Rum has recently started to outpace many other spirits, with new and enticing rum flavours delighting drinkers who crave something different. The best coffee rums combine rich coffee notes with the fruity spice of traditional rum.
In my opinion, infusing rum with freshly brewed coffee was a genius touch, as the spicy-sweet fruitiness of the rum is balanced by the bitter kick of rich coffee. More than the sum of its parts, coffee-flavoured rum is a worthy addition to your drinks collection.
How Is Coffee Rum Made
Coffee rum is made by fermenting molasses or sugarcane juice. This fermented mix is then distilled and aged in wooden barrels to inherit rich colours and flavours. Brewed coffee is then infused into the rum, which is then bottled.
Best Coffee Rums
Ideal for sipping neat or in a tasty cocktail, the best coffee rums blend rich coffee with the fruity spice of dark rum. Here are 5 coffee-infused rums to consider.
1. Ron Colón Salvadoreño High Proof Coffee Infused Rum
Overview
- Distiller: Licorera Cihuatan Distillery
- ABV: 55.5% (111 Proof)
- Country: El Salvador
- Colour: Amber
Review
Ron Colón Salvadoreño was so charmed by El Salvador’s sugar cane and high-altitude coffee production that they mixed the two to create this overproof coffee rum.
The blend is a melody of 70% column-still Salvadorean rum aged six years, 15% three-year-old Jamaican, and unaged Jamaican rum from Worthy Park, Hampden, and Moneymusk.
The blend is cold-infused for 48 hours with coffee beans from the Jags Head Coffee producers that expressed the team’s joie de vivre. Be warned; this is the high-proof version.
On The Nose
The aromas of rich expresso mix with the nuttiness of roasted almonds and infuse the chocolate undertones with a slightly spiced vanilla.
On The Palate
An opening of dark coffee and rich chocolate elevated by the sweet richness of dried plum and molasses. The finish kicks like a mule and leaves behind the flavours of coffee and pecans.
Best Served
I found this too strong to be an easy-going sipper, and best served as an Espresso Rum Martini or a coffee tonic in a high ball glass.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
2. Kraken Black Spiced Roast Coffee Rum
Overview
- Distiller: Kraken
- ABV: 40% (80 Proof)
- Country: Caribbean
- Colour: Dark Chocolate
Review
A rather spooky tale is the story of the Kraken rum; After a ship’s disappearance, the only surviving cask of rum was blackened by the ink of the Kraken.
This limited edition rum is blended with a selection of rich, bold Caribbean rums sourced from Trinidad and infused with a top-secret formula of dark roasted coffee beans and a blend of 11 spices.
Related: 5 Best Kraken Rums Reviewed
On The Nose
The scent of dark coffee and pleasant aromas of cinnamon, ginger and a touch of vanilla
On The Palate
Rich aromatic flavours of gently-spiced coffee reveal caramel and vanilla mid-palate and a smooth and rich long finish of dried fruit.
Best Served
Best Served served chilled and neat to fully enjoy the benefits of 11 secret spices and the infusion of roasted coffee. Perhaps try it in a coffee-infused Dark n’ Stormy cocktail.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
3. Dead Man’s Fingers Coffee Rum
Overview
- Distiller: Bristol & Bath Rum Distillery
- ABV: 37.5% (75 Proof)
- Country: England
- Colour: Dark Brown
Review
Tired of following the norm, Dead Man’s Fingers Rum was envisioned in a trendy little seafood joint in St Ives, Cornwall. It challenges the customary rum and seeks new and unconventional flavours that play well with others.
Dead Man’s Fingers brand new distillery in Bristol, challenges the traditions and infuses their rum with Cornish Saffron cake, Pedro Ximenez ice cream mixed with nutmeg, vanilla, and the zesty flavours of orange.
On The Nose
Aromas of spiced molasses and roasted espresso coffee with a touch of vanilla.
On The Palate
A combination of rich coffee, vanilla and raisin gives way to the tastes of zesty orange chocolate, with traces of spicy clove and cumin rounding off the finish.
Best Served
I recommend this as an after-dinner digestive, it is served neat to best appreciate the flavours and roundness of this artisanal infused rum.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
4. Koloa Kaua’i Coffee Rum
Overview
- Distiller: Koloa
- ABV: 34% (68 Proof)
- Country: Hawaii
- Colour: Dark Chocolate
Review
Koloa Coffee Rum proves that Hawaii is not just your paradise island renowned for its aromatic coffee. This richly crafted coffee rum is made on the Hawaiian island of Kaua’i.
Created from pure cane sugar mash, after which it is distilled in a gorgeous antique, steam-powered copper pot still and blended with water from the ancient Mount Waialeale. (source)
On The Nose
The aromatic scents of ground Arabic coffee beans and dark chocolate energize the mind as the sweet smells of molasses make your mouth water.
On The Palate
The delicious flavours of espresso coffee and well blended with light tones of vanilla wrapped in decadent chocolate. The elixir finishes off with hints of nutty hazelnut tones and a hint of fruitiness.
Best Served
It is best enjoyed chilled, neat or as an espresso cocktail. Also, check out my article on several Plantation rums.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
5. Pirate’s Grog Black Ei8ht Coffee Rum
Overview
- Distiller: Pirate’s Grog
- ABV: 25% (50 Proof)
- Country: United Kingdom
- Colour: Dark Brown
Review
Pirate’s Grog Black Ei8ht Coffee Rum uses ultra-smooth Pirate’s Grog Five-year-old rum infused with rich Brazilian coffee. The result is a tasty coffee rum with luscious notes of chocolate and caramel.
The rum is sweeter than others on this list and what I like about it is that it works well in contrast with the slightly bitter coffee.
On The Nose
Coffee, chocolate and toffee-caramel
On The Palate
The delicious flavours of Brazilian coffee and decadent tones of rich chocolate and molasses. The finish is smooth with a subtle hint of fruitiness.
Best Served
It is best enjoyed over ice or as a flavoursome Espresso Rumtini. Could also work in a Rum & Coke with a coffee twist.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
Ingrid’s Top Pick
Ron Colón Salvadoreño High Proof Coffee Infused Rum
My top pick is Ron Colón Salvadoreño High Proof Coffee Infused Rum as the dark coffee, rich chocolate and sweet molasses work well with the additional proof and the coffee does not overpower.
Conclusion
Rum makers have been experimenting with new and enticing flavours such as fruit rums, spiced rums, and now coffee-infused rums. The best coffee rums will give you that refreshing and rich coffee flavour with the cheeky kick of traditional rum.
Further Reading
Below are some additional articles from The Drinks Geek blog. We write articles on several fascinating areas of drinks, including different brands, drink types, cocktail recipes and more.
