Rum has evolved beyond its traditional role as a mixer for simple drinks. With a wide variety of flavor profiles and finishes, it presents endless opportunities for bartenders to create compelling and unique cocktail menus. As customer preferences lean toward premium spirits and authentic experiences, stocking a range of quality rums can drive customer engagement and bolster sales. Here are some of the standout rums from the Bartender Spirits Awards 2024, each offering something special for your bar.

1. Lost Voyage - Hamilton Rum, Gold Medal (92 Points)

Guyana’s Lost Voyage – Hamilton Rum is a standout, having secured the Rum of the Year title along with a Gold Medal. The rum captivates with its notes of fruit, coffee, and wood, creating a perfectly balanced blend of banana, molasses, and cacao nibs. Its dry finish makes it equally suitable for sipping neat or elevating rum-based cocktails, ensuring versatility behind the bar.

Image Title & Source: Lost Voyage - Hamilton Rum

2. PB Rum, Gold Medal (91 Points)

This Gold Medal-winning American rum impresses with its light flavor profile, featuring subtle pistachio butter notes. PB Rum offers a smooth and unique experience, perfect for bartenders seeking to diversify their rum selection. Its delicate palate invites experimentation in cocktails, offering a light touch that still leaves a lasting impression.

Image Title & Source: PB Rum

3. Embargo Blanco, Gold Medal (91 Points)

From France, Embargo Blanco delivers a clean, grassy funk and a mild salinity, earning it a Gold Medal at the Bartender Spirits Awards 2024. This rum’s intriguing flavor profile makes it ideal for adding complexity to both traditional and modern cocktails. Whether sipped or mixed, Embargo Blanco is a refreshing option that stands out.

Image Title & Source: Embargo Blanco

4. Ten To One Caribbean White Rum, Gold Medal (91 Points)

Ten To One Caribbean White Rum, with 91 points and a Gold Medal, boasts pronounced butterscotch notes and a fruity, smooth palate. Its creamy finish with a mild peppery kick makes it a versatile option for crafting delightful, crowd-pleasing cocktails like Daiquiris or Mojitos.

Image Title & Source: Ten To One Caribbean White Rum

5. Ten To One Guyanese Dark Rum, Gold Medal (91 Points)

With aromas of honey, toffee, and banana peel, the Ten To One Guyanese Dark Rum is a complex dark rum, earning a Gold Medal and 91 points. Its rich palate of brown sugar and burnt almonds, along with a banana-infused finish, makes it an exciting option for darker, bolder cocktails or sipping neat.

Image Title & Source: Ten To One Guyanese Dark Rum

Also Read: Top Mezcals from the Bartender Spirits Awards 2024 to Elevate Your Bar

6. Rhum Barbancourt Haitian Proof White, Gold Medal (90 Points)

The herbal and slightly fruity notes of Rhum Barbancourt Haitian Proof White make it a favorite among bartenders seeking authenticity. With hints of anise and sweet licorice on the palate, this Gold Medal rum is versatile enough for both sipping and creating complex rum-forward cocktails.

Image Title & Source: Rhum Barbancourt Haitian Proof White

7. Ten To One Caribbean Dark Rum, Gold Medal (90 Points)

Ten To One Caribbean Dark Rum earned 90 points and a Gold Medal. Its well-balanced molasses and grassy notes make it an easy-sipping rum, with just the right amount of peppery heat. Perfect for pairing with desserts or adding depth to tiki-style cocktails.

Image Title & Source: Ten To One Caribbean Dark Rum

8. Amrut Old Port Rum, Silver Medal (89 Points)

India’s Amrut Old Port Rum brings a blend of dark fruit, spice, and tobacco notes to the table, earning a Silver Medal with 89 points. The rum’s depth and caramel undertones make it a great option for classic rum cocktails or sipping neat.

Image Title & Source: Amrut Old Port Rum

9. Barrel Finished Rum, Silver Medal (89 Points)

The Barrel Finished Rum from Club Kokomo Spirits offers rich caramel on the nose, followed by a smooth vanilla finish. With a Silver Medal and 89 points, this rum is a versatile choice for adding depth to classic cocktails or creating new concoctions with a barrel-aged twist.

Image Title & Source: Barrel Finished Rum

10. Mount Gay XO, Silver Medal (88 Points)

With creamy caramel and butterscotch notes, Mount Gay XO from Barbados is a refined option, earning 88 points and a Silver Medal. Its long, sweet finish makes it perfect for high-end cocktails that demand a smooth and flavorful base.

Image Title & Source: Mount Gay XO

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11. Port of Entry Rum, Silver Medal (88 Points)

Port of Entry Rum shines with a bright, fresh nose and balanced classic rum undertones. This Silver Medal rum earned 88 points for its versatility, making it a standout in cocktails such as Hemingway Daiquiris or as a refreshing sipper.

Image Title & Source: Port of Entry Rum

12. Planteray Barbados 5YO Rum, Silver Medal (88 Points)

The coconut-forward Planteray Barbados 5YO Rum from Barbados earned 88 points and a Silver Medal. Its smooth and creamy palate with sweet coconut flavors makes it a great fit for tropical cocktails or tiki-inspired creations.

Image Title & Source: Planteray Barbados 5YO Rum

13. Saison Rum Pale, Silver Medal (88 Points)

This French rum, Saison Rum Pale, offers pleasant grassiness and molasses notes, earning 88 points and a Silver Medal. Its full body and round flavor profile make it ideal for mixing into classic cocktails or sipping neat.

Image Title & Source: Saison Rum Pale

14. Cap & Cane White Rum, Silver Medal (88 Points)

With predominant coffee flavors and a dry, nutty finish, Cap & Cane White Rum is a creative option for espresso martinis or innovative Old Fashioned riffs. This Silver Medal winner scored 88 points and offers bartenders a unique way to enhance their cocktail menus.

Image Title & Source: Cap & Cane White Rum

15. Kraken 94 Proof Black Spiced Rum, Silver Medal (88 Points)

Known for its rich vanilla aroma and bold palate, Kraken 94 Proof Black Spiced Rum is perfect for adding complexity to cocktails in small quantities. This 88-point Silver Medal rum is an excellent choice for bartenders looking to create deeply flavorful, spiced drinks.

Image Title & Source: Kraken 94 Proof Black Spiced Rum

Also Read: Bartenders Spirits Awards 2024’s lineup of the best vodkas to watch out for

By diversifying your rum collection with these award-winning selections, bartenders can provide a wide range of flavor experiences, offering both classic and innovative options to customers. With the growing interest in premium and craft spirits, these rums will not only enhance your cocktail offerings but also drive customer loyalty and sales growth. Check out the list of winners for a complete overview of the best rums of 2024.

Header image sourced from Adobe Stock Images.

Related Links:
Award-Winning Spirits Brands For Bartenders To Try
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2024 Bartender Spirits Awards Results Announced