Ahoy there, rum lovers! If you’re anything like us, then you know that nothing beats the sweet, smooth taste of a good rum. Whether you prefer it neat, on the rocks, or mixed into a delicious cocktail, rum is a supremely versatile spirit that can add a little tropical sunshine to any occasion.
But did you know that rum has a fascinating history? It’s said that the first rum was produced in the Caribbean during the 17th century, when sugarcane plantations were flourishing and the molasses byproduct of sugar production was fermented and distilled into a potent drink.
Rum quickly became a favourite among sailors and pirates (looking at you Johnny Depp), who would stock up on the spirit for long voyages. In fact, it’s said that some buccaneers would even mix gunpowder into their grog to make it ignite with a blue flame and an audible ‘proof!’ – hence the term which still measures the alcohol content of spirits today (not recommended, by the way).
There are countless varieties of rum to choose from, each with its own unique flavour profile and origin. From smooth and light white rums, ideal for cocktails like daiquiris and piña colada, to rich and complex dark expressions aged in oak barrels that you can sup over ice, there’s a rum out there for everyone.
These are some of our current Best Buys…
Bacardi Caribbean Spiced
Get an early jump on summer with Bacardi Caribbean Spiced, the first premium spiced aged rum the market leaders of Caribbean rum. Just thinking about its spicy blend of coconut, pineapple, and coconut blossom, has got us in a tropical frame of mind.
Notes of caramelised pineapple, cinnamon and lightly toasted coconut, infused with a subtle oaky char from the barrel, will elevate any rum and cola, add a fresh twist to a Coconut Daiquiri, or make for a definitive Caribbean Colada.
Then again, maybe neat is the way to go? On the palate there’s sweet pineapple, vanilla and cinnamon. ABV is 40%.
A blend of four cask aged rums, hand picked from across the Caribbean and Central America, then paired with spring water from the hills of Dartmoor, Egremont is a premium sipping rum well worth auditioning.
The soft spring water, filtered by layers of ancient granite, is said to balance the alcohol in the base rum, lending a long, creamy finish. Recommended over ice, and in cocktails – Hattiers suggests a Breakfast Old Fashioned made with Earl Grey syrup (try the recipe here). ABV is 40%.
This expression from Project #173 promises all the fun of the fair, a joyous mash up of rum and spun candy that we would gift in a heartbeat. On the nose there’s toasted sugar and caramelised biscuits, with silky butterscotch and marshmallow on the palate. The candy finish lingers, like a spin on a Waltzer. ABV is 42%.
Rich and spicy, this premium expression combines quality rums using a rigorous blending process. Distilled in copper pot stills, combined with batch kettle and column distillation, Selección de Familia is made from molasses and sugar cane honey, aged for up to 12 years in American white oak, ex-Bourbon and ex-Sherry casks. ABV is 43%.
On the nose this dark amber rum offers vanilla, honey and red fruits, while on the palate, plums compete with sticky toffee.
As an Amazon Associate, we may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.
Summer’s here, and it’s the time for coffee – cold brew coffee that is. Jumping on a growing trend for icy java, De’Longhi has launched two new coffee machines able to serve cold brews at the touch of a button. I’ve tried them out, and can confirm they’re cool beans. And, don’t think this wasn’t…
St Martins Lane hotel has collaborated with leading CBD drink specialist TRIP CBD to create a secret summer terrace with a menu of refreshing spritzes and summer cocktails, and fresh, seasonal dishes. Visitors to the Capital will know just how challenging it can be to find an outdoor oasis where you can chill and dine…
Japanese whisky pioneer The House of Suntory has partnered with Keanu Reeves and Academy Award-winning Director Sofia Coppola, as part of its 100th anniversary. The high profile campaign centres on a short film, packed with evocative imagery from the Suntory archive. The latter marks a return to Japan for Coppola, twenty years after filming Lost…
The Luxe Review 
Ahoy there, rum lovers! If you’re anything like us, then you know that nothing beats the sweet, smooth taste of a good rum. Whether you prefer it neat, on the rocks, or mixed into a delicious cocktail, rum is a supremely versatile spirit that can add a little tropical sunshine to any occasion.
But did you know that rum has a fascinating history? It’s said that the first rum was produced in the Caribbean during the 17th century, when sugarcane plantations were flourishing and the molasses byproduct of sugar production was fermented and distilled into a potent drink.
Rum quickly became a favourite among sailors and pirates (looking at you Johnny Depp), who would stock up on the spirit for long voyages. In fact, it’s said that some buccaneers would even mix gunpowder into their grog to make it ignite with a blue flame and an audible ‘proof!’ – hence the term which still measures the alcohol content of spirits today (not recommended, by the way).
There are countless varieties of rum to choose from, each with its own unique flavour profile and origin. From smooth and light white rums, ideal for cocktails like daiquiris and piña colada, to rich and complex dark expressions aged in oak barrels that you can sup over ice, there’s a rum out there for everyone.
These are some of our current Best Buys…
Bacardi Caribbean Spiced
Get an early jump on summer with Bacardi Caribbean Spiced, the first premium spiced aged rum the market leaders of Caribbean rum. Just thinking about its spicy blend of coconut, pineapple, and coconut blossom, has got us in a tropical frame of mind.
Notes of caramelised pineapple, cinnamon and lightly toasted coconut, infused with a subtle oaky char from the barrel, will elevate any rum and cola, add a fresh twist to a Coconut Daiquiri, or make for a definitive Caribbean Colada.
Then again, maybe neat is the way to go? On the palate there’s sweet pineapple, vanilla and cinnamon. ABV is 40%.
Buy now: £24, Amazon.
Egremont Premium Reserve Rum
A blend of four cask aged rums, hand picked from across the Caribbean and Central America, then paired with spring water from the hills of Dartmoor, Egremont is a premium sipping rum well worth auditioning.
The soft spring water, filtered by layers of ancient granite, is said to balance the alcohol in the base rum, lending a long, creamy finish. Recommended over ice, and in cocktails – Hattiers suggests a Breakfast Old Fashioned made with Earl Grey syrup (try the recipe here). ABV is 40%.
Buy Now: £42, Hattiers.
Project #173 Candy Floss Rum
This expression from Project #173 promises all the fun of the fair, a joyous mash up of rum and spun candy that we would gift in a heartbeat. On the nose there’s toasted sugar and caramelised biscuits, with silky butterscotch and marshmallow on the palate. The candy finish lingers, like a spin on a Waltzer. ABV is 42%.
Buy now: £25, Amazon and Master of Malt.
Diplomático Selección de Familia
Rich and spicy, this premium expression combines quality rums using a rigorous blending process. Distilled in copper pot stills, combined with batch kettle and column distillation, Selección de Familia is made from molasses and sugar cane honey, aged for up to 12 years in American white oak, ex-Bourbon and ex-Sherry casks. ABV is 43%.
On the nose this dark amber rum offers vanilla, honey and red fruits, while on the palate, plums compete with sticky toffee.
Buy now: £49 Amazon.
As an Amazon Associate, we may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.
Nice iced baby: De’Longhi puts the ‘brrrrr’ into barista with first cold brew coffee machines
Summer’s here, and it’s the time for coffee – cold brew coffee that is. Jumping on a growing trend for icy java, De’Longhi has launched two new coffee machines able to serve cold brews at the touch of a button. I’ve tried them out, and can confirm they’re cool beans. And, don’t think this wasn’t…
Secret London: We enjoy CBD-infused cocktails at the West-End’s chicest summer terrace
St Martins Lane hotel has collaborated with leading CBD drink specialist TRIP CBD to create a secret summer terrace with a menu of refreshing spritzes and summer cocktails, and fresh, seasonal dishes. Visitors to the Capital will know just how challenging it can be to find an outdoor oasis where you can chill and dine…
Wick Lit: Suntory Whisky partners Keanu Reeves for Centenary, releases limited edition whiskies
Japanese whisky pioneer The House of Suntory has partnered with Keanu Reeves and Academy Award-winning Director Sofia Coppola, as part of its 100th anniversary. The high profile campaign centres on a short film, packed with evocative imagery from the Suntory archive. The latter marks a return to Japan for Coppola, twenty years after filming Lost…
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