Rum reviews from Reddit

Summary

We analyzed 580 Reddit reviews across 18 subreddits and 93 posts to rank the best Rum brands recommended by redditors, including communities like r/rum, r/cocktails, r/Tiki, r/Barbados, r/canadawhisky. Top-rated brands include Appleton (4.1/5), El Dorado (4.3/5), Plantation (4.0/5).

Stats

Reviews580

Subreddits18

Posts93

Brands70

Products31

Top communities

r/rum387 r/cocktails97 r/Tiki24 r/Barbados18 r/canadawhisky10

580 reviews from

and

By Brand

By Product

Appleton

4.1

(44)

"Appleton 8 or 12, Chairman's Reserve or Chairman's Reserve Forgotten Casks."

"Appleton 12 or plantation( might be planteray now)XO are my favorites."

"Appleton 8 or 12 will serve you well."

"Appleton 8 and 12."

"Havent had an appleton product ive disliked so far."

"Appleton signature or Kingston 62 is perfectly fine."

"Appleton is my goto, comes in different aged, young stuff for mixing"

"Prefer the 8, but Signature in a 1.75 is a good value."

"Can thumbs up on Appleton, I use it for a number of drinks including Mai Tai."

"I started with Appleton 8 and it's much fruitier, less dry and more accessible."

El Dorado

4.3

(34)

"Get El Dorado 12 year if you wanna leave a good impression but it's slightly more expensive than those."

"Second the El Dorado 12 (or 15)."

"I like El Dorado 12."

"El Dorado 12 - Guyana - Demerara"

"0.5 oz El Dorado 12 Year."

"All 3 are great expressions from major brands."

"El dorado 12, flor de Cana 12, Bacardi 10, goslings family reserve."

"El dorado 15 AND Hampden 8 would give you some variety."

"I really enjoy el dorado rums for sippers."

"El Dorado 12 year was one of the first rums I tried that got me into rum."

Plantation

4.0

(30)

"Planteray OFTD makes a strong and interesting version for the adventurous among us."

"Higher proofs are best imo for old fashioned. I love OFTD or smith and cross as they can handle the ice."

"Similarly, OFTD makes a terrific old f."

"Planteray is so good it has become the only real answer."

"Plantation 3 star can't be beat at the price point."

"Plantation"

"For this, I recommend Planteray 3 Star. Makes an excellent daiquiri and won’t break the bank."

"I've had Plantation/Planteray & Havana Club, great rum, but I've got to try Doorlys."

"I like plantation 3 Stars more."

"Planteray 3 star is very good for the price and pretty easy to find."

Foursquare

4.5

(23)

"Foursquare spiced and chairman's reserve spiced are the best of spiced rums."

"Foursquare if you come from drinking whiskey."

"Foursquare is amazing. Also try Zacapa and Appleton."

"The Foursquare umbrella of products has some really great offerings."

"My fav was Four Square, followed closely by Mount Gay Distillery tour."

"I'd always recommend Foursquare. As a collector they have the best rums I've bought so far."

"Foursquare. They also produce Rolling Fork."

"I'm partial to four square myself but if you can only do one I have to say st Nicholas abbey."

"Foursquare, Mount Gay, and St. Nicholas in that order."

"4 Square."

Doorly's

4.3

(24)

"Ron Del Barrilito 3 Star and Doorly's 12 year are my favorite choices."

"Doorlys 14"

"Doorly's 14 does a great job as well."

"Like sipping on heaven. All the characters of barrel aged whisky with the subtle sweet funk of a Barbados rum."

"Doorlys!"

"Doorlys!!!! It has a nice blue parrot (?) and it’s *incredible* rum."

"Aged/Sipper Doorlys 14."

"Doorly's 12 year old, and also the 14 year old."

"Doorlys 14. End of."

"If you want more flavour try chairman's reserve white, Doorly's 3 year, Eldorado's 3 year, veritas, worthy park silver etc"

Havana Club

4.4

(20)

"Dude, HAVANA CLUB 3!!!!!"

"Use actual Cuban rum, not that crap! Lol I say this as a Cuban American. Just use Havana Club."

"Havana 7 is my favourite if you can get it."

"0.5 oz Havana Club 3 Year."

"The best bottle of rum I’ve ever used for our Christmas fruit cake has been Havana club 7."

"For a traditional white rum daiquiri? Havana Club is my #1."

"Real Havana Club 7 and go to Pirate Republic brewery."

"Havana Club, sure, but also Santiago."

"Havana Club and Ron Santiago are typically less expensive and probably more available."

"I feel the same way about Havana Club 3 when it comes to a “standard” Daiquiri"

Probitas

4.0

(20)

"Probitas completely destroys Plantation 3."

"Probitas. Also makes a great Daiquiri."

"Probitas. Definitely Probitas."

"I drank a whole bottle of Probitas before I tried 3 star and to me the Probitas was miles ahead."

"Could go with something a bit different like a Barbados rum or blend like probitas"

"Anything clear. Probitas, plantation/Planteray 3 star, TenToOne, flor de cana"

"I bought a bottle of Probitas. I love a daiquiri made with Probitas."

"If she likes rumchatta - probitas, or a Clairin (probably sojous) the probitas is easiest to drink."

"Probatias or Flor de Cana Seco."

"Probitas."

Mount Gay

4.0

(20)

"Mount Gay is pretty decent for the price"

"I also really like mount gay rum with coke."

"Plan to use mount gay eclipse when I do"

"I would start by trying different types of rum and figuring out what you like."

"Its a good first rum but id go Mount Gay XO."

"Mount Gay XO would fill a gap in the collection too."

"I use Mt Gay Eclipse for cooking."

"I highly recommend Brugal Añejo or Extra Viéjo, Mount Gay Eclipse."

"I like the Mount Gay XO quite a lot."

"The mount gay and Appleton are both great choices as well."

El Dorado 12

4.1

(15)

"I think El Dorado 12 is the way to go. It's my go-to introductory rum."

"El Dorado 12 is in the mid-upper 30s (depending on where you live) and it's excellent."

"Second El Dorado 12, or if your into higher ABV stuff, the still strength El Dorados are still available."

"El Dorado 12 is a great jump-over point (and was what I tried going from Scotch to Rum)."

"El Dorado 12 or 15."

"El Dorado 12."

"El dorado 12. That rum is quite good as a sipping rum."

"I highly recommend anything El Dorado makes, I love their 12 year."

"Eldorado 12."

"If you like that and want to take another step, then go for the El Dorado 12."

#10

Diplomatico

4.1

(15)

"Diplomatico and El Dorado 12 was my introduction, still 2 of my faves."

"Diplomatico is my rum of choice for a rum&coke."

"Dimplomatico Rum Reserva is a popular sipper."

"Diplomatico Reserva"

"Go get some Diplomatico rum. I like the exclusiva but they are all good. Venezuelan rum, very different and very good."

"Sugared: Diplomatico, Zacapa, Plantation/Planteray (depending on the exact bottle), El Dorado, Pusser's."

"Diplomatico"

"My journey into rum started with very sweet rum based drinks like diplomatico and don papa."

"Diplomatico, zapaca, demons share, kraken, dictator are all good rums."

"If you’re looking for smooth, I would reach for something dosed, like Diplomatico."

#11

Hamilton

4.2

(14)

"Highly recommend Hamilton 86 Demerara rum."

"Hamilton 86 is also a great option."

"Buy the Hamilton line if you can find it."

"50/50 Appleton 8 + Hamilton 86."

"Hamilton if you want a blend"

"I'd grab a bottle of Hamilton 86"

"Nikki's on Branch ave actually has a good selection including a lot of the Hamilton brand which even Yankee doesn't have."

"1 oz Hamilton 86, which is nice but non controversial."

"* Hamilton 86."

"I really like a Demerara like Hamilton 86 or Lemon Hart Original 1804."

#12

Wray and Nephew

4.7

(11)

"Wray and Nephew."

"I love both Rum Fire and Wray & Nephew."

"I’d say Wray & Nephew, El Dorado 12, Appleton 8(or 12 if you’re willing to spend a little more), and that Barbancourt 8."

"So people are obv recommending that one, great choice."

"Get wray, drink it straight, it's an initiation."

"Obviously the Wray & Nephew, especially the big bottle if you can afford it."

"I got lucky and came across a honey pot of the Wray and Nephew this week."

"I'd grab that big bottle of Wray & Nephew."

"I do half Wray and Nephew/ half Mt Gay."

"I have a handle of W&N I'm working through."

#13

Appleton 8

4.2

(12)

"Appleton 8 and 12 are two of my favorite sippers."

"Appleton 8 year is my go to for that price point."

"Appleton 8 or 15 ( skip the 12)- fruity slightly funky, orange."

"Appleton 8 rocks, good choice"

"Appleton 8, Florida de Cana 3 year, and Wray & Nephew would be a good place to start."

"Appleton 8yr is my rec from this."

"Dark: Appleton 8 years"

"Aged - Appleton 8"

"Appleton 8 is AWESOME in a Kingston Negroni."

"Appleton 8 year, black tot, el dorado 12 year."

#14

Appleton 12

4.1

(12)

"Aged Rum: Appleton 12"

"Some good starting points are Appleton 12, El Dorado 12 or 15."

"From LCBO, start with Appleton 12 or 15."

"Appleton 12 maybe? Doorlys 12 for sure"

"Probitas, Appleton Signature, Smith & Cross, Appleton 12"

"Appleton 12 and Smith and Cross are fantastic options."

"I just got the Appleton 12 and I will say it’s up there with my favorites..."

"I’d go Appleton 12 with real McCoy 12 being the runner up."

"Appleton 12($42) is my fav but am currently have a Doorlys 12($27) which is making me a believer."

"Appleton 12 or El Dorado 15 would be my picks."

#15

Smith and Cross

4.5

(11)

"Nicki's is like the only one I've seen Smith and Cross at (since you like funky rums)"

"I recently got a bottle of smith and cross, very nice Jamaican rum."

"Smith & Cross is a great rum."

"Smith And Cross might be my fave rum."

"Friend makes it with Smith and Cross."

"For Jamaican I know they have Coruba and pretty sure I saw Smith and Cross there as well."

"Sometimes I like Smith and Cross or Appleton Signature as well."

"Really liking a split between smith + cross with Coruba!"

"I keep some smith and cross and cut it in to my daquiries in small amounts."

"Smith & Cross or Plantation Xayamaca."

#16

Coruba

4.0

(12)

"Coruba is my favorite for hurricane."

"For Jamaican I know they have Coruba and pretty sure I saw Smith and Cross there as well."

"Coruba is great!"

"I’m a Coruba fan myself."

"Coruba or Planteray OFTD"

"Coruba is probably the best budget Jamaican."

"Coruba"

"Coruba."

"Coruba works best for a dark Jamaican rum."

"Coruba."

#17

El Dorado 15

4.7

(10)

"El Dorado 15!"

"Best one I ever made was with the new El Dorado 15."

"El Dorado 15."

"Dorado 15 is also exceptional."

"El Dorado 15 at that price for sure."

"Among those, I would say El Dorado 15 Year or Appleton Estate 12 year."

"El dorado 12 or 15 are both wonderful..."

"I actually loved El Dorado 15 with coke."

"Eldorado 12 or 15 year."

"Appleton 12 or El Dorado 15 would be my picks."

#18

Appleton Signature

4.1

(10)

"I love Appleton signature, Bacardi 8, OFTD, and basically anything Jamaican."

"Appleton Signature, Plantation 5 Year, or Plantation Xaymaca."

"Sometimes I like Smith and Cross or Appleton Signature as well."

"Appleton signature for general availability"

"Try plantation 5 year or Fiji, Diplomatico reservera, baccardi 8..."

"Don’t discount the cheaper stuff like Appleton Signature."

"Why not just go Appleton Signature?"

"I'd say Appleton sig, mount gay eclipse, Doorleys 8."

"Either Appleton Signature or Mount Gay Eclipse would be my choices."

"I really like Appleton Signature for mixing."

#19

Smith & Cross

4.6

(9)

"Smith & Cross is my recent pickup, it's outstanding."

"I'm a big fan of Smith & Cross."

"Smith & Cross"

"Try to find Smith & Cross - it’ll knock your socks off."

"Just get a bottle of Smith & Cross. Then you’ll know."

"Smith and Cross of it is a reasonable price where you are."

"Try Smith&Cross, if you like it you like funk."

"Smith & Cross is a great intro to Jamaican rums."

"My suggestion is to go get a bottle of Smith & Cross and you’ll know."

#20

Havana Club 3

4.6

(9)

"Havana Club 3 is my favourite."

"Havana Club 3 or Profundo."

"1st Havana Club 3yr is my favorite"

"For a classic daiquiri: Havana Club 3."

"Rum & Coke and/or Cuba Libre is best with Havana Club 3 (or 7) imo."

"Havana Club 3 or Plantation 3 would be my pick."

"Havana Club 3."

"My choice for a proper Cuba Libre would be Havanna Club 3."

"My personal fav is Havana club 3."

#21

Flor de Caña

4.0

(10)

"But I also like Flor de Cana or a few others."

"Flor de caña/don q/etc if spanish columns"

"I like Flor de Caña personally :)"

"Get an Older Flor De Cana from Nicaragua it a very good amber rum."

"Flor de Cana from Nicaragua...?"

"I wouldn't get anything nicer than Flor De Cana, Brugal, or even cruzan."

"A regular ol bottle of flor de Cana will replace that Bacardi just fine."

"Not coconut flavored but you can't go wrong with Flor de cana."

#22

Havana Club 7

4.9

(8)

"Havana Club 7 and because it is almost identical but more readily available in the U.S."

"Special occasion? Havana Club 7."

"Cuban Havana 7 is chef’s kiss"

"Cuban Havana 7 is chef’s kiss."

"Havana club 7 all day long."

"Havana club 7 is such an underrated gem for like 40 dollars."

"Havana Club 7."

"A lot of recommendations for Havana 7, I need to buy this."

#23

Appleton Estate

4.2

(9)

"Appleton 12."

"I make a daiquiri riff with Appleton Estate and plantation 5yr."

"I’d go Appleton Signature or Don Q 7."

"Appleton sig/planteray for jamaican"

".5-3/4 Jamaican Appleton estate"

"I would suggest Appleton Estate 12 or 15, rum varies so much you just have to find what you like."

"I would go for Appleton Estate."

"Appleton Estate Signature being good, but also that it is completely inoffensive."

#24

Don Q

4.1

(9)

"Many of us know that Don Q is the best Puerto Rican rum, not Bacardi"

"At the bargain range I do love Don Q."

"Don Q Cristal or Castillo are the next best thing."

"Don Q Cristal"

"I’d go Appleton Signature or Don Q 7."

"Just use something like Don Q Cristal for around $15."

"Don Q 7 and doorly’s X.O. makes a great Old fashioned without breaking the bank"

"I highly recommend Don Q 7."

"Don Q for-eb-bar"

#25

Rum Fire

4.3

(8)

"I love both Rum Fire and Wray & Nephew."

"Mai Tai with 1/2 Rum Fire and 1/2 Smith & Cross is my new fav."

"Rum Fire is a delicious Hampden product."

"I keep seeing it come up recommended for unaged Jamaican overproof."

"Rum Fire and Maestros are the only thing that’s particularly good value."

"* Rum Fire or Worthy Park Overproof ($25) - Jamaican Un-aged High Funk Pot Still"

"My pick : 2 bottles of Rum Fire."

"Rum fire 🔥."

#26

Doorly's XO

4.3

(8)

"Got my hands on the Doorlys XO rum and can agree that its a really good sipping rum."

"It's a great rum aged in a Sherry cask."

"If you like sweeter rums but want to try something without additives, try something like Doorly's XO."

"Doorlys XO. $28 at Total Wine."

"I'd go for a Doorlys XO."

"Doorly’s XO is like $20 from Total Wine"

"My vote is Doorly’s XO. Or maybe the extra ten bucks for the Doorly’s 12."

"Doorly's XO is quite good at a similar price."

#27

Bacardi

3.0

(11)

"I started using Bacardi 8 in my traditional eggnog."

"I want my daiquiri to be crisp and fresh."

"Something like Bacardi 8 or Don Q Reserve 7."

"Bacardi 8 works in so many cocktails and is sip-able."

"There really isn’t anything bad about Bacardi at all at the end of the day, just a little boring and everywhere."

"Bacardi maybe over hated but the silver is in the same category as captain morgans"

"If I’m feeling cheap, 45ml Bacardi to 5ml Wray."

"I exclusively drank mojitos with dark."

"Bacardi has always been a wannabe Havana Club."

"But honestly anything but Bacardi."

#28

Chairman's Reserve

4.1

(7)

"Chairman’s Reserve Spiced is all you’ll ever need. You’ll thank me later 🤙"

"Saint Lucia Chairman’s Reserve (St. Lucia)"

"I like Chairman's Reserve"

"For at or under $30 Chariman's Reserve and Doorly's 12 are great."

"Chairman's Reserve. Forgotten cask is better, but they're all good."

"Real answer is chairmen’s reserve spiced rum."

"If you’ve gotta go spiced I’d go for Chairman’s Reserve Spiced Rum."

#29

Bumbu

4.5

(6)

"My neighbors are big rum guys and this is their special occasion go to. For sipping not mixing."

"My absolute favorite is Bumbu! it is very mellow and tastes like tropical fruit."

"Bumbu. It’s delicious and not obscenely priced."

"Bumbu."

"Bumbu. Great flavour and nice looking bottle."

"Recently found Bumbu. Only 30% but that you can sip straight up."

#30

Rumfire

4.5

(6)

"Rumfire."

"I love making a TingWray subbing out the wray and nephew for RumFire."

"Jungle bird with RumFire and any good dark rum is top tier."

"Rum fire and ting or Schweppes grapefruit soda."

"Rumfire daqs hit hard."

"I really like a Cuba libre with rum fire."

#31

Kraken

3.7

(7)

"Kraken is a solid dark rum for its price tag."

"I like to use Kraken."

"Kraken is pretty good if you're looking for a cheap rum"

"If you want to go with something fairly mass-market, Kraken is decent for cooking."

"Personally i like kraken or lambs spiced."

"For an everyday rum & coke, I like darker mainstream brands, like Kraken or Gosling's Black Seal."

"My favourite is kraken, even if I hate it neat"

#32

Brugal

4.3

(6)

"Super good rum for the money, Brugal! Nothing else compares for the money!"

"Brugal 1888 is delicious with a splash of acacia honey."

"OP, you would probably really like Brugal, I'm a huge fan of it."

"Brugal 1888"

"Brugal."

"My first thoughts would be for Spanish style: Brugal 1888."

#33

Black Tot

4.6

(5)

"Black tot by far."

"Imo of these my favorite is black tot in pic 4, followed by el dorado 15 and then Appleton 12."

"Black Tot."

"Black Tot isn’t easy to find so if your not on a budget snag it."

"Appleton, Foursquare, Mt gay, black tot, El Dorado all good options."

#34

Ron Zacapa

4.4

(5)

"Love me some Ron Zacapa!"

"Ron Zacapa is my favorite for sipping, old fashioneds, etc."

"Is a great starting point."

"Staying in Spanish style rums maybe something from Ron Zacapa?"

"If sweetness is something you like right now, maybe start with something like Ron Zacapa."

#35

Hampden

4.4

(5)

"Any answer other than hampden is wrong."

"Hampden"

"I love Hampden rums"

"Go visit the Hampen distillery!"

"At Hampden, I was able to get GH23 and HLCF 4 Year."

#36

Planteray 3 Stars

4.0

(5)

"I like Planteray 3 star."

"Planteray 3 star and when I’m feeling like changing it up, the Stiggins Pineapple."

"Planteray 3 Star. My wife hates rum but will drink daiquiris when made with it."

"Planteray 3 Star is my go-to at home."

"Planteray 3 Star; Appleton Signature."

#37

Mount Gay Eclipse

4.0

(5)

"My favorite one is actually a split rum base: * ¾ oz Mount Gay Eclipse."

"Mt Gay Eclipse."

"I use Mt. Gay Eclipse."

"Either Appleton Signature or Mount Gay Eclipse would be my choices."

"I've usually used Mount Gay Eclipse for making spiced rum."

#38

Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva

4.8

(4)

"Dipolmatica reserva exclusiva is by far my personal favourite."

"This rum is the best I’ve ever tried."

"Diplomatica Reserva Exclusica ~ $35"

"Try plantation 5 year or Fiji, Diplomatico reservera, baccardi 8..."

#39

Hampden 8

4.5

(4)

"Hampden 8 if you like the funk"

"Hampden 8 is brilliant"

"I think the Hampden 8 at a lower price... is a better deal than the appleton 15."

"I’d go straight for Hampden 8."

#40

Real McCoy

4.3

(4)

"I would strongly recommend the Real McCoy or Foursquare, which are both made by Foursquare."

"Tomorrow I will taste this daiquiri side-by-side with Real McCoy."

"I'd go Appleton or Real McCoy."

"Real McCoy is Foursquare so try that before the 2010."

#41

Zacapa

4.3

(4)

"So far I’m a Zacapa fan."

"Many don’t like it here, but Zacapa works good with it."

"Sugared: Diplomatico, Zacapa, Plantation/Planteray (depending on the exact bottle), El Dorado, Pusser's."

"1-1.25 blended rum Zacapa"

#42

Bacardi 8

4.3

(4)

"I love Appleton signature, Bacardi 8, OFTD, and basically anything Jamaican."

"Try plantation 5 year or Fiji, Diplomatico reservera, baccardi 8..."

"Bacardi 8 and 10 years are great especially for the price (30-35$)..."

"Bacardi 8 for me"

#43

El Dorado 8

4.3

(4)

"Honestly El Dorado 8 year it’s a Demerara run with lots of sugar caney flavor yum"

"El Dorado 8 year might fit the bill"

"El Dorado 8 or Appleton Signature."

"El Dorado 8!"

#44

Worthy Park 109

4.0

(4)

"Worthy Park 109"

"Consider Worthy Park 109 as a "black" rum with funk and proof."

"Worthy Park 109"

"Worthy park 109. Get weird."

#45

El Dorado 3

4.0

(4)

"El Dorado 3 is really good"

"El Dorado 3 year."

"Try the el dorado 3. It’s cheap, pleasant to sip."

"I think a Demerara rum like El Dorado 3 could play nicely in an amaretto."

#46

Barbancourt 8

4.0

(4)

"Barbencourt 8 it's a good price on that."

"Barbancourt 8, El Dorado 15, Appleton Signature, Wray and Nephew."

"That Barbancourt 8 at $27.89."

"Barbancourt 8-year is a nice and affordable introduction."

#47

Plantation 3 Stars

4.0

(4)

"Just made a particularly delicious one with the maybe unconventional split base of Plantation 3 Star and Smith & Cross."

"Plantation 3 Star."

"Plantation 3 Stars with .25 oz of their OFTD blended in if I'm feeling squirrelly."

"Light: Plantation 3 Stars"

#48

Flor de Cana

4.0

5.0

(2)

"Both B&M and Mike's Natural Bay Rums are top tier"

"Big fan of B&M Bay Rum."

#67

One Barrel

4.5

(2)

"I have some great cocktails I make with One Barrel"

"We like 1 Barrell better than the 3 or 5. Tasty!"

#68

Marketview

4.5

(2)

"Marketview is one of the largest with great selection and prices."

"Marketview in Henrietta is good, Lisa's Liquor Barn in Penfield was decent."

#69

Joyals

4.5

(2)

"Joyals checked a ton of those boxes."

"Joyals in West Warwick has a surprisingly good selection of rum."

#70

Captain Morgan

3.0

(2)

"Captain Morgan has spice and sugar added, Bacardi Silver does not."

"Try captain Morgan’s, it’s cheap."

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