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15 Best Dark Rum Brands To Drink

dark rum in a glass

As we set out on a voyage through the realm of dark rum, treat your senses to a symphony of rich aromas and silky undertones. We explore the jewels that adorn the glasses of both enthusiasts and connoisseurs as we explore the Best Dark Rum Brands. Every sip conveys a tale of skill and heritage, from the seductive Caribbean coast to the enigmatic depths of aging barrels. Come explore the complex world of rich caramel colors and complex mixes that define these remarkable spirits. Our guide aims to delight your palate with the exceptional craftsmanship of the best dark rums on the market, regardless of your level of knowledge with rum.

Diplomatico Ambassador

Diplomatico Ambassador
Source: Instagram

Diplomatico Ambassador is aged for 12 years in former bourbon casks and then for two more years in sherry casks to finish. This unique process gives the rum flavors of candied fruits, vanilla, and spice. You can pick up the aroma of chocolate and coffee beneath the fruit. Ambassador would make a great cooking rum if anyone would ever use it for that, but almost everyone prefers sipping this rich rum either straight or over ice. It offers such bold and unique flavors that beg to be savored.   


Flor de Cana 12

Flor de Cana 12
Source: Instagram

Flor de Cana 12 gives you a reddish amber appearance from being aged for 12 years in a sustainable and carbon-neutral process that makes you feel good while you’re taking each sip. Your experience starts with the aroma. Scents of nuts, fruits, and honey make the rum smell sweet. When you drink it, you will taste vanilla, wood, and apples. Some people also say there are toffee notes to look for on the backend. 


Appleton Estate 21 Year Old

Appleton Estate 21 Year Old
Source: Instagram

Appleton Estate 21 Year Old is rum aged for so long that it could drink itself. The aging process gives the rum a spicy oak flavor to taste with underlying notes of dates and raisins. It is an old fashioned traditional dark rum that you enjoy alone or with a small amount of spring water to make it pop. The drink starts with the aroma of the rum. You will pick up sugar, apples, tobacco, and chocolate to entice your palate. 


Plantation Original Dark

Plantation Original Dark
Source: The Umbrella Project

Plantation Original Dark lets you experience island life every time you open the bottle. It mixes the best of Jamaica and Barbados rum and adds extra aging in France to make all the flavors more bold and smooth. The rum has a lot of spice flavors, including pepper, cloves, and cinnamon. It also has a banana, plums, and vanilla taste that make it a unique rum. 

See also  12 Best White Rums to Drink

Ron Zacapa 23 Centenario

Ron Zacapa 23 Centenario
Source: Instagram

Ron Zacapa 23 Centenario mixes rums of all different ages from 6 years to 23 years old. They use the solera process, which helps bring out the best flavors of the dark rum. The barrels previously contained whiskey, sherry, and fine wines. You’ll taste fruits, oak, tobacco, coffee, and spices, including ginger. Butterscotch on the finish makes a sweet and flavorful rum. On the nose, you will pick up banana, pineapple, nuts, and toffee. These flavors and scents work together for an unforgettable taste adventure. 


6. Rhum Barbancourt Reserve Speciale 8 Year

Rhum Barbancourt Reserve Speciale 8 Year
Source: Instagram

Rhum Barbancourt Reserve Speciale 8 Year Rum uses French Limousin oak barrels in the aging process. These casks use oak found in specific forests in France. It gives every taste of this rum a smooth oaky finish. You will be able to taste fruits, vanilla, and pepper from this double-distilled rum. It can add incredible depth to any mix like a tropical cocktail, or you can enjoy it by itself for a special treat. 


Pusser’s True Aged 15-Year-Old British Navy Rum

Pusser's True Aged 15-Year-Old British Navy Rum
Source: Instagram

Pusser’s True Aged 15 Year received the moniker of single barrel rum, which indicates the level of quality this rum imparts. It ages in a single cask for 15 years. The rum takes its name from the naval officer who controlled the rum on a ship. When you smell the rum, you will find caramel, fruit, and spice. When you taste the drink, you’ll taste molasses and island spices that explode in your mouth. It finishes with a mix of smoothness and warmth that can leave you satisfied for long nights on the sea.  


Papa’s Pilar Dark 24 Rum 

Papa’s Pilar Dark 24 Rum 
Source: Instagram

Papa’s Pilar bases the rum on the life and adventures of Ernest Hemingway. The company ages the rum for up to 24 years in Spanish sherry casks. It is mixed together using the solera system to ensure you get the best taste from the different aged rums. The nose of this rum has toffee, maple, and nuts. The flavor expresses itself with a smooth finish. You taste the baking spices, toasted nuts, and just enough sweet to add a pleasant compliment. 


Gosling’s Black Seal Rum

Gosling's Black Seal Rum
Source: Instagram

Gosling Black Seal Rum doesn’t just have a fun label with an adorable animal on it. The rum also has an outstanding taste that will satisfy dark rum fans. It offers tasting notes of sweet spices, fruit, and vanilla. Gosling’s indicates that this rum can be extraordinary in a dark and stormy, but you can drink it with nearly any drink to add an extra depth of flavor. 

See also  10 Inexpensive Rums That Still Taste Good

Facundo Exquisito

Facundo Exquisito
Source: Instagram

When you taste this Facundo Exquisito, you will find a mix of rums aged 7 to 23 years in oak barrels. It is combined and finished in old sherry casks to create an exceptional taste. The mix gives drinkers the sharp fruit notes from the younger rums and the smokey richness of the older ones. It creates a complex taste profile with enough sweetness to make it a fun and bold experiment. 


St Aubin Rhum Agricole Vanilla

St Aubin Rhum Agricole Vanilla
Source: Instagram

Even though many of the dark rums on this list mentions flavors of vanilla, St. Aubin Rhum Agricole Vanilla takes it to the next level. Every bottle has a vanilla bean pod sitting at the bottom for you to enjoy. The rum is delightful and fun to drink. It is an excellent addition to every sugar-filled mixed drink like a mai tai, but it also is a blast to sip on its own, especially if you like dessert. 


Hamilton Overproof Rum 151

Hamilton Overproof Rum 151
Source: BarFaith

Hamilton Overproof Rum is perfect for anyone who wants to add a little extra kick to any of their drinks while retaining the flavors from dark rum. The experience starts with the nose of this rum that isn’t overpowered by the alcohol. You pick up on ripe bananas and roasted spices. Hamilton ages this rum for five years to help bring out the flavors of vanilla, toasted caramel, and banana. They hit the banana hard in this drink, giving you a fun and uniquely island taste for anything it touches. 


The Mount Gay Port Cask Expression

The Mount Gay Port Cask Expression
Source: Instagram

This dark rum isn’t higher on this list because it is only released annually in limited quantities. They mix rum aged for five years in Tawny Port casks with rums aged fourteen years in whiskey barrels. The Mount Gay Port Cask Expression will have different flavor notes and aromas every year, giving you a new experience with each bottle. You will find different tropical fruits, nuts, spices, and other flavors each time to enjoy. Check this year’s cask to find out what you can taste. 


Cruzan Aged Dark Rum

Cruzan Aged Dark Rum
Source: Instagram

When you’re looking for a great dark rum for a bargain, Cruzan Aged Dark Rum can help you out. You won’t break the bank on this liquor, but you will get some positive tasting notes from it. Expert crafters age the rum for two to four years in charred oak barrels. Cruzan’s offers a spicy nutmeg taste that balances with vanilla and butterscotch. It is fantastic in a mix, but it also sips well, even at a low price. 

See also  7 Best Cuban Rums You Can’t Find in the States

Myers Original Dark Rum

Myers Original Dark Rum
Source: Instagram

A rum doesn’t become one of the most popular examples of a style without having some merits. Myers’s Original Dark Rum offers a robust sweetness with flavors of wood and caramel that show off the liquor’s capabilities. Most often enjoyed in a mix, especially eggnog, punch, or hot ciders, you can also try it alone. It will give you a good idea of how dark rums should taste for a very affordable price. Dark rum is the drink of the adventurer. From pirates to archaeologists, drinking dark rum evokes exciting images. There are tons of choices out there for dark rum. You can find flavors that you enjoy to pair with almost every meal. Aged dark rum is wonderful for sipping alone and enjoying the rich texture and notes. Exploring dark rum can help you find your next favorite drink.  Try them in a tropical cocktail or drink dark rum straight!

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Written by Brian Nagele

Brian attended West Virginia University, then started his career in the IT industry before following his passion for marketing and hospitality. He has over 20 years experience in the restaurant and bar industry.

As a former restaurant owner, he knows about running a food business and loves to eat and enjoy cocktails on a regular basis. He constantly travels to new cities tasting and reviewing the most popular spots.

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