Jamaican rum has been enjoyed since the ye-olde days of fearsome pirates, rough seas, mermaids, treasure maps, and tall tales of giant squids attacking ships for no good reason.
Okay, that’s perhaps not quite the real history of rum, but let’s face it, there is only one type of rum that’s world-renowned for its spicy/sweet flavour, unique brewing processes, and ability to give their drinker a night to remember—Jamaican rum.
7 Best Jamaican Rums
I’ve selected 7 of the best Jamaican rums packed with sugar, spice, and all things nice… including that signature burning finish.
1. Appleton Estate 8-Year-Old Reserve
Overview
- Distiller: Appleton Estate
- ABV: 43% (86 Proof)
- Country: Jamaica
- Colour: Golden
Review
The Appleton Estate meticulously crafts and ages its rum for an incredible flavour profile. Sugarcane from the Jamaican fields and the water filtered by Jamaican limestone are key ingredients to achieve this authenticity. Need I say more?
On The Nose
The spicy notes of cinnamon and burnt sugar aromas merge with smooth oak.
On The Palate
Contrasting spicy-sweetness on the palate from honey and vanilla flavours squaring up against molasses, citrus and rich fruits. The finish is nicely spiced and lingers in the back of your throat.
Best Served
Enjoy Appleton Estate 8-Year-Old Reserve sipped neat, or use it for a classy rum and coke.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
2. J Wray & Nephew White Overproof
Overview
- Distiller: J Wray & Nephew
- ABV: 63% (126 Proof)
- Country: Jamaica
- Colour: Clear
Review
Perhaps the signature rum of Jamaica. This white rum is overproof and the most popular brew in Jamaica, and you can find a bottle in almost every home. It’s worth noting that this company also put forward the Appleton Estate range of rums.
On The Nose
Aromas of rich molasses scents, with tangy pineapple, banana, and orange doing a fruity dance.
On The Palate
Despite the powerfulness of these aromas, it’s interesting that the tongue first picks up a nutty caramel greeting before allowing these tropical fruity notes into the mouth leading to a nice burning finish.
Best Served
Let’s face it; this rum is powerful and not really a sipper. I recommend J Wray & Nephew White Overproof as the ideal rum for a Mojito.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
3. Canerock Rum
Overview
- Distiller: Maison Ferrand
- ABV: 40% (80 Proof)
- Country: Jamaica
- Colour: Golden
Review
Canerock Rum is a collection of aged Jamaican rums and island delicacies from Madagascar and the Caribbean. The brewers mature them in sherry casks, giving them a most generous taste profile.
I must say that this is one of the most stunning bottle designs of any rum. Maybe even of any spirit. Even if the taste doesn’t agree with you, keep the bottle on your shelf merely for decoration.
On The Nose
Plenty of vanilla, rich fruits, spice and molasses on the nose.
On The Palate
Opens with rich fruits and burnt sugar. Enjoy pepper, ginger, nutmeg, caramel, and oak notes mid-palate. On the finish, there’s even a hint of spiced coconut lingering on the back of your throat.
Best Served
Try Canerock Rum as a tasty rum for a Dark & Stormy cocktail or a refreshing Piña Colada while enjoying those chilled summer afternoons by the pool.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
4. Smith & Cross Traditional Jamaica Rum
Overview
- Distiller: Smith & Cross
- ABV: 57% (114 Proof)
- Country: Jamaica
- Colour: Golden
Review
If there was ever a rum that gave truth to the term “firewater,” it’s Smith & Cross Traditional Jamaican Rum, and it’s the rum with high proof, and it shows. The lack of sugar in this one is remarkable detail.
On The Nose
Although the scent that greets you first resembles jet fuel, have faith. It’s worth pushing past this for a mix of fruits, sugar and spice.
On The Palate
Caramel, cherry, and baked banana swirl together with tropical pineapple and burning spice, completing the finish. Smith and Cross aren’t trying to reinvent the wheel here, and it’s a job well done.
Best Served
Ideal for sipping, Smith & Cross Traditional Jamaica Rum is a nicely spiced rum that will also boost any rum cocktail you care to try.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
5. Rum-Bar Overproof
Overview
- Distiller: Worthly Park
- ABV: 63% (126 Proof)
- Country: Jamaica
- Colour: Clear
Review
Pot-still brewing is an age-old method that completely changes the taste and feel of Jamaican rum. However, it’s not for the faint-hearted, and Rum-Bar has chosen a trio of unaged rums to use in this bottle.
Though the youngsters may not jump at it, those with an older, more experienced tongue will revel in the memories it brings back. at 63% ABV this overproof makes Barcardi rum seem like water!
On The Nose
Aromatic notes of freshly picked bananas and other exotic fruits, plus sweet molasses and spice.
On The Palate
Opens with an array of tropical fruitiness and that grassy vegetal signature of Jamaican funk. This combination gives you the feeling that every ingredient is fresh off a jungle branch. Just the right amount of burn on the spiced finish.
Best Served
Rum-Bar Overproof is another powerful overproof and not really a sipper, so an ideal rum for a Mojito, in my opinion.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
6. Myers’s Rum
Overview
- Distiller: Myers
- ABV: 40% (80 Proof)
- Country: Jamaica
- Colour: Brown
Review
Hailing from Kingston, Jamaica, and incorporating native Jamaican molasses and cane sugar makes this a rum that’s more full-bodied than well-rounded. Every sip bursts with that distinct Jamaican rum flavour profile.
On The Nose
The nose is dominated by charred woody scents, like a hearth fire amid autumn. A gentle, mild sweetness follows.
On The Palate
Initial sugary notes curb the rum from being too sharp, and it follows up with toasted coconut, rich fruit, and spice, all wrapped up in a rich dark caramel finish.
Best Served
Keep it simple! … Myers’s Rum is best served neat with a rock or two of ice; beach sunset is optional.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
7. Hampden Estate Overproof Rum
Overview
- Distiller: Hampden Estate
- ABV: 60% (120 Proof)
- Country: Jamaica
- Colour: Golden
Review
The Hampden Estate is a beautiful collab between Italy and Jamaica that has birthed the perfect all-rounder. Accessible to an amateur or a veteran, with confident molasses and fruit flavours.
The Hampden Estate Rum matured seven years before the market, contributing to its beautiful golden amber hue.
On The Nose
The aroma on the nose is potent and intense, holding a promise of what your palette will soon experience. Baked banana and charred pineapple blend with the smoke and spiciness of oak and cinnamon.
On The Palate
Huge, bold flavours of sweet molasses, burnt tropical fruits, oak and cooking spices. The finish delivers another spicy kick with hints of smoked oak.
Best Served
Hampden Estate Overproof Rum is strong stuff but does have some nice flavours when sipped neat if you can handle the strength. Also, try it in a rum and coke.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
Andrew’s Top Pick
Appleton Estate 8-Year-Old Reserve
My top pick for best Jamaican rum is Appleton Estate 8-Year-Old Reserve. This rum is a nice balance of sweetness, and spice, yet still packs a punch on the finish without being ovenproof.
Rum Cocktail Ideas
| No. | Rum | Cocktail Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Appleton Estate 8-Year-Old | Jamaican Old Fashioned, Mai Tai |
| 2 | J Wray & Nephew White Overprf | With grapefruit soda, Rum Punch |
| 3 | Canerock Rum | Mojito, Daiquiri |
| 4 | Smith & Cross Traditional Rum | Kingston Negroni, Jungle Bird |
| 5 | Rum-Bar Overproof | Jamaican Mule, Planter’s Punch |
| 6 | Myers’s Rum | Dark ‘n Stormy, Myers’s Rum Punch |
| 7 | Hampden Estate Overproof Rum | Zombie, Tiki cocktails |
Conclusion
And there you have it—a finite list of the best Jamaican rums to help you navigate the dangerous waters of the Caribbean. The world of Jamaican rum can be scary, with many robust flavours and spicy aromas.
If you’re looking for excellent rum, look no further than Jamaica. While J Wray & Nephew’s White Overproof Rum remains the standout choice, don’t be afraid to explore. I also enjoyed Rum-Bar Overproof for its full-bodied taste and pot-still brewing.
Want to take your rum tastebuds to the next level? Maybe check out my article on 5 Stunning Rhum Agricoles.
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.
