The Best Rum in 2025: Our Top Picks

This Dominican Rum undergoes a unique double-aging process, making it a close contender for the best rum for Piña Colada. Its rich, tropical flavors elevate your cocktail to a whole new level of deliciousness, delivering that perfect beach vibe in every sip.

With over 130 years' worth of experience in the art and science of rum making, Brugal has perfected the process. This particular rum ages in two casks, American oak ex-bourbon and European oak sherry, to make up about 85% of that classic, deep flavor you’ll enjoy. 

With each sip, you’ll notice notes of red and dried fruits, vanilla, natural oak, and cocoa. The complexity is just right, drawing you in without ever becoming overwhelming. The warehouses of this brand are also strategically created under the Dominican sun to intensify the aging process. 

The Brugal 1888 adds maturity and structure to Piña Coladas without completely taking over its easy-going attitude.

Don Papa 10 Year Old is a bold Filipino rum crafted on the island of Negros, where sugarcane fields meet volcanic soil and humid aging conditions. Named after a revolutionary shaman, this rum reflects both heritage and intensity.

Aged in re-charred bourbon barrels, it delivers deep, rich flavors with a dense mouthfeel thanks to the island’s high evaporation. It's one of the best rum options for anyone craving dark, intense character with a touch of magic.

With its eye-catching bottle, Bumbu The Original makes the perfect gift for any rum lover. Hailing from Barbados, this Spiced Rum is crafted from top-quality sugarcane and natural spices, using traditional techniques. Plus, it’s free from artificial additives, staying true to the brand’s commitment to quality.

Whether you sip it straight, pour it over ice, or use it in cocktails, Bumbu The Original is one of the best Spiced Rum choices you can try.

Plantation Barbados XO 20th Anniversary Rum isn’t just any rum. It’s a Flaviar Community Awards winner, and for good reason. If you’ve tasted it, you already know. If you haven’t, you’re in for something special.

This beauty starts its journey in the Caribbean, aging for eight to fifteen years in ex-bourbon barrels, soaking up all those rich, tropical flavors. It then heads to France, where it spends another two to ten years in smaller French oak casks, adding depth and finesse in the cooler climate.

This entire process results in a sipping rum that is ridiculously rich, aged rum packed with rich aromas and flavors that pull you in from the first sniff. This is the kind of rum you take your time with, savoring every sip while appreciating the years of craftsmanship behind it.

Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva is the crown jewel of this legendary Venezuelan rum brand, with roots tracing back to the 18th century. Dedicated to its founder, Don Juancho Nieto Meléndez, this rum is aged for up to 12 years in ex-bourbon casks and crafted from a complex blend of copper pot still rums made from pure sugar cane juice.

It’s one of the best sipping rum options for a reason–exceptional quality at a reasonable price. It’s the kind of bottle you’ll always want on your shelf. With a mountain of glowing reviews on Flaviar, it’s clear that Reserva Exclusiva is a go-to choice for any occasion.

Don Papa is a game-changer in the rum world, so it’s no surprise that one of its best bottles made our list. The Small Batch Rum comes straight from the Negros island, the sugar capital of the Philippines, and it has everything you want in the best sipping rum.

Aged for seven years in oak barrels, this rum develops deep, rich aromas that make every sip feel like a treat. And while the liquid inside is impressive, the bottle itself is a masterpiece. Its award-winning label hides 50 animals within its intricate design, like a boozy treasure hunt while you sip.

El Dorado 12 Year Old comes from the heart of Guyana, crafted using centuries-old stills that date back over 200 years. Aged in ex-bourbon casks, this rum combines tradition with rich flavors drawn from the molasses of Demerara sugar.

Every sip offers layers of oak, spice, and dark sweetness that keep you coming back. It is a rum with heritage and complexity that works well neat, on ice, or in cocktails.

Master Blender Joy Spence from Appleton Estate is back at it again with another legendary rum: the Extra Old 12 Year Old Rum. This drink is a mixture of rare, hand-selected pot and column still rums created with limestone-filtered water. All batches age for a minimum of 12 years in Jamaica under the tropical sun. 

This rum adds layers of complexity to every drink, including a Mai Tai, with notes of dark cocoa, baked banana, and roasted nuts. Isn’t that the perfect combination with the vibrant lime and sweet orgeat in a Mai Tai? Sure, it’s a bit pricey, but the dual nature of being a sipping rum and an excellent cocktail addition makes it worth the cost. 

Plantation 5 Year Old Rum blends Barbados rums aged three to five years in ex-bourbon casks before spending an extra one to two years in cognac barrels. This unique aging process adds a rich layer of complexity and character.

Owned by Maison Ferrand, Plantation Rum delivers quality Caribbean rums with distinct aromas and flavors. This extra step sets Plantation apart, making it a favorite among rum lovers seeking depth and intrigue.