The 10 Best Rum You Must Buy: Recommendations from Red & White

From sipping rums to cocktail staples, rum is one of the most versatile and complex spirits in the world. Whether you prefer it light and crisp or dark and rich, there’s a bottle of rum out there for every taste—and we’ve rounded up ten of the best you can find right here at Red & White.

These aren’t just popular names—they’re globally awarded, bartender-approved, and loved by rum aficionados. Let’s explore!

1. Captain Morgan Original Spiced Gold Rum (Jamaica)

An accessible crowd-pleaser with sweet vanilla, subtle spice, and a smooth finish. Ideal for highballs, rum & coke, or spiced rum cocktails like the Captain’s Punch. A must-have for casual entertaining or easy mixing.

2. Ron Zacapa 23 (Guatemala)

Aged in a combination of bourbon, sherry, and wine casks, this rum is complex, smooth, and sweet with hints of vanilla, caramel, and baking spice.

3. Bacardi Spiced Rum (Puerto Rico)

Bold, smooth, and infused with natural spices, this rum is versatile and easy-drinking. Great in classic cocktails like Spiced & Cola or spiced Mojitos, and an approachable entry point for beginners.

4. Plantation XO 20th Anniversary (Barbados)

Luxurious and refined, this is a premium rum aged in cognac casks. Expect layered flavors of banana, coconut, and vanilla.

5. Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva (Venezuela)

A rich, full-bodied rum with notes of toffee, orange peel, and dark chocolate. Perfect for sipping neat or elevating an Old Fashioned.

6. Flor de Caña 12 Yrs Centenario 700ml (Nicaragua)

Sustainably produced and known for its clean, elegant profile, this 12-year-aged rum offers notes of red fruit, toffee, and toasted nuts. A go-to for rum and coke lovers looking to upgrade or for sipping neat on a warm evening.

7. Myers’s Original Dark Rum (Jamaica)

A full-bodied dark rum with rich molasses and spice character. A go-to for tiki cocktails, Dark ‘n’ Stormies, or adding depth to baking recipes. Iconic, flavorful, and great value for its depth.

8. Mount Gay XO (Extra Old) (Barbados)

A refined and complex rum aged in American whiskey, bourbon, and cognac barrels. Mount Gay XO offers rich notes of toffee, vanilla, ripe banana, and baking spices—perfect for sipping neat or on the rocks when you’re in the mood for something bold yet balanced.

9. Ron Abuelo 12 Años 750ml (Panama)

Aged for 12 years in oak barrels, Ron Abuelo 12 Años is a premium Panamanian rum with deep notes of dried fruit, vanilla, toasted wood, and a touch of spice. Elegant and smooth, it’s perfect for sipping neat, pairing with dark chocolate, or mixing into a refined Old Fashioned.

10. El Dorado 12 Year Old (Guyana)

A dark Demerara rum with deep notes of dried fruit, spice, and molasses. Consistently ranked among the best rums in the world for its richness and balance.

Discover the World of Rum with Red & White

From smooth sippers to bold cocktail bases, these rums represent the best of what the category has to offer. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a curious beginner, there’s something here to elevate your drinking experience.

Visit your nearest Red & White store and take home a world-class bottle of rum today.