About Jamaican Spirits

About Jamaican Spirits
There are some very good lighter rums from Jamaica today, but the versions that get all the attention are those aged in whiskey or sherry barrels for anywhere from 10 to 21 years. Copper or golden colored with appealing flavors such as banana, roasted coconut and praline, these are smashing examples of rums with complexity and intensity as well as finesse and elegance. These are meant for sipping or for artisan cocktails. Inexpensive rums, such as spiced versions, are fine for use in most summer cocktails.

Top Picks for Jamaica

Hampden Estate HLCF Classic Single Jamaican Rum
97 points
$70
The proof and the dundery high ester funk assure that this is not for the faint of heart or amateur imbiber, but hot damn is this delicious and complex; would happily sit with a bottle all day and reflect on what cigar pairings or cocktails would be best and then discover that the whole bottle accidentally disappeared.
Bhakta Spirits Armagnac Cask Finished Jamaican Rum
96 points
$500
Don't let the ABV fool you, this is as approachable and delightful as any high proof Rum can be; a classy spirit that will only continue to evolve from a little water.
APPLETON ESTATE Nassau Valley Casks 21 Year Old Rum
95 points
$200
Delicious with an excellent depth of flavor, sit down and enjoy this with a cigar and a great book; a classic for the classics.
APPLETON ESTATE Rare Casks 12 Year Old Rum
94 points
$50
With a funky, fruity, and rich mouth feel, this is just yummy and a classic benchmark Jamaican Rum.
Monymusk Plantation White Overproof Rum
93 points
$35
A great overproof rum with a creamy body and subtle sweet banana esters — perfect for cocktailing.
Monymusk Plantation Classic Gold Rum
93 points
$40
A complex, fruity rum to save for special occasions.
APPLETON ESTATE Black River Casks 15 Year Old Rum
93 points
$80
You have to like funky Jamaican Rums with all of that estery funk, but if you do, this is a lovely aged example.
Monymusk Plantation Special Reserve Rum
92 points
$49
Torched fruits and spices are the star of the show in this rum, making it an excellent choice for experienced drinkers.
Planteray Xaymaca Special Dry Rum
92 points
$29
A youthful and vibrant Jamaican Rum with a little extra get up and go that let's its tropical fruit flavors pop on the palate.
Monymusk Plantation MSR Limited Edition Vintage 2007 Rum
84 points
$100
A full-bodied, oak-driven rum for your tropical cocktails.