The 8 Best Dark Rums to Drink
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1. Kraken Black Spiced Rum
Originating from the Caribbean, Kraken Black Spiced Rum is well-known for its smooth and rich flavor profile. Infused with a blend of spices, this dark rum offers notes of cinnamon, ginger, and vanilla. Its bold taste and striking bottle design make it a standout choice for sipping or mixing in cocktails.
2. Goslings Black Seal Rum
A must-try rum from Bermuda, Goslings Black Seal Rum has a deep, dark color and a distinct molasses and caramel aroma. On the palate, it presents flavors of toasted oak and vanilla, making it an excellent option for classic cocktails like the Dark ‘n Stormy.
3. Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva
Venezuelan in origin, Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva is an aged dark rum boasting exceptional quality. With a complex flavor profile consisting of orange peel, dried fruits, and chocolate, this award-winning rum is ideal enjoyed neat or on the rocks.
4. Plantation O.F.T.D. (Old Fashioned Traditional Dark):
A blend of rums from Jamaica, Guyana, and Barbados, Plantation O.F.T.D. features a rich aroma of tropical fruit, smoky spices, and molasses. With its robust flavor and high proof (69% ABV), this rum is not for the timid but is exceptional in strong cocktails like the Zombie or Jungle Bird.
5. El Dorado 12 Year Old
Hailing from Guyana, El Dorado 12 Year Old is an exceptional dark rum that showcases rich and full-bodied flavors. With notes of toffee, vanilla, and tropical fruits, this aged rum is perfect for sipping straight or adding a luxurious touch to your favorite rum cocktails.
6. Ron Zacapa Centenario 23
Created in Guatemala, Ron Zacapa Centenario 23 is an exquisite blend of rums aged between 6 and 23 years. With a velvety texture and complex notes of caramel, spices, and dried fruits, this dark rum is perfect for enjoying neat or in elegant cocktails.
7. Appleton Estate Rare Blend 12 Year Old
Appleton Estate Rare Blend 12 Year Old is a premium dark rum from Jamaica known for its bold and complex flavor. Aged for a minimum of 12 years in oak barrels, the rum offers flavors of cocoa, honey, and spice that shine when sipped neat or mixed in cocktails.
8. Mount Gay Black Barrel
Produced in Barbados, Mount Gay Black Barrel is a small-batch blend of matured double pot still distillates and aged column distillates. Finished in deeply charred bourbon oak barrels, the result is an assertive and bold dark rum with notes of banana, vanilla, toasty oak, and spice that’s perfect for mixed drinks or sipping.