Today is World Rum Day - the annual, global celebration of rum and distilleries. Launched in 2019 by Paul Jackson, spirits writer and editor of World Rum Guide, it has become the focal point of a series of occasions at the start of July, including National Mojito Day, National Piña Colada Day and National Daiquiri Day.
Here is a selection of rums off the beaten track you might be inspired to pick up...
Foursquare 13 Year Old: £74.95
The sixth release from the consistently Award-Winning Foursquare Distillery in Barbados - highly regarded, and highly collectable. A Single Blended Rum (to quote the Gargano Classification): literally a blend of pot still and column still marques produced at the distillery, pre-blended before maturation.
Rumbullion!: £38.95
Rumbullion! is a cockle-warming spiced concoction, based on the kind of rich, full-bodied rums the seafaring fraternity would have enjoyed centuries ago. At the core of the blend is high-proof Caribbean rum, to which was added Madagascan vanilla and zesty orange peel finished with a handful of cassia and cloves and just a hint of cardamom.
Secret Distillery #9 Fiji 20 Year Old: £99.95
A rare bottling from Fiji is from a mystery producer, but has been tipped to be really well received. Heavy pot still Rum produced from molasses. Very distinctive in style. Matured for twenty years in ex-bourbon cask, American white oak. It spends the majority of time in Fiji, with a short spell in the UK prior to bottling.
Depth Charge Spiced Rum: £23.95
The spiced rum packs a big, powerful flavour profile, having been made with a base of Caribbean rum, a selection of spices and helpings of lime and mandarin at its core. The name comes from an ancient seafaring tale, where there was once a formidable sailor who encountered a fierce mythological sea monster.
Signature Blend #2: £30.95
The second Signature Blend from That Boutique-y Rum Company is made from a combination of particularly rich Guyanese rum and some funky Jamaican rums, resulting in a flavour profile you'll want to return to again and again. Luckily, you'll be able to do so, as the Signature Blend series will be continuous releases from the Boutique-y bunch.
Goslings Gold Rum: £26.45
A balanced blend of pot still and continuous still distillates, the majority of which have been aged around five years. Goslings Gold is a great easy-drinking Bermudan rum, suitable for mixing in cocktails or drinking straight over ice with a slice of lime.
Signature Blend #1: £25.95
The first Signature Blend from That Boutique-y Rum Company. Developed with Pete Holland (of off The Floating Rum Shack fame), this treat is made with a combination of unaged rum from Martinique and some bold dark rum from Jamaica. It makes a great Daiquiri!
