Latest news with #rum
Forbes
15-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Appleton Estate's 51 Year Old Is The Oldest Rum Ever: Here's Why It Matters
The world's oldest commercially available rum, The Source by Appleton Estate, is a 51-year-old masterpiece of tropical maturation. Campari Appleton Estate has announced the release of The Source, a groundbreaking $70,000, 51 year old tropical-aged rum, making it the oldest rum ever released. In the global market of premium age-statements it can be easy to dismiss this as just another ~50 year old, but that whisky-centric view misses the skill and dedication required to age a spirit for over half a century in a tropical climate. To put this release in perspective, getting a tropical aged rum to 51 is estimated to be the equivalent of around 153 years old for a scotch. With just 25 decanters available globally, The Source 51 year old challenges everything we think we know about maturation, scarcity and what age really means for spirits. Here are three things you need to know about the release. So what's all the fuss about a 51 year old when there are much older spirits about? If you like cask matured spirits you have likely heard of the angel's share. This is the romantic term used in whisky to describe the natural evaporation experienced while spirits mature in a cask. At Appleton Estate they use a different term: the 'devil's share.' Evaporation rates for casks maturing on the Appleton Estate averages around 10% per year. Originally laid down by Owen Tulloch in 1973, The Source was entrusted to Dr. Joy Spence, whose visionary cask management brought this historic rum to life. Campari It's not just the evaporation rate that is accelerated. The warmer temperatures experienced in the tropics stimulate maturation in all senses; enhanced interaction with the wood and atmosphere that build complex flavour and aroma profiles faster too. That means you need to look at age-statements for tropical aged spirits completely differently to those matured in other climates. All that combines to mean tropical maturation rates are around two to three times faster than for equivalent casks maturing somewhere like Scotland. The Source was originally distilled in 1973 under Master Blender Owen Tulloch. The project was then entrusted to his protégé and successor, Dr. Joy Spence, who still oversees Appleton Estate as Master Blender more than forty years later. Older than any whisky ever released in equivalent terms, this 51-year-old rum pushes the boundaries of age, rarity, and maturation. Campari Over an interview with me to discuss the release of The Source, Dr. Spence explained how there were originally more than forty casks laid down as part of this project in ultramaturation. The unique cask management used in traditional rum maturation means that many of these were sacrificed to satisfy the tropical 'devil's share,' which can exceed 10% evaporation per year compared to losses of around 2% per year on average in Scotland. 'Tasting this beautiful expression with Owen over 40 years ago sparked my lifelong passion for the possibilities of aged rum,' added Dr. Spence in the official press release. The release is a remarkable achievement for a remarkable distillery and Master Blender who have constantly pushed the boundary of expectation around what is possible for rum and distilling. Scarcity And Value I love the presentation of these bottles. Each heart shaped decanter features layered references to its source and heritage that enhance and frame the spirit itself without detraction. It is both vibrant and refined. From the copper depiction of Jamaica's national bird, the Doctor Bird, on the stopper, to the vibrant blue marquetry inspired by the pressed sugar cane that is the source of all Appleton Estate rum, this is a beautifully presented bottle that is deserving of a place in the heart of any collector's cabinet. The scarcity of this release is nothing short of remarkable either. Let's not forget that the whisky that holds multiple world record auction prices is one of an original release of forty bottles. The Macallan 1926 60 year old was originally released in the 1980s, produced from a forgotten cask, but in today's market's much larger limited editions are the norm. For example, the oldest Glenfarclas launched last month, an incredible and rare 70 year old whisky, yet they were still able to release 262 bottles! I am not using the comparison to diminish what Glenfarclas have achieved. Instead I feel that in today's premium aged spirits market there can be an emphasis on the 'oldest' releases that misses the nuance of an individual distillery and team's achievement. If you only look at the age statement of The Source, you miss the story behind this remarkable achievement and what is also a historic milestone in premium aged Jamaican Rum. There are just 25 bottles of The Source available globally, with a recommended price of $70,000 (£59,320 in the UK via Berry Bros. & Rudd).
Forbes
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
The 5 Best Rum Cocktails, According To The Queen Of Rum
Think you know rum cocktails? These five drinks might just change your mind. getty Few spirits are as versatile, or as misunderstood, as rum. With no single definition or style, and wide variation across regions, the category doesn't always help itself. Most people's first experience of it is in a sugary fruit punch, loaded with juice and umbrellas. But the truth is, some rums can hold their own against the world's best Scotch or bourbon. One of rum's greatest strengths is how well it works in cocktails. Unlike Scotch, which often resists mixing, rum welcomes it, making it far more adaptable behind the bar. But what are the best rum cocktails in the world? That's not an easy question to answer, so I turned to someone who would know: Joy Spence, Master Blender at Appleton Estate and the first woman in the world to hold that title. I met Joy earlier this year at the distillery in Jamaica's Nassau Valley, where she shared her five favourite rum cocktails, drinks that show the spirit's full range and depth. To take things further, I asked Nathan Larkin, co-owner of Speak in Code in Manchester, to rework each one with his own modern twist. The results are thoughtful, bold and well worth trying. Nathan Larkin, co-owner of Speak in Code, brings modern flair to five classic cocktails chosen by Joy Spence, Appleton Estate's legendary Master Blender. Speak In Code Here's what made the list. Speak in Code's take on the classic Daiquiri brings refined simplicity to the first cocktail in the Queen of Rum's top five. Speak In Code Number five on Joy's list is the essential Daiquiri. Invented almost 50 years before the first official Appleton Estate rum was released (in 1949 in case you are wondering), its creation is credited to American mining engineer Jennings Cox. From its beginnings in Cuba, the Daiquiri works with rum so well because of its simplicity and the perfect balance of the lime's acidity and the sugar's sweetness. 50ml White Rum 25ml Freshly squeezed lime juice 15ml 1:1 (with caster sugar) 3 drops 20% saline solution (20% non iodised salt to filtered water) While you can substitute ingredients in any of the cocktails on this list, Nathan says the key to a great Daiquiri is in the technique: 'Mastering a good hard shake can make all the difference. It gives you a silkier, better-textured drink. We use a three-piece cobbler shaker for more controlled loops and better aeration.' #4 Mai Tai This sesame-spiked Mai Tai reimagines a tiki classic with layered richness and no cherry in sight. Speak In Code Despite having had my fair share of Mai Tais over the years, I never actually knew the meaning of the name until I started writing this article. It comes from the Tahitian phrase "Maita'i roa ae" , meaning 'Out of this world' or 'The very best.' That's not how I'd describe some of the Mai Tais I've been served in the past, often drowned in pineapple juice, with the occasional maraschino cherry on top. In reality, a proper Mai Tai is a far more balanced and refined cocktail. It should showcase the rum and bring together sweet, sour and nutty elements in harmony. Speak In Code's Mai Tai Recipe 25ml White Rum 10ml Aged Rum 15ml Dry Curacao 5ml Angostura Di Amaro 5ml Overproof Rum 25ml Lime Juice 20ml Smoked Vanilla & Halva Orgeat Grated nutmeg garnish If you want to level up your next Mai Tai, Nathan's version is worth trying. 'Complex and rich' is how he describes it, using a sesame-based orgeat (sweet syrup) made from halva. 'This is a tahini-based paste which has sugar and vanilla as flavouring. Simply blend with water, filter and add sugar to sweeten and achieve the texture you want from your orgeat,' he explains. They also smoke theirs, adding depth without losing the core identity of the classic. And, importantly, there's no pineapple juice or grenadine in sight. #3 Old Fashioned A bold rework of the Old Fashioned using dandelion and aged rum Speak In Code Now, I'm a little biased as the Old Fashioned is my favourite cocktail hands down, but I was surprised to find that it works really well with rum. I'd still argue it's best with a good bourbon, but rum holds its own and in my opinion, it works far better than scotch. It's especially good when made with brown sugar, which is essentially unrefined and brings a lot more flavour to the glass. There's a reason the Old Fashioned just works. It's a simple drink on paper, but when done well, it tastes spectacular. Each ingredient earns its place. The sugar softens the bite of the alcohol, the bitters add complexity and depth, the water from the ice opens up the flavours and the rum brings a tropical richness; think molasses and that all-important funk you get from a good Jamaican rum. Speak In Code's Rum Old Fashioned: 10ml Dandelion Demerara Dandelion Bitters Nathan's recipe takes the rum Old Fashioned to another level with a rather unusual ingredient: dandelion. He says, 'We use dandelion flowers for our homemade demerara and dandelion root for a coffee-like dandelion bitters. Dandelion flower has a bittered, honey-like flavour and honey notes are fairly aromatic. Naturally, you get warm caramel, apple spices, etc., from a good aged rum, and in this case, both parts of the dandelion complement the depth of the aged rum.' Needless to say, you might not have dandelion bitters in your home bar, but if you want to level up your Old Fashioned, experimenting with different bitters is definitely a good place to start. #2 Stormy Valley Inspired by the Dark and Stormy, this carbonated twist nods to Appleton Estate's Jamaican roots and ranks number two on our list. Speak In Code At number two on the list is Appleton Estate's twist on the classic Dark and Stormy. The original cocktail is built around rum, lime and ginger—usually in the form of ginger beer. Appleton's version swaps that for ginger cordial and carbonated water, a subtle shift that gives much more control over the flavour and fizz. The name, Stormy Valley, is a nod to Jamaica's Nassau Valley, where the Appleton Estate is based, and where daily rain showers arrive at 2:30 pm like clockwork. Speak In Code's Stormy Valley Recipe: 50ml Aged rum 10ml clarified lime 20 Ginger cordial 70ml water (All batched and carbonated) Lapsang bitters to top This isn't necessarily a difficult cocktail to make, but it's definitely one to batch and plan in advance. Nathan shared how they approach Stormy Valley at Speak in Code: 'Fresh ginger juice and lime juice are clarified, sweetened a little, and then lengthened with water to batch with the alcohol base, and then force carbonated. Smoked ginger is always something we'll get behind.' They even make their own lapsang bitters, lapsang tea steeped in high-proof neutral grain spirit, then cut with Cynar. And while he notes you can just top the drink with standard ginger beer, they prefer to stick with house-made ingredients throughout. In short, it's a cocktail built on precision and balance, but one that's worth the effort if you're looking to elevate a classic. #1 Rum Punch Fermented peach, spiced pineapple and distilled blossom elevate this rum punch far beyond the usual — and that's exactly the point. Speak In Code Topping Joy's list is the classic rum punch. It has the longest history of any cocktail featured here, dating back to the 17th century, with its origins apparently inspired by Indian punch recipes brought back by sailors of the British East India Company. There's even a well-known rhyme to help you remember how to make one: 'One of sour, two of sweet, three of strong, four of weak.' The sour, sweet, strong, and weak refer to lime, sugar, rum, and water (or ice), plus a little spice (traditionally grated nutmeg) if you want to do it traditionally. Speak In Code's Rum Punch Recipe: 35ml white rum 10ml peach wine 5ml peach blossom distillate (rectified to 55% ABV) 10ml lime 20ml Lacto fermented peach & oats 30ml Pimento spiced pineapple Nathan's take on the rum punch is, in his words, 'the OG – but not in the way you know it.' Where many rum punches go wrong is by overloading fruit juices, skipping the lime, and masking the rum with syrupy sweetness. This version is the opposite: balanced, fresh and full of depth. 'We're demonstrating varied techniques here to create a warming, spiced rum punch that is juicy and fresh,' Nathan told me. The drink uses lacto-fermented peach, salt-fermented with oats to add creaminess and complexity. The peach blossom distillate is made by macerating the flowers and vacuum-distilling them to extract peach stone flavours, giving a subtle nuttiness similar to Amaretto. So next time you're wondering what cocktail to make, or order, give one of these five a go. They prove just how versatile rum really is, and you'll definitely be rewarded for putting in the effort. And if all of that sounds like too much hard work, you can visit Nathan at Speak In Code.
Forbes
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
12 Ultra-Aged Gold Medal Rums Under $100 You Have To Buy
Glass of rum on the rocks with cigar in front of a cask getty If you think rum is just for tropical cocktails, think again. Ultra-aged rums are some of the most complex, flavorful, and underrated spirits in the world. Whether sipped neat, used in premium cocktails, or paired with food, these rums bring depth, elegance, and exceptional value. We've rounded up 12 ultra-aged rums—each matured from five to twenty-one years, retailing under $100 in the U.S., all proven medal winners on the global stage. These aren't just fabulous rums—they're must-haves for any serious spirits enthusiast. This rum is made at Barbados' famous Foursquare Distillery using a blend of copper pot and twin-column distilled spirits. The Real McCoy rum features aromas of vanilla, toasted coconut, and fresh sugarcane. It's smooth on the palate, highlighting notes of honey, sweet cooked cereal, almond, and subtle oak spices. The finish is medium-length with gentle spice notes. Pair it with a coconut-based cocktail, coconut curry, tropical fruit salad, or vanilla custard. The rum was created by Alexandre Gabriel at Maison Ferrand and aged in ex-bourbon and French oak barrels. It has won more than 30 awards at spirit competitions around the world. The rum is rich and aromatic on the nose, with notes of molasses, cooked tropical fruits, banana fritters, and leather. The palate is flavorful and full-bodied, highlighting rich fruitcake, caramel, tobacco, and a subtle Jamaican funk. The finish is long and smoky, with lingering hints of wood spices and seasoned oak. Pair the rum with dark chocolate, grilled meat, or aged cheddar. A perfect complement to a rich, sweet barbecue sauce. It's ideal for a Dark & Stormy cocktail. El Dorado 5-Year-Old (Guyana), 40% ABV, 750 ml. $33 Another exceptional rum from Guyana's top-tier distillery. It's a blend of rums from multiple Demerara stills. An entry-level rum offered at a great price. The rum features aromas of tropical fruits, especially banana, along with hints of vanilla and brown sugar. It's creamy on the palate, revealing tropical fruit, caramel, and oak spices. The finish is medium-length, with lingering notes of sweet, flavored pipe tobacco and roasted nuts. Pair the rum with grilled pineapple, banana fritters, coconut shrimp, or caramel flan. Planteray Barbados 5-Year-Old, 40% ABV, 750 ml. $30 This Barbados rum is aged 5 years in ex-bourbon casks and bottled by Maison Ferrand. This rum has won over 45 Gold Medals and Best-in-Class awards. The rum features grilled tropical fruits, banana fritters, vanilla, baked apple, and oak wood spices. It's smooth on the palate, showcasing flavors of fruit cocktail, wood spices, and seasoned oak. The finish is long, with lingering notes of caramel and seasoned oak. An excellent after-dinner dram: pair the rum with Banana foster, jerk chicken, or rum cake. A glass of rum surrounded by a selection of cheese and cured meats. Ultra-aged rums are ideal for pairing with a large Phot, J Micallef, all rights reserved Eight-Fifteen-Year-Old Rums El Dorado 12-Year-Old (Guyana), 40% ABV, 750 ml. $41 Demerara Distillers produces El Dorado in Guyana. It's a blend of rums from Enmore, Diamond, and Port Mourant stills. It has been a consistent gold medalist at the International Wine & Spirit Competition and the Caribbean Rum Awards. The rum offers rich aromas of molasses, brown sugar, golden raisins, and caramelized banana. It's full-bodied on the palate, revealing toffee, roasted nuts, dark spices, and tropical fruit. The finish is long and warm, with lingering notes of cocoa, tropical fruits, molasses, and seasoned oak. The rum is perfect for a Daiquiri or a Pina Colada. Pair it with blue cheese, grilled pineapple, and roasted nuts for an ideal complement. Flor de Caña 12-Year-Old (Nicaragua), 40% ABV, 750 ml. $40 The rum has been produced by Compañía Licorera de Nicaragua since 1890. Flor de Caña has consistently won Gold Medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and was named Rum Distiller of the Year at the 2019 International Rum Conference (IRC). The rum has aromas of nougat, almond butter, and brown sugar. It's smooth on the palate, with flavors of nougat, honey, toasted oak, and subtle wood spices. The finish is long, with lingering notes of dark caramel, cinnamon, and pepper. Pair it with aged Gouda, caramel flan, or roasted walnuts. R.L. Seale's 12-Year-Old (Barbados), 46% ABV, 750 ml. $49 An authentic pot still rum from Foursquare, one of Barbados's top producers. The rum is rich and aromatic, with notes of molasses, baking spices, caramel, and seasoned oak. It offers a flavorful palate, highlighting caramel, nutmeg, toffee, and dark fruit flavors. The finish is long, sweet, and spicy, with lingering notes of oak. Pair the rum with apple pie, grilled figs, or smoked meats for a delightful combination. Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva 12-Year-Old (Venezuela), 40% ABV, 750 ml. $40 This rum is a blend of column and pot still spirits aged using a solera process. The rum features aromas of toffee, tropical fruit, vanilla, and licorice. It's rich and flavorful on the palate, with notes of chocolate, caramel, dried fruit, and spice. The finish is long and smooth, with lingering notes of tropical fruit and seasoned oak. Pair the rum with chocolate truffles, espresso, and crème brûlée. Homemade Mai Tai Cocktail with Pineapple Cherry and Rum getty Fifteen-Twenty-Five-Year-Old Rums El Dorado 15-Year-Old (Guyana), 40% ABV, 750 ml. $60 This rum is produced at Guyana's renowned distillery. Like all Demerara rums, it ages in tropical conditions. It's the only rum to win IWSC 'Best Rum in the World' eight times. The rum offers aromas of molasses, dried figs, banana bread, and seasoned oak. It's rich and smooth on the palate, revealing flavors of fruitcake, exotic tropical woods, spices, and creamy toffee. The finish is long and spicy, with lingering notes of seasoned oak. A quintessential sipping rum, pair it with Christmas pudding, glazed ham, or spiced fruitcake. Flor de Caña 18-Year-Old (Nicaragua), 40% ABV, 750 ml. $50 The rum is made from estate-grown sugarcane. It has consistently won medals in spirit competitions. The rum is rich and aromatic, with notes of toffee, fig, and wood spices. The palate offers caramel, nuts, ripe orchard fruits, and a subtle smoke. The finish is long and refined, with lingering hints of wood spices and toasted oak. Pair the rum with roasted almonds, blue cheese, or poached apple or pear. It makes a perfect match for warm apple pie (with vanilla ice cream, of course). Zafra Master Reserve 21-Year-Old (Panama), 40% ABV, 750 ml. $72 Don Poncho Fernandez crafts this rum. It's an authentic, 21-year-old, barrel-aged, column-distilled rum. This rum earned 95 points at a Beverage Testing Institute judging. The rum features caramel, vanilla, toasted oak, and citrus peel. It's rich and robust on the palate, highlighting caramel, dried cherry, tobacco, cinnamon, and seasoned oak. The finish is long, with layered complexity and lingering notes of oak spice and citrus zest. Pair the rum with an aged cheese, especially sheep's milk pecorino, grilled steak, or dark chocolate truffles. El Dorado 21-Year-Old (Guyana), 43% ABV, 750 ml. $99 Another award-winning rum from El Dorado. The rum features molasses, dates, wood spices, and seasoned oak. It's rich and full-bodied on the palate, revealing flavors of dark chocolate, spiced fruitcake, and leather. The finish is remarkably long, with lingering notes of seasoned oak and baking spices. Pair this rum with chocolate cake, aged cheddar, and fine cigars for a truly indulgent experience. From the smooth elegance of Flor de Caña to the bold complexity of El Dorado and Zafra, these ultra-aged rums showcase the depth, heritage, and craftsmanship behind some of the world's best distilleries. With layered aromas, richly textured palates, and long, satisfying finishes, each bottle offers an incredible experience at a price that won't break the bank. Whether you're new to aged rums or a seasoned collector, this curated selection delivers quality, character, and versatility in every pour. It's time to give rum the respect—and shelf space—it deserves. More From Forbes Forbes The World's Best Rum, According To America's Top Bartenders By Joseph V Micallef Forbes Top Rums Crowned At The 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition By Joseph V Micallef Forbes The World's Top Rum, According To The Beverage Testing Institute By Joseph V Micallef Forbes The Top Rum From The 2025 ADI International Spirits Competition By Joseph V Micallef
Forbes
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Top Rums Crowned At The 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition
Three rum cocktails on the rocks. The San Francisco World Spirits Competition is one of the world's most important judgings of rum. Several hundred rum entries were evaluated at the 2025 SFWSC, and 18 of those rums, all Double Gold winners, are in the final round, contending for the best rum expression in their respective category and the crowning achievement of World's Best Rum. Below is a summary of the finalists in each of the major rum categories. The winners will be announced at the Top Shelf 2025 Awards Gala, a highly anticipated event in the beverage industry, on November 9 at Hotel Nikko in San Francisco. The Unaged/White Rum finalists from the 2025 SFWSC Burdekin Rum, Distillers Edition - Coral Sea Strength Rum, is crafted in Queensland, Australia. It's bottled at 54.5% ABV. 700 ml. Oak House, Silver Rum is crafted in Georgia, USA. It is bottled at 40% ABV. 750 ml Cotton & Reed, White Rum, is crafted in Washington, D.C., USA. It is bottled at 40% ABV. Ten To One, White Rum, Dominican Republic. It is bottled at 45% ABV. 750 ml. Planteray Rum, 3 Stars' Rum is crafted in St. Michael, Barbados. It is bottled at 40% ABV. For backgrounds and detailed tasting notes on the 2025 SFWSC Unaged Rum finalists, see The World's Best White Rums, According to the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. The Aged Rum Finalists from the 2025 SFWSC Worthy Park, Select Rum is crafted in St. Catherine, Jamaica. It is bottled at 40% ABV. Worthy Park, 109 Rum is crafted in St. Catherine, Jamaica. It is bottled at 54.5% ABV. Diplomático, Planas Rum is crafted in Lara, Venezuela. It is bottled at 47% ABV. Kaniché Rum, Fiji Islands' Rum, is produced in Fiji. It is bottled at 40% ABV. Planteray Rum, Xaymaca Special Dry Rum is crafted in Jamaica. It is bottled at 43% ABV. For backgrounds and detailed tasting notes on the 2025 SFWSC Unaged Rum finalists, see The World's Best Aged Rum, According To The San Francisco World Spirits Competition. The Ultra Aged Rum Finalists from the 2025 SFWSC CARTAVIO, XO Rum is crafted in LA LIBERTAD, Peru. It is bottled at 40% ABV. Zacapa, No. 23 Rum is crafted in Guatemala. It is bottled at 40% ABV. Ten To One, Five Origin Select Rum is a blend of rums sourced from Guyana, Trinidad, Dominican Republic, and Barbados. It is bottled at 46% ABV. Planteray Rum, XO 20th Anniversary Rum, is crafted in St. Michael, Barbados. It is bottled at 40% ABV. Ron del Barrilito, 3 Stars Rum, is produced in Puerto Rico. It is bottled at 43% ABV. For backgrounds and detailed tasting notes on the 2025 SFWSC Unaged Rum finalists, see The World's Best Ultra Aged Rum, According To The San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Worthy Park Overproof Rum is crafted in St. Catherine, Jamaica. It is bottled at 63% ABV. Cap & Cane Spirits, Overproof Rum is crafted in North Carolina, USA. It is bottled at 63% ABV. Planteray Rum, OFTD Rum (Old Fashioned Traditional Rum) is produced in Barbados. It is bottled at 69% ABV. For backgrounds and detailed tasting notes on the 2025 SFWSC Unaged Rum finalists, see The World's Best Ultra Aged Rum, According To The San Francisco World Spirits Competition. There are thousands of rums produced in over 100 countries worldwide. These top rums from the 2025 SFWSC are among the world's best, worth contenders for the accolade of World's Best Rum. They include legacy producers whose pedigree extends back centuries, as well as new, up-and-coming craft producers. All of them are outstanding. If you love rum, whether it's in a rum cocktail or straight up, these rums are all worth exploring. You might find one or two worth adding to your home bar!
Bloomberg
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Bloomberg
Incredible Jamaican Rums That Truly Bring the Fruity Funk
Kara Newman here, your Bloomberg cocktail and spirits expert. I recently visited one of the Caribbean's rum epicenters—Jamaica—and found some great summer-ready pours to share with you. In fact, this week's newsletter is all about the cane spirit, including a hot-weather cocktail to cool you down at home. But first, some drink links:
