Spiced rum is a versatile spirit that is known for its darker color, sweeter flavor, and the many fruits and spices that give it its unique, somewhat warm, flavor profile. Spiced rum varies from brand to brand, and even the country of the manufacturer can play an important role in the finished spiced rum product.
Today, this liquor is popular when consumed by itself, as part of the famous rum and coke combination, or mixed into a cocktail.
Our article gives you more details about spiced rum, including an overview of this liquor, before giving you our top recommendations for the best spiced rum out there. Keep reading for everything you need to know about spiced rum.
What You Need to Know About Spiced Rum
Spiced rum has a mix of origins, and this liquor is defined differently depending on the country where it is created. It’s important to note that, in general, spiced rum is a rum that has been blended with fruits, spices, and herbs and sweetened with molasses before being aged to create a darker color and unique flavor profile.
There are many different iterations of spiced rum, and this liquor can be enjoyed by itself, with a mixer, or as part of a cocktail.
It’s important to take into account where your spiced rum was made, how long it was aged, and the spices or fruits that were blended into the spiced rum to understand more about its flavor. Additionally, you should note if the spiced rum was created with ‘aromas’ or real fruit and spice extracts, as this can make a difference in how strong the spiced flavor is.
Spiced Rum: An Overview
Understanding the basics of spiced rum is essential if you want to understand more about how the flavors of this liquor develop and the differences between brands.
Spiced rum is created with a base of regular, unflavored white rum, something that is created from fermented and distilled sugarcane. This distilled sugarcane is aged in barrels along with spices, fruits, and molasses.
The molasses is what adds sweetness and a darker color to the rum, and more or less may be added to achieve a certain color. Spiced rum ranges from gold to dark brown, which has the highest content of molasses.
Popular, and more traditional, additions to rum to create a spiced flavor profile include cloves, cinnamon, cassia, vanilla, star anise, nutmeg, and cardamom. Citrus fruits are also popular, as well as orange peel, pepper, allspice, and ginger. Today, more tropical fruits like coconut, pineapple, and mango may also be added to create a brighter and sweeter spiced rum.
Spiced rum is perceived as a twist on the classic rum, and it has its role in the traditional rum and coke. It is more or less a classic liquor and a staple on the shelves of many individuals who enjoy rum, though it has also become more popular as a versatile liquor that can be enjoyed alone or mixed into a cocktail. That said, don't mix it up with dark rum because the flavor profile is very different.
The flavor profiles of spiced rums vary, but you can expect this liquor to taste smooth, sweet, spicy, and warm. Some brands may be very sweet, while others only have a hint of sweetness. You may find more vanilla notes in your spiced rum, or stronger cinnamon and robust peppery notes.
It’s important to pay attention to the blend of spices used in a spiced rum brand to better understand the flavor profile of the liquor.
How to Choose the Best Spiced Rum?
Choosing the best spiced rum means taking into account the tasting notes of a liquor, how long a spiced rum is aged, and the overall brand of the spiced rum. All of these factors play a part in the final flavor of a spiced rum and the drinks that it tastes best in.
You should also consider the country in which the spiced rum is manufactured. Many spiced rums are produced in Jamaica or around the Caribbean Islands, but the United States, Australia, South America, and even Malaysia all produce various brands of spiced rum. You may have a personal preference or be on the lookout for something new, so you’ll want to take note.
What Does Spiced Rum Cost?
Spiced rum comes in at a range of price points, and you can find entry-level spiced rums for fairly cheap at your local liquor store. You may also find that imported rums and those that have been aged longer are more expensive.
On average, spiced rum will cost you between $20 and $100, with most spiced rums coming in at the $30 to $50 dollar range.
Where Can You Buy Spiced Rum?
There are many different places to buy spiced rum, including at your local liquor stores and online. You may also be able to purchase a specific brand of spiced rum that isn’t carried locally directly from the manufacturer’s website, depending on state laws.
The Best Spiced Rums
The following spiced rums range from prime choices for beginners looking for an entry point spiced rum or experienced drinkers looking for their new favorite spiced rum obsession. We give you an overview of each spiced rum and what makes it one of the best choices for a spiced rum addition to your liquor collection.
Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum
MSRP: $24.99
Proof: 46% ABV
Tasting Notes: Vanilla, Oak, Clove, Cinnamon
Our Rating: 5 stars
Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum is an iconic spiced rum, and this brand is typically popular with both newcomers to the world of spiced rum and those who are experienced with this liquor. The flavor profile of Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum is bold, and a unique blend of spices is utilized to create a balanced, smooth flavor.
High-proof rum is utilized in this mixture, and Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum is especially good for mixing into cocktails. Keep in mind that recent recipe changes have made this spiced rum less sweet, and some individuals, including loyalists to the brand, may not enjoy the newer, spicier, and less sweet iteration.
Pros:
- Pleasing to both newcomers and experienced spiced rum drinkers
- Unique blend of spices
- Great for mixing into cocktails
Cons:
- Recent recipe changes make the rum less sweet
Balcones Texas Rum
MSRP: $59.99
Proof: 58.5% ABV
Tasting Notes: Ginger, Maple, Berries, Cinnamon
Our Rating: 4.5 stars
While Balcones Texas Rum isn’t a spiced rum, it comes with a lot of notes that are similar to those of a traditionally spiced rum. This makes it worth checking out, especially if you prefer a more subtle flavor than a traditional spiced rum offers but still want to enjoy the flavor profile.
Balcones Texas Rum is layered and complex in aroma and flavor, making it a perfect rum to sip on its own. Since there’s more subtlety to these flavors than a traditional spiced rum, though, you might find it to be more versatile for cocktails than your typical spiced rum selection.
Pros:
- Complex flavor without being too overwhelming
- Versatile – can be sipped on its own or in cocktails
- Crowd-pleasing
Cons:
- A bit expensive for newcomers
- Not a traditional spiced rum
Don Q Oak Barrel Spiced Rum
MSRP: $41.99
Proof: 45% ABV
Tasting Notes: Vanilla, Oak, Caramel, Cinnamon, Toasted Coffee
Our Rating: 4.5 stars
Don Q Oak Barrel Spiced Rum is one of the more popular higher-end spiced rum varieties on the market today. This Puerto Rican spiced rum is crafted with a diverse blend of spices and then aged for three years in American white oak barrels to allow the flavor profile to develop and a smooth oaky note to be infused into the liquor.
While many individuals enjoy their Don Q Oak Barrel Spiced Rum over ice, it is also a great start for a rum-based cocktail. It’s important to note that the spices in this liquor create a robust finish with legs, and some drinkers may not enjoy this if they are looking for a more mild or sweet spiced rum.
Pros:
- Bold, warm, and spicy flavor
- Aged for three years in white oak barrels
- Perfect for enjoying over ice
Cons:
- Very robust spicy finish that some drinkers may not enjoy
Bacardi Spiced Rum
MSRP: $16.99
Proof: 35% ABV
Tasting Notes: Vanilla, Cinnamon, Black Pepper, Fudge
Our Rating: 4 stars
Perfect for beginners to the world of spiced rum, Bacardi is an easy entry point and is generally widely available in liquor stores across the United States. This popular rum brand uses its regular rum and adds spices and molasses before aging the rum in oak barrels.
Bacardi Spiced Rum has a bold, spiced flavor that is not too overpowering or sweet. However, some individuals may not find that the flavor of Bacardi Spiced Rum is spicy enough. In addition, it may not be the best choice for very experienced drinkers of spiced rum who prefer to enjoy their liquor neat.
Pros:
- Great for newcomers to the world of spiced rum
- Bold flavor without being overpowering or cloying
- Generally widely available and easy to find
Cons:
- May not be the best for experienced spiced rum drinkers
- Doesn’t have the strongest warm spiced flavor
The Kraken Black Spiced Rum
MSRP: $22.99
Proof: 47% ABV
Tasting Notes: Caramel, Toffee, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Vanilla
Our Rating: 4 stars
The Kraken Black Spiced Rum is a unique black spiced rum carefully crafted with eleven different spices. This spiced rum is blended with plenty of molasses to give it its signature dark brown, almost black, color, and the aroma from the spices make drinking this liquor a wonderful experience from start to finish.
However, the amount of molasses added to The Kraken Black Spiced Rum can make it too sweet and give it too many notes of caramel and molasses, which some individuals may not enjoy.
Pros:
- Irresistible spicy aroma
- Unique packaging
- Dark color and sweet flavor profile featuring 11 spices
Cons:
- Can have too much caramel and molasses flavor for some
Time Flies When You’re Having Spiced Rum
Spiced rum is one of the more unique ways to enjoy rum, and there are many different varieties of rum available today. Spiced rums are available from manufacturers around the globe, and different spice blends and aging processes lead to the variation that can be found in this liquor.
Whether you are looking for a milder and sweeter spiced rum or a spicy spiced rum full of bold flavor, one of the brands on our list is sure to please.
