Best Dark Rum of 2025

Kiera Browne Avatar
Kiera Browne
Last Updated: 2 Feb 2025

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Dark rum is a type of distilled alcoholic beverage that is produced by fermenting and distilling molasses or sugarcane juice. It is then aged in oak barrels to give it a rich, dark colour and a complex flavour profile. Dark rum is a versatile spirit that can be enjoyed on its own, mixed into cocktails, or used in cooking. It is a popular choice for those who enjoy a full-bodied and robust flavour in their drinks. Whether sipped slowly or added to a cocktail, dark rum is a great addition to any liquor collection.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Captain Morgan Dark Rum with Caramel & Vanilla Cover #TOP 1
Captain Morgan Dark Rum with Caramel & Vanilla
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Kraken Black Spiced Rum Dark Caramel Edition Cover #TOP 2
Kraken Black Spiced Rum Dark Caramel Edition
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Lamb's Navy Dark Rum, A Caribbean Blend Cover #TOP 3
Lamb's Navy Dark Rum, A Caribbean Blend
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Dark Rum

Captain Morgan Dark Rum with Caramel & Vanilla

735412
1000ml
Captain Morgan Dark Rum with Caramel & Vanilla Cover
Captain Morgan Dark Rum | 40% vol | 1L | Aged Rum | Rich Caramel & Vanilla Notes | Complex Flavour | for Drinks or a Rum Cocktail | Caribbean Rum | Blended from 5 Rums

Captain Morgan Dark Rum is a rich, full-bodied rum that tantalises the palate with its delicious caramel and vanilla notes. The smooth toffee flavours are beautifully balanced with a smoky cask finish, making it perfect for sipping over ice. You can enjoy it mixed with cola or fiery ginger ale and a twist of lime for a refreshing drink. This premium blend of five Caribbean rums, aged in oak barrels, offers an authentic and bold taste that enhances any gathering with friends.

What We Like
Rich caramel and vanilla flavour
Perfect for mixing cocktails
Smooth and balanced finish
Premium blend of five rums
#TOP 2

Kraken Black Spiced Rum Dark Caramel Edition

Kraken
70cl
Kraken Black Spiced Rum Dark Caramel Edition Cover
Kraken Black Spiced Rum Dark Caramel and Cornish Sea Salt Limited Edition, 70cl

The Kraken Dark Caramel Rum is a limited-edition flavour inspired by the myths of the Cornish coast. This unique rum blends rich Black Spiced Caribbean Rum with dark caramel and a touch of Cornish sea salt, creating a delightful taste experience. You can enjoy its toasted toffee aroma and buttery vanilla finish, making it perfect for serving over ice or adding to hot chocolate for a luxurious treat. This treasure from the sea is a must-have for adventurous rum enthusiasts.

What We Like
Unique limited-edition flavour
Rich caramel and sea salt blend
Perfect for cocktails or hot drinks
Inspired by maritime legends
Great for adventurous palates
#TOP 3

Lamb's Navy Dark Rum, A Caribbean Blend

Lambs
LMBSNVYRUM70CL1
Lamb's Navy Dark Rum, A Caribbean Blend Cover
Lamb's Navy Dark Rum, 70cl

Lamb's Navy Rum is a distinguished choice for rum enthusiasts, combining a rich heritage with a smooth flavour derived from a blend of eighteen Caribbean rums. The unique hexagonal bottle design ensures that it won't roll around on ships, providing you with a sturdy option for enjoyment at sea or on land. You'll appreciate the natural aroma of sweet cane and butter-rum, which sets the stage for a delightful tasting experience. The complex blend of sweet island spice and molasses, complemented by subtle oak, makes for a memorable sip.

What We Like
Rich heritage and smooth flavour
Unique hexagonal bottle design
Aroma of sweet cane
Complex taste profile
Warm spicy dry finish
#TOP 4

Goslings Black Seal Rum - Premium Dark Rum

Goslings
9-GL-002-40
White
Goslings Black Seal Rum - Premium Dark Rum Cover
Goslings Black Seal Rum 70cl. ABV 40% Alcohol-Premium Dark Rum from Bermuda.

Goslings Black Seal Rum is a premium dark rum from Bermuda, perfect for crafting the iconic Dark N Stormy cocktail. Simply fill a glass with ice and ginger beer, then add 50ml of this rich rum for a delightful drink. Its complex flavour profile features butterscotch, vanilla, and caramel, making it a treat for your taste buds. Additionally, this rum has won The Beverage Tasting Institute's Platinum Medal, ensuring you enjoy a top-quality spirit.

What We Like
Official Dark N Stormy rum
Rich, intricate flavour profile
Platinum Medal winner
Deep and fragrant aroma
Soft, elegant finish
#TOP 5

HELL OR HIGH WATER XO Premium Dark Rum 70cl

HELL OR HIGH WATER
12887
0.7 L
HELL OR HIGH WATER XO Premium Dark Rum 70cl Cover
HELL OR HIGH WATER XO Premium Dark Rum with Gift Tube 70cl

HELL OR HIGH WATER XO Rum is an exquisite dark sipping rum, aged for up to 15 years in oak barrels. This carefully crafted blend features premium rums from Barbados, Trinidad, and the Dominican Republic, ensuring a rich and complex flavour. With its long, smooth taste complemented by sweet notes of sugarcane, tropical fruits, and oak, you’ll find it perfect for enjoying neat or on the rocks. This rum makes a thoughtful gift for both men and women who appreciate quality spirits.

What We Like
Aged up to 15 years
Double Gold award winner
Rich and smooth flavour
Ideal for sipping neat
Great gift option
#TOP 6

Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva Rum 70cl

CL-60324-NVB
70 cl
Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva Rum 70cl Cover
Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva Rum, 70 cl, 40 Percent (Packing May Vary)

Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva is an exceptional sipping rum that offers a luxurious experience. Aged for up to 12 years, this rum boasts rich notes of dark chocolate, coffee, and orange zest, perfect for those who appreciate depth in flavour. Its smooth texture makes it an ideal choice for after dinner sipping, allowing you to truly savour each sip. Crafted by a family-owned distillery committed to sustainability, you can enjoy this exquisite rum knowing it’s made with care for both quality and the environment.

What We Like
Smooth and luxurious flavour
Rich, complex tasting notes
Crafted with sustainable practices
Ideal for sipping after meals
Perfect with chocolate and orange
#TOP 7

Woods Old Navy Rum, 70 cl - Smooth and Versatile

WOOD'S RUM
WOO002-1
70cl
Woods Old Navy Rum, 70 cl - Smooth and Versatile Cover
Woods Old Navy Rum, 70 cl

Woods Old Navy Rum is a versatile spirit bottled at 57 percent, making it smooth enough to enjoy neat. This rum is perfect for cocktails, allowing you to create delicious drinks with ease. It is made using traditional pot stills, ensuring a rich and authentic flavour. On the nose, you'll discover enticing notes of toffee, cinnamon, cloves, and pepper spice, enhancing your drinking experience and making it a wonderful choice for any occasion.

What We Like
High alcohol content, yet smooth
Great for cocktails
Rich flavour profile
Traditional production methods
Award-winning rum
#TOP 8

Myers Original Dark Rum, 70 cl

Myers
RUMYE
Myers Original Dark Rum, 70 cl Cover
Myers Rum, 70 cl

Myers Dark Rum is an exceptional choice for rum enthusiasts. This original dark rum undergoes continuous and pot still distillation, ensuring a unique flavour profile. Matured for up to four years in white oak barrels, it offers a rich and complex taste. You’ll appreciate the smokey tobacco nose that enhances your drinking experience, while the smooth spicy sweet taste makes it perfect for sipping or mixing in cocktails. This rum brings a touch of sophistication to any occasion.

What We Like
Rich, complex flavour
Suitable for sipping or mixing
Matured in white oak barrels
Unique smokey aroma
#TOP 9

Alnwick Rum Legendary Dark Rum 70 cl

RS-RT073
70 cl
Alnwick Rum Legendary Dark Rum 70 cl Cover
Alnwick Rum The Legendary Dark Rum, 70 cl

Alnwick Rum Dark Rum offers a clean, smooth texture thanks to its double Column Still, making it a strong choice for rum enthusiasts. On the nose, you will immediately detect the rich aroma of caramelised Demerara sugar, complemented by a hint of liquorice. The palate reveals a delightful blend of wooden vanilla flavour and dried fruits, finishing with a caramel after-note. This rum’s long-lasting smooth aftertaste makes it perfect for enjoying on the rocks or mixed with your favourite drinks like ginger ale or cola, enhancing your sipping experience.

What We Like
Smooth and strong texture
Rich caramel and liquorice aroma
Delicious vanilla and dried fruits
Versatile for mixing or sipping
#TOP 10

Barra Distillers Island Dark Rum - Premium Scottish Rum

BARRA
20195
Barra Distillers Island Dark Rum - Premium Scottish Rum Cover
Barra Distillers Island Dark Rum - 38% ABV, 70cl - Award-Winning Scottish Rum from the Outer Hebrides - Island Born Premium Dark Spiced Rum - 100% Plastic-Free and Recyclable Unique Rum Bottle

Barra Island Dark Rum is crafted on the beautiful Isle of Barra, infusing your drinks with adventurous flavours. The rum is made with hand-selected botanicals like Carrageen seaweed, coconut, cardamom, and orange, offering a unique taste experience. Enjoy it neat or over ice for a delightful sip, or mix it with premium cola and fresh lime for a refreshing twist. The bespoke bottle, made from 52% recycled glass, is not only unique but also eco-friendly, being 100% plastic-free and recyclable.

What We Like
Award-winning quality
Unique flavour profile
Eco-friendly packaging
Handcrafted in small batches
Versatile serving options
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a dark rum?

The term “dark rum” doesn't have a legal definition, but it generally refers to rum that is dark brown in appearance due to aging or the addition of molasses or caramel coloring.

2. What is a nice dark rum?

Best dark rum to buy. Havana Club Seleccion de Maestros (45% ABV)Diplomático Seleccion de Familia (43% ABV)Gosling's Family Reserve Old Rum (40% ABV)Ron La Progesiva 13 (41% ABV)Appleton Estate 8-Year-Old Reserve (43% ABV)El Dorado 12-Year-Old (40% ABV)Equiano Rum (43% ABV)Captain Bligh XO (40% ABV)

Editor's Notes

During our dark rum research, we found 306 dark rum products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 208,482 customer reviews through our big data system to write the dark rum list. We found that most customers choose dark rum with an average price of £24.19.

The dark rum are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of dark rum, including Captain Morgan, Kraken, Lambs, Goslings, HELL OR HIGH WATER.

Written by
Kiera Browne Avatar

Kiera Browne served as chef and caterer in Purslane Restaurant for three years before establishing her restaurant. Kiera now owns two restaurants and a culinary school all over the United Kingdom. Kiera has featured in magazines and editorials, providing recipes for various dishes. Using her skills and knowledge in the culinary field, Kiera has published few pamphlets on preparing various cuisines.