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Top Rums of 2026: Best Bottles Uncorked
The Number One Spot . . .
Up next on our list of top Rums is our most loved release in 2025 - Brugal 1888 Doblemente Anejado Gran Reserva Rum.
A premium Dominican rum released by Brugal, this expression has been double distilled, matured in American oak bourbon barrels and finished in Spanish oak sherry casks. This complicates the typical demerera sugar sweetness of rum, with flavours of rich sherry soaked dates. With notes of vanilla, red fruits and toffee intertwined with cocoa and natural oak spice. Delectable.
Predictions for 2026...
Our inhouse experts have out their heads together to consult the crystal ball once again to determine which rums are going to make it big over the next year and here's what they've come up with. . .
Doorly's XO
Doorly's XO is a rich, sumptuous rum from Foursquare. Bottled at 43% abv, this blended rum spent at least six years maturing before being finished in an oloroso sherry cask.
On the nose, there is rich milk chocolate, espresso, and baked fruits. On the palate, there are hints of dried fruit, vanilla, and toffee before leading into the sweet and satisfying finish.
Phraya Gold Thai Rum
A signature rum from Phraya, this is a deeply matured Thai Gold Rum. This rum has aged for seven to twelve years. Distilled in column stills, this has spent its maturation in charred oak barrels. Arriving at 40% abv and in an elegant golden bottle, this one captures the taste of tropical paradise.
Rich vanilla aromas arrive on the nose, alongside honey, coconut, raisins and cloves. Crème brûlée, butterscotch, pineapple and citrus all combine on the palate. The finish is smooth, sweet, and gives a little hint of vanilla.
Doorly's 12 Year Old
A delightful 12-year-old expression from Doorly's. Bottled at 43% abv, this is a particularly sumptuous and sweet rum produced at Foursquare Distillery.
On the nose, there is mango, green apple, coconut, and rich toffee. On the palate, there is melon, pineapple, and banana before leading into the long and warming finish.
Phraya Elements Thai Rum
Phraya is in its element here. This Phraya Elements rum is crafted in Thailand, and the process of making this dram gives the utmost respect to its spectacular surroundings. Crafted using sugarcanes from Kanchaburi, Phraya Elements ages its distillate in American oak ex-bourbon barrels, which spend its slumber next to Thai lagoons. A blend of aged rums, this is a rich and vibrant rum.
Expect freshly planed oak on the nose, as well as vanilla, butterscotch, ginger, and floral notes. This vanilla continues in the palate, which is rich, and has vibrant notes of sweet caramel, honey blossom, and butterscotch. The finish is spicy and warm, with lingering vanilla. A proper Thai treat.
Phraya 8 Year Old
Crafted in the heart of Thailand, the Phraya 8-year-old rum is aged in hand-selected, charred American oak ex-bourbon barrels, delivering depth and character. Produced using premium molasses from Kanchanaburi sugarcane and pure Ta Chin River water, it captures the spirit of its tropical origin.
The nose reveals inviting aromas of honey, vanilla, coconut, and tropical fruits, with a palate of coconut, toffee, vanilla, and a touch of leather. Dark gold in appearance with copper tones, this full-flavoured rum finishes smooth and lingering, leaving a lasting impression of sweet spice and warmth.
Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva
The Diplomatico Reserve Exclusiva Venezuelan rum is a blend of 80% pot-still rum and 20% light rums aged for up to 12 years in small oak casks. Made almost entirely from sugar cane honey, this rich and sweet expression is best served neat or in an Old Fashioned or Sazerac.
A complex nose of maple syrup, orange peel, brown sugar and liquorice. The palate brings sweet notes of toffee and fudge, before a smooth and elegant finish.
Diplomatico Ice Mould Canister Gift Set
Making a rum Old Fashioned? This gift set from Diplomatico will have you kitted out! Each set includes a bottle of Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva rum, a stylish tumbler and an ice mould.
This fine Venezuelan rum is a blend of 80% pot-still rum and 20% light rums aged for up to 12 years in small oak casks. Made almost entirely from sugar cane honey, this rich and sweet expression is best served neat or in an Old Fashioned or Sazerac.
A complex nose of maple syrup, orange peel, brown sugar and liquorice. The palate brings sweet notes of toffee and fudge, before a smooth and elegant finish.
Plantation Pineapple Stiggins Fancy Rum
Plantation Pineapple Rum is a tribute to the character created by Charles Dickens in the Pickwick Papers, Reverend Stiggins, whose favourite drink was “pineapple rum.”
To make this expression, the team at Plantation infuse the rinds of Queen Victoria pineapples in their white rum for a week then distil the liquid, and infuse the fruit of the pineapples in dark rum for three months. These are married together and left to age in casks for three months.
Both distillate and fruit infusion are finally blended together, creating a rich and delicious pineapple bouquet, accented by smoky notes and aromas of tropical fruit, pineapple, citrus peel, and a touch of clove. The palate opens with a structured, pleasant sensation of ripe banana, pineapple, and spices layered in a smoky finish. Yum!
Barra Island Dark Rum
Crafted on Scotland’s most westerly island, Island Dark Rum is a rich spirit that reflects the rugged maritime landscape of Barra. Infused with five key botanicals - carrageen seaweed, cloves, cardamom, coconut, and orange peel - it offers a distinctly Scottish twist on a classic style.
Bottled at 38% abv, the aroma brims with toasted coconut and gentle clove, giving way to a coastal freshness that hints at sea breeze and spice. On the palate, smooth waves of coconut and warming spice meet bright citrus, while the finish remains clean and dry, with lingering notes of cardamom and subtle maritime salinity.
