Gault&Millau's 10 favorite arranged rums

If we refer to the new European regulations of 2021, the official term is "rum punch", with precise specifications: a minimum alcohol content of 15%, which must come exclusively from rum, a minimum sugar content of 100 g/l and exclusively natural flavoring substances. If these conditions are not met, the term "rum-based spirit drink" is used.

In common parlance, the name "rhum arrangé" - originally created on Reunion Island - is frequently used to describe a rum-based beverage.denotes a rum-based beverage - agricultural or traditional, white or barrel-aged - made by macerating fruit, plants and/or spices. There are as many styles of rhum arrangés as there are producers. A number of French companies have embarked on this adventure to meet the ever-growing demand.

Jamrock at Arhumatic

On the nose, a powerful rum with aromas of candied orange peel, flambéed banana, coffee and black pepper. On the palate, the juiciness of the orange and the warm coffee make for a mouth-watering experience. The rum remains present and shows a very fine quality with notes of tropical fruit and brown sugar, on a pretty finish that never ends.

• Price: €49
• Gault&Millau rating: 96/100

n°8 Vanille bio de la Réunion from Halto

The color is slightly cloudy with vanilla beans. And the vanilla is clearly present on the nose, revealing a fresh, natural sensation. On the palate, the rum adds a warm, fruity note, while the vanilla gives a pastry-like impression. Ideal in a baba or with a tropézienne. What a treat!

• Price: €39
• Gault&Millau score: 95/100

Arrangé Volcanique by Isautier

This rhum arrangé opens with gourmet aromas of pineapple, lime, passion fruit and cinnamon. On the palate, it retains its fruity notes and a hint of sweetness, which is kept in check by a touch of red pepper that warms the palate and even the heart for a long time.

• Price: €37
• Gault&Millau rating: 94/100

Zapa at Malorhum

The nose reveals a complex bouquet of thyme, ginger, honey, lemongrass and roasted bell pepper, like a spicy cooked dish. On the palate, the register is very gourmand. The salty notes are there, but the texture is enveloping. The balance is there... and it makes you hungry. try it with lemongrass chicken curry or 7-hour lamb.

• Price: €39.50
• Gault&Millau score: 94/100

La Vieille Dame chez Maël

A nose that smells of Christmas, with orange, cinnamon, clove and brown sugar, as well as fig and raisin. On the palate, the rum is spicy with a touch of roast. Long, fresh and delicious... everything we love!

• Price: €70
• Gault&Millau score: 93/100

Vanille Noix de Macadamia chez Ti de Ced'

This rhum arrangé announces a lovely pastry nose of pain au chocolat, vanilla and nuts. On the palate, everything is in place and structured. Macadamia nut and vanilla aromas are present, offering a soft, pleasantly warm sensation. A beautiful wine.

• Price: €37
• Gault&Millau rating: 93/100

Fire chez Antik

A pleasant nose of cinnamon and strawberry jam with black pepper. A slight touch of spice. On the palate, the attack starts out sweet, but the spice quickly takes over the whole palate and wakes you up. The alcohol is not overly present and adds structure. Notes of hibiscus and red fruit remain, but the chili pepper experience on the palate was just the beginning of the journey. It won't let you go anytime soon. Better be warned...

• Price: €49
• Gault&Millau rating: 92/100

Mango & Passion at Nektar

Gourmet nose of ripe mango, passion fruit and lime. On the palate, it's exotic, aromatic and sweet, while retaining its freshness. A particularly fragrant rum with a little bitterness on the finish that adds complexity.

• Price: €32
• Gault&Millau rating: 91/100

Kouign Amann at Alchimie

On the nose, buttery and pastry notes are present, revealing puff pastry, vanilla, caramel and raisin. On the palate, you bite into the kouign-amann, with the warming side of rum and the lovely pep of spice. The balance is there, with good aromatic length.

• Price: €35
• Gault&Millau score: 88/100

GPH at Pongo

Ginger dominates at first, followed by hints of pepper and a smoky chipotle-like quality. On the palate, the attack is sweet with honey, then the chili pepper returns mid-palate to spice things up, with candied ginger in the background. An energetic rum that remains sweet thanks to the honey, but with that spicy sensation that makes you want to come back for more.

• Price: €25
• Gault&Millau rating: 88/100