Top Picks for Rum Aged 3 years or less

Gold color. Aromas of hot copper pot, dried tropical fruit, whole allspice, and burnt toffee with a satiny, crisp, dry-yet-fruity light body and a medium-long plantain, dried pineapple, and brown butter finish. A minerally, Jamaican-style rum to keep on hand for any number of occasions.

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 finish displaying notes of 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 amber color. Aromas of mace, cinnamon, rum-raisin, orange blossom, patent leather, and tropical pineapple with a satiny, bright, off-dry light-to-medium body and an even, breezy spice cake, caramel coated apricot, vanilla-cola, and licorice finish. A spicy, serious rum with a great copper-pot character.

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 finish with overtones of 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 finish that shows nuances of 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.

Bright golden amber color. Aromas and flavors of buttered popcorn, candied banana, roasted peanuts, copper pot, barley tea, and spice cake with a slightly chewy, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a smooth, appealing, medium-long finish that shows nuances of sticky toffee pudding, roasted mango, tobacco, and gingersnap finish. Lots of fruity, chewy flavors develop on the palate; this is a delicious, complex sipping rum for all types of aged spirits lovers.

Gold color. Sweet aromas of maple, vanilla-honey, beignets, and Belgian waffle with a satiny, crisp, dry light-to-medium body and a tingling, charming, medium-long cherry stone, dark chocolate, cola, toffee, and dates finish. A satisfying and flavor-packed aged rum that will be a nice go-to for tropical drinks.

Awards: 2018 Best Buy Bar - Best Value Dark Rum

Amber color. Nutty aromas and flavors of walnut fudge, chocolate-covered cherries, cola, and coffee yogurt with an oily, crisp, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a tingling, compelling, medium-long finish with notes of chocolate malt milkshake, flamed orange peel, and creme brulee finish. An outgoing rum that will be a nice sweet sipper or creative cocktail base.

Copper color. Confected aromas of black forest cake, orange marmalade, pecan frosting, chocolate biscuit, and stewed strawberry with a round, bright, fruity medium body and a warming, delightful, medium-length chocolate ganache, French cruller donut, poached apricots and mango, and Grand Marnier finish. A rich, smooth rum with lots of sweet bakery notes; a decadent liquid hug.

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.