Hampden Estate Eight Year Old Rum
Hampden Estate Eight Year Old Rum was named The Whisky Exchange’s Rum of the Year 2024 and rightly so: it is testament to Hampden’s dedication to traditional pot still rum-making. Aged in tropical climes, this eight-year-old expression has been meticulously nurtured to produce an intense, high-ester rum that’s loaded with complexity. On the nose, it’s a heady mix of exotic fruits – mango, pineapple, and banana – while the palate unveils a distinctive earthiness, balanced with cinnamon and spice. Drink it neat or on the rocks to deliver a warming kick to see you through the winter nights. £67.95. Buy here
Mount Gay Black Barrel
The renowned Mount Gay Distillery in Barbados presents Black Barrel, a rich, full-bodied rum finished in charred bourbon barrels. Each sip brings a cascade of toasted oak, warm spices, apples and oranges, with bold spices and juicy fruit alongside hints of sweet caramel and creamy vanilla. The influence of charred bourbon casks adds depth and a slight smokiness – ideal for those who prefer their rum with a bit of oomph and character. For Christmas, pair it with rich fruitcake or enjoy it as the star ingredient in a rum punch. £41.95. Buy here
Project #173 Chocolate
Mocha, chocolate-coated peanuts and dates, with a hint of cinnamon: if you like your Christmas spirits sweet and velvety, Project #173 Chocolate Rum is sure to be exactly the thing. Its pleasing bitterness is softened by honey, while flavours of red apple and lemongrass also come through – perfect for knocking up good festive rum and raisin Old Fashioneds to sip by the fireside. Rich and irresistible. £19.95. Buy here
Beeble Honey Rum
This small-batch blend combines sustainably sourced British honey with the warming, complex notes of Caribbean rum. Created in Wiltshire, Beeble’s Honey Rum layers the rich, floral sweetness of honey with the subtle spiciness of rum for a velvety, smooth tipple that’s perfect for sipping on cold evenings. The brand’s eco ethos ensures that each bottle supports sustainable beekeeping, which makes drinking it all the more pleasurable. Enjoy it neat, in a cosy hot toddy, or as the base of a honeyed cocktail. £32. Buy here
Bacardi Ocho
For over 160 years, Bacardi has been synonymous with quality rum, and Bacardi Ocho brings something extra special to the table, inspired as it is by a family recipe from 1862. Aged for a full eight years, this rum exudes tropical aromas of stone fruits and spices, adding a hint of sun-kissed warmth amidst the Christmas chill. The flavour profile extends to sugar cane sweetness with a subtle menthol edge, adding a refreshing complexity that makes it ideal for either sipping neat or crafting into a luxurious cocktail. It’s a classic choice with a vibrant twist that’s sure to warm the cockles. £31. Buy here
Six Towns Dark Spiced Rum
Crafted in Stoke-on-Trent, Six Towns Rum is a distinctive, small-batch English rum with a complex flavour profile. Made in traditional pot stills and celebrated for its artisanal quality, Six Towns offers a bold blend of Caribbean molasses and tropical fruit, balanced by undertones of warming spice. With rich caramel and vanilla notes complemented by a touch of peppery heat, apple pie, cinnamon and warm ginger, this rum makes a delightful choice for cosy winter evenings. Perfect for those who appreciate craftsmanship, plus its award-winning status underscores its appeal as both a sipping rum and a versatile addition to Christmas cocktails. £46.95. Buy here
Hattiers Premium Reserve Rum
For those who crave a sophisticated, smooth sipping experience, Hattiers Premium Reserve Rum is a standout choice. Blended in Devon, England, Hattiers brings together carefully selected aged rums from Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, and Trinidad, which marry beautifully with pure water from the hills of Dartmoor, England. This award-winning blend is crafted with a focus on balance and refinement, showcasing deep vanilla, oak, and caramel notes with a hint of tropical fruit. The result is a warm, rounded rum with a silky and lingering finish. The ideal rum for leisurely sipping by candlelight, or for crafting luxurious cocktails that call for a touch of complexity. £44. Buy here
Barti Spiced Rum
This Welsh-born Barti Spiced Rum is making waves for good reason. Named in honour of Bartholomew Roberts, a Welsh pirate who roamed the seas in the early 1700s, Barti Spiced Rum combines high-quality Caribbean rum with fragrant spices and hints of seaweed – a nod to its Pembrokeshire coastal origins, from which the seaweed is hand-picked. Winning a gold medal at the 2024 Great British Food Awards, it delivers a spicy, full-bodied warmth that’s perfect for cold December nights. With its smooth vanilla, warming spice, and unique mineral note, Barti is a great choice for anyone wanting a spiced rum that’s both bold and balanced. Plus, its lovely bottle is made from 50 per cent recycled glass, while its label is fully biodegradable, made as it is chiefly from cane sugar by-product. £32. Buy here
Kraken Spiced Rum Legendary Survivor Series - The Lighthouse Keeper
The Kraken has always been a go-to for those who love bold, spiced rums, and its Legendary Survivor Series: The Lighthouse Keeper adds a collectible touch to its appeal. Released as a limited edition, this rum embodies the mythical allure of the sea with a powerful spice profile that combines cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg, all wrapped up in deep molasses richness. As they say, ‘The Kraken’s latest limited-edition collection, The Legendary Survivor Series, tell the harrowing stories of the lucky few who have encountered the beast and lived to tell the tale. Each perilous account is brought to life through a bespoke illustration and collectible tin, suitable for only the most fearless of collectors.’ The Lighthouse Keeper, which is based on the perilous tale of a brave lighthouse keeper forever changed by his encounter with the beast, is a striking gift for rum collectors and aficionados alike, not only for its limited-edition label illustrated by Justin Estcourt, but also for its deeply warming flavour profile. Perfect for a winter’s night and begging to be sipped by candlelight, this bottle is a true treasure. £35.95. Buy here
