, off-dry medium body and a peppery, engaging, medium-length allspice, jerk seasoning, lime leaf, and marzipan finish. A spicy dark rum for sipping and cocktails; perfect for a dark and stormy!

Medium copper color. Aromas and flavors of honey roasted fruits, lacquered wood, praline, and conditioned leather and rubber with a satiny, bright, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a warming, interesting, long creme brulee crust, pink pepper, coffee and pistachio gelatos, and metal ore and tobacco leaves finish. A toasty, spirity dark rum that will pop in cocktails.

Dark bronze color. Roasted aromas and flavors of dark roasted coffee beans, dark roasted nuts, and grilled yams with a velvety, soft, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a medium burnt cappuccino, lit cigar wrapper, and pepper finish. A decidedly smoky coffee driven rum for cocktails.

Brilliant golden amber color. Aromas and flavors of caramel soufflé, banana and cane leaves, nut brittle, and iodine and gauze with a soft, bright, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and a smooth, medium caramel cream and banana chip finish. A nice dark rum for cocktails.

Brilliant gold color. Aromas of toasted panettone, mixed nuts with mesquite honey, sesame and malted milk candy, and maple syrup in a new barrel with a medium body and a peppery, medium-long oak wood and bark, peppery spices, and dried fennel and banana chips finish. A brash woody flavored rum for cocktails.

Dull dark amber color. Interesting aromas and flavors of dark roasted alphonso mango and peach, spiced toffee, and hint of cough syrup and ink with a glycerous, bright, moderately sweet medium body and a tingling, captivating, medium fruit punch, honey butted fruit cake, dried fried mango sorbet, and cola and ice tea finish. A rich and distinctive exotic mango rum with a fun herbal medicinal streak that will appeal to amaro fans.

Bright amber color. Aromas and flavors of vanished wood, roasted plantain, peach and nuts, hint of tobacco, and molasses fig cookie with a soft, dryish light-to-medium body and a tingling, breezy dark roasted nuts, dried apricot and banana in vanilla yogurt, mixed peppercorns, and tea finish. A pleasant, lighter styled sipping rum.

Golden amber color. Yeasty, odd aromas and flavors of yeasty soda bread, waxy caramel candy wrapper, overripe cherries, and banana and coconut with a glycerous, soft, fruity medium body and a hot, medium-length pancakes with syrup on a pewter plate, coffee milkshake, pepper, and lit scented candle finish. A young and feisty rum for punches and the like.

Clear color. Vaporous aromas and flavors of paint and paint thinner, spiced lemon, cane stalk and leaves, and clay bowl of leaves with a supple, crisp, dryish light-to-medium body and a peppery, snappy mashed bananas, coconut water, and white pepper finish. A feisty rum for potent cocktails and punches.

Dull copper color. Interesting, inviting aromas of honey roasted passion fruit, soy-soaked herbs and banana leaves, black licorice and molasses, and hint of matchbook and magic smoke with a satiny, fruity sweet medium body and a tingling, intricate, long passionfruit and guava sorbets, smoked toffee, tropical fruit chutney, and pink peppercorn finish. A very distinctive and florid tropical flavored rum that will be fun to experiment with in cocktails.

Clear color. Toasty aromas and flavors of dried papaya, coconut butter, praline, and meringue with a satiny, bright, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a peppery, nuanced, long vanilla and caramel cream, sweet and peppery spices, and hint of cola and vermouth finish. A delightfully creamy and attractive white rum with a snappy finish.

Clear color. Toasty aromas and flavors of candy corn, dark honey roasted nuts and stalks, latte, and hint of paint with a satiny, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and a peppery, intriguing, long vanilla cream, sweet and peppery spices, copper twang, and minerals and wet straw finish. A nice, spicy and warming white rum that will pop in cocktails.

Copper color. Interesting, musty, yeasty aromas and flavors of yeasty fruitcake, caramelized nuts, and green tobacco in a damp basement with a supple, bright, dryish medium-to-full body and a tingling, interesting, medium-long black licorice and craisins in cream, oak, and pomegranate molasses and vinaigrette finish. An intriguing, funky, barrel-finished rum for adventurous cocktails.

Peachy gold color. Aromas of fried sweet plantain, brazil nut, jackfruit, and dill with a silky, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and a hot, relaxed dried coconut, apricot candy, and minerals finish. A solid floral rum for mixing.