The ultimate guide to white rums worth the detour

Chalong Bay - High Proof

made from a variety of Thai sugar cane, this rum reveals intense aromas of flowers (cherry) and fruit (grape, kumquat). There's also a hint of the sea. On the palate, the balance between elegance and power is clearly present. Slightly warm (at 57°) and spicy, with a fresh citrus and saline finish. A rum full of character and energy.

• Thailand
• 94/100
• 62€

Mana'o - Rangiroa

The nose is reminiscent of a pico de gallo or a tomato rougail, with freshness and aromas of tomato, bell pepper and chili. Made from Polynesian cane and fermented with indigenous yeasts, this rum expresses the vegetal, with typical aromas of fresh cane and green banana. On the palate, an enveloping, delicate texture. Complex and well-placed. Everything is balanced with umami flavor, notes of mango, corn and spices. A long, salivating, comforting rum. Soothing.

• Polynesia
• 94/100
• 79€

Mount Gay - Single Estate 25|03

The first white rum from the Mount Gay distillery, and the result is intense. Aromas of black olives, wild blackberry, rose and amaretto fill the nostrils. The more you aerate it, the more complex the aroma becomes. On the palate, the fullness of the alcohol is present, but without any burn. It's long, but not roller-coaster-like. The medicinal herbal notes make for an easily digestible finish that concludes a very fine tasting experience.

• La Barbade
• 93/100
• 95 €

A1710 - La Perle Fine récolte 2023

Distilled twice and offered unrefined and unreduced (67.5°), this rum reveals a fresh, vegetal dominance of sugarcane, blended with rosemary and eucalyptus and fruity touches. On the palate, the alcohol is certainly present, but enveloped by a lovely fat body. Pineapple, peach and cherry combine with spicy notes to create a powerful, gourmet whole.

• Martinique
• 93/100
• 50€

Diplomatico - Planas

Although this rum has benefited from barrel aging, it retains its white color thanks to fine charcoal filtration. The nose is elegant: waxed wood, fresh mango, lime and a refreshing hint of menthol. This last note is also present on the palate, softening the full, warm texture. this is complemented by a sensation of fresh, gourmet coconut. The finish is a little more pronounced, with a touch of wood and shredded coconut. to be enjoyed neat, but also to enhance cocktails.

• Venezuela
• 93/100
• 35€

Payet & Rivière - En Amplitudes

This rum is made with syrup from the family's sugar mill. A pleasant initial vegetal impression of eucalyptus, green tea, mint and grapefruit. On the palate, we appreciate the balance between texture and alcohol, brown sugar and saltiness. A slight astringency gives it chewiness without losing its elegance. Caressing and soothing.

• La Réunion
• 92/100
• 45€

Madilao - Batch 1 " Overproof

This rum from Laos takes us into a tropical forest with a warm, humid feel and aromas of cane juice, mango and just-dried grapes. On the palate, it's pleasantly fleshy yet suave, with lovely bitters that help integrate the relatively high alcohol content (59°). The balance is in place, with notes of tropical fruit, then jasmine and spice. The brioche finish transports us.

• Laos
• 91/100
• 59€

Scaramanga - Rhum agricole

A rum from a new brand. Produced in Guadeloupe from pure cane juice, it is the perfect expression of cane, with a nose of flowers and fruit, fresh pineapple and lemon enhanced by white pepper. on tasting, the texture is light, with enveloping notes of currants and dried fruit that last. A gourmet treat that's equally enjoyable neat or in a cocktail.

• Guadeloupe
• 90/100
• 39 ,90 €