8 Must-Have Rums for Beginners

A selection offering excellent value for money—perfect for exploring the world of rum or starting a collection that will take you on a journey across nearly every continent.

Bocatheva - 15 Years Old, Venezuela

On the nose, there’s an immediate freshness, followed by notes of flowers and herbal infusions—meadowsweet, verbena, and mint. Hints of vanilla, apricot, and pear chutney follow. On the palate, it’s refined and textured yet elegant, deliciously spicy with an explosion of flavors centered on candied orange and pineapple. The balance between fruit, botanicals, wood, and alcohol is perfect. The spicy, cocoa-tinged finish adds complexity and length. What energy!

• 94/100
• 55 €

Longueteau - Parcellaire No. 1, Guadeloupe

The initial nose transports us to the summit of a snow-capped mountain. A burst of freshness and icy mint. Then come aromas of freshly crushed sugarcane, grapefruit, candied lemon peel, and licorice sticks. On the palate, a lovely chewy texture offers an aromatic and tactile tasting experience. Hints of earth, eucalyptus, star anise, and citrus. We appreciate this rum’s deep, earthy character. The alcohol adds just the right amount of roundness and confirms that white rums can be enjoyed neat.

• 92/100
• 47 €
  

Rum Explorer - Australia 4 Years, Australia

The nose—very floral (honeysuckle, elderflower), with marine, grainy, and slightly smoky notes—is definitely unique. Aromas of brown sugar and banana emerge. The texture is velvety; notes of pear almond tart and currants add a touch of indulgence, while barrel aging lends a dry, energetic character with a lively, ginger-spiced finish. A rum with a beautiful luster and excellent value for the price.

• 92/100
• €39.50

Armateurs de Rhum - Single Cask aged in Saint-Malo, France

A rum aged exclusively in mainland France, in Saint-Malo, in new French oak barrels. The nose reveals woody, roasted, and brioche notes. Orange, licorice, and black tea round out the aroma. On the palate, it’s energetic, and the rum retains a lovely liveliness. The texture is smooth yet elegant. A velvety mouthfeel with flavors of apricot, flowers, and nutmeg. The finish—at once fruity, woody, and spicy—leaves you wanting more.

91/100
€49.90 for 50 cl

Bumbu - The Original, Barbados

The nose reveals aromas of peach, melon, elderflower, vanilla, and candy. It’s intense. On the palate, you find that same intensity—like a childhood treat that envelops and comforts you. The flavor profile is rich, with vanilla and caramel reminiscent of a canelé. The palate stays fresh thanks to that subtle hint of orange on the finish.

• 90/100
• €39.90

Compagnie des Indes – Pacifico 6 Years Old, Thailand and Panama

A blend of rums from Thailand and Panama that reveals an initial nose of vanilla, fig, and raspberry leaves. This floral character persists, paired with tropical fruits and hot chocolate. On the palate, it’s full-bodied and rich, with notes of fruit, hazelnuts, and spices. Smooth and comforting, it’s ideal for the end of the evening.

• 90/100
• 54.90 €

Brugal - 1888 Gran Reserva, Dominican Republic

Classic and captivating, with comforting aromas of vanilla, coconut, candied orange, aged leather, and tobacco. The attack is smooth, then the barrel aging comes through, revealing notes of cedar and nutmeg. It’s both smooth and robust, with notes of roasted pineapple and black pepper that linger on a ginger finish. We greatly appreciate this duality between roundness and power.

• 90/100
• 50 €

La Mauny - Blanc Acacia, Martinique

A new limited-edition release that stands out for having been finished in acacia barrels. This imparts aromas of flowers, white fruits, and vanilla. On the palate, it’s round with a hint of mellow tannins. The ideal white rum for making highly aromatic ti-punch cocktails.

• 89/100
• 29 €