A No-Fuss Guide to Picking Rum (You’ll Actually Love)
World Rum Day is coming up on 12 July—and honestly, what better excuse to treat yourself to a good bottle of rum? Whether you’re new to it or just looking to try something beyond the usual bar pour, we’ve got you covered.
This isn’t one of those overcomplicated guides with tasting notes you can’t pronounce. It’s a no-fuss, good-times-only intro to the different types of rum—and the bottles actually worth sipping. Let’s set sail. 🚢
🥥 So… What Exactly Is Rum?
Rum is a spirit made from sugarcane juice or molasses, and depending on how it’s made, aged, and spiced, you’ll get very different results—from clean and crisp to rich and bold.
It’s produced all over the world, especially in warm, tropical regions (think: Caribbean, South America, and Southeast Asia). Each place gives its rum a unique twist, which makes exploring them all the more fun.
🧭 The Different Types of Rum (And What They’re Good For)
Here’s your quick and easy guide to the most common rum styles—plus some bottles from our Albert Wines collection to help you kick off your rum journey.
White Rum | Gold Rum | Dark Rum | Spiced Rum | Overproof Rum
1. White Rum 🏖️🌴
Clear, light, and super mixable—AKA: the go-to for cocktails and beachy vibes. White rum is usually unaged (or lightly aged), making it clean, crisp, and the perfect base for refreshing drinks.
Tastes like: Fresh, smooth, with a touch of sweetness
Best for: Mojitos, Daiquiris, Piña Coladas
💡 Try this:
👉 Bacardi ‘Carta Blanca’ Rum
A true classic born in Cuba and now crafted in Puerto Rico, this rum is smooth, versatile, and effortlessly mixable—basically a bartender’s best friend.
2. Gold Rum 🤵🏻👌🏻
A little more flavour, a little more flair—AKA: your slightly fancier, flavour-forward first mate. Gold rum gets its warm colour and smooth character from a bit of barrel aging, giving you more depth than white rum without going full dark.
Tastes like: Vanilla, caramel, soft spice
Best for: Rum punch, Mai Tais, or just with cola
💡 Try this:
👉 Matusalem ‘Solera 15 Years Old’ Gran Reserva Rum
Once Cuban, now perfected in the Dominican Republic, this silky, Solera-aged gem brings notes of toasted nuts and toffee—with just the right touch of old-school elegance.
3. Dark Rum 😎✨
Deep, bold, and full of personality—AKA: the main character of your rum shelf. Dark rum is aged longer, giving it rich flavour notes and a smooth finish that’s great on its own or in a strong cocktail.
Tastes like: Toffee, molasses, oak, warm spice
Best for: Dark ‘n Stormy, Rum Old Fashioned, or neat
💡 Try this:
👉 Captain Morgan ‘Dark’ Rum
Originally from Jamaica but now flying the U.K. flag, this rum is smooth, slightly smoky, and packed with oak and spice. Like the chill pirate uncle who always has a story to tell.
4. Spiced Rum 🕺🏻🪩
Full of aroma and attitude—AKA: the life of the party (and your cocktails). Spiced rum is infused with things like cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, or citrus peel, giving it a punchy, festive twist.
Tastes like: Warm, aromatic, festive
Best for: Rum & ginger, spiced cola, creative cocktails
💡 Try this:
👉 Bumbu ‘The Original’ Rum
Crafted in Barbados with serious island swagger, this one’s sweet, tropical, and dangerously smooth—think caramel, banana, and good vibes in a bottle.
5. Overproof Rum 🤯
Strong, fiery, and definitely not shy—AKA: not for the faint-hearted (but worth the adventure). Overproof rum clocks in at 50% ABV or higher, delivering intense flavour and serious cocktail power.
Tastes like: Fiery, rich, full of character
Best for: Tiki cocktails, bold mixers, or slow sipping (carefully)
🚫 We’re keeping things chill this time—no overproof rums in this guide. But if you like your drinks with fire and fury… maybe next time. 😉
🥳 How to Celebrate World Rum Day (The Easy Way)
You don’t need a beach party or a pirate hat to enjoy rum. Just:
✅ Browse our Rum collection here
✅ Pick one that fits your vibe ✨
✅ Mix up a simple cocktail or pour a glass neat 🍹🥃
✅ Invite a few friends and make a night of it 💬
🥂 Final Sip
Rum’s not as intimidating as it seems. Whether you’re new or levelling up your usual bottle, World Rum Day is the perfect time to explore—from light and crisp to dark and bold (with a little spice in between).
And if wine’s more your speed? We’ve got you covered there too. Check out our No-Fuss Guide to Picking Wine (For Total Beginners)—because good drinks should never be complicated. Cheers from the Albert Wines crew! 🥃
📬 Sips, Perks & First Dibs
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