With roots dating back to colonial exploration, the slave trade triangle, piracy, and organised crime during the Prohibition-era, rum has quite the long and controversial history. Its origins date back to the 17th Century, which marked the first production of rum in the Caribbean on sugarcane plantations. It was discovered initially by slave labourers working with the sugarcane who realised that molasses, a by-product of the sugar refining process they were responsible for overseeing, could be fermented into alcohol. Fast forward and with the advancement of distillation process, this became what we today call rum!


And so, on the 16th of August, to celebrate this rum-believable day, (otherwise known as National Rum Day) we’ve put together a few top picks for you to enjoy! 


Want to read more about rum’s origins? Then be sure to check out our blog post For The Love of Rum – A Look At What’s In The Bottle for a deeper dive along with some top recommendations! Or, looking for some top-quality Mojito ideas? Then check out our Bartender’s Favourite Cocktail – All About The Mojito. 



 

1. Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva Rum


A multi-award-winning rum for good reason! This dark golden rum from Venezuela has been aged for a minimum of 12 years. Smooth on the palate and follows on with notes of toffee fudge that offers a seductive, long-lasting finish. Enjoy it neat or on the rocks. Also a great rum for preparing classic cocktails such as Old Fashioned, Sazerac and Manhattan.


ABV: 40% | €58.00




2. Saison Rum 


Jerome Tessendier is renowned for making delicious Cognacs and has decided to turn his hand to making exclusive, rather interesting speciality rums. The Saison Rum was one of his first rum expressions where three distillates from Barbados, Trinidad, and Jamaica were blended and then aged in French oak. Beautifully elegant with sophisticated flavours of white flowers, baked pineapple, and molasses cake which slowly fade into a finish of vanilla and melon.



ABV: 42% | €37.00




3. Havana Club Verde


A reimagining of the classic rum! Havana Club Verde is a citrus-forward, herbal rum from made with a combination of botanicals. A delightfully complex rum with tart notes of rosemary and vanilla and the freshness of grapefruit along with a combination of slightly grassy notes and sweet spice. A wonderful addition to many rum-based cocktails!


ABV: 35% | €23.00




4. Copeland Smugglers Reserve Rum 


A superior, smooth Irish rum inspired by the smuggling activities that took place in the Copeland Islands during the 18th and 19th centuries. Dark rum from Barbados is first matured in bourbon first-fill barrels and Copeland rum aged in Pinot Noir barrels and quarter Bourbon casks at Copeland, Donaghadee. This rum offers warm, sweet spices and gingerbread, perfectly paired with piquant flavours like banana coconut. Overall, a fantastic marriage of Copeland’s heavy and light pot still rum and rum from Barbados. 


ABV: 40% | €35.00




5. Plantation 5 Year Old

 

A 5 Year Old Barbados rum which has been aged in ex-Bourbon barrels before being finished in Cognac casks. American oak barrels play host to this rum where it ages for three to four years. A woody and nutmeg palette is drawn out in Ferrand French oak casks as the rum continues to mature for one to two years. The result is a subtle and tropical Barbadian style rum, excellent for aperitifs or classic cocktails like the Mai Tai.


ABV: 40% | €41.50


 


6. Kraken Spiced Rum Gift Set


Named after a mythical giant squid-like sea creature, Kraken Spiced Rum is a dark Caribbean rum which has been flavoured with plenty of exotic spices. Expect a smooth, bold, and clean rum with notes of vanilla, ginger, and peppercorns. The branding and bottle shape are iconic and the liquid inside makes a tasty Dark n Stormy cocktail!

*Includes complimentary gift box and tiki mug, while stocks last.


ABV: 40% | €34.99 


 


7. Kiyomi Japanese Rum 


A very aromatic and clean rum from the Helios Distillery, Japan! Kiyomi means 'pure beauty' in Japanese. This rum was carefully crafted by distilling local sugar cane molasses in a column still. Round and smooth in terms of flavour, with exotic characters and notes of pineapple, a touch of smoke, and sweetness in the mouthfeel. We recommend drinking this one neat as well as in classic cocktails such as Cuba Libre, Mojito or Daiquiri.


ABV: 40% | €53.00 



 

8. Ron Zacapa 23 Year Old 


A premium Guatemalan rum which has been aged in selected barrels that previously aged robust American whiskey, delicate sherries, and fine Pedro Ximénez wines using the Solera system — which was originally invented in Jerez for Sherry. The result is a smooth and mellow tasting rum with pronounced tropical fruit notes, baked banana, and toffee. Best served neat, on the rocks or in your favourite dark spirit cocktail.


ABV: 40% | €72.95



We hope you enjoyed our blog post and are able to find the perfect rum to celebrate National Rum Day! You can find our full range of rum on Irish Drink Shop. And if you still can’t find that perfect drink, then be sure to contact us and we’ll be delighted to assist!


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