Best Dark Rum of 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
Top 10 Dark Rum
Captain Morgan Dark Rum with Caramel & Vanilla
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.
Kraken Black Spiced Rum Dark Caramel Edition
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.
Lamb's Navy Dark Rum, A Caribbean Blend
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.
Goslings Black Seal Rum - Premium Dark Rum
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.
HELL OR HIGH WATER XO Premium Dark Rum 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.
Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva Rum 70cl
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.
Woods Old Navy Rum, 70 cl - Smooth and Versatile
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.
Myers Original Dark 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.
Alnwick Rum 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.
Barra Distillers Island Dark Rum - Premium Scottish Rum
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.
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)
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.

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.