8 exceptional rums to taste at least once in your life

From remote islands to confidential distilleries, discover eight rums that have marked the history of this spirit. Exceptional vintages for yourself or as a gift.

Laetitia Gautheron Published on 3/3/25 at 4:58 PM

Rum, this multi-flavored spirit, is a veritable sensory voyage that appeals to connoisseurs the world over. Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or just curious to explore new sensations, some rums stand out for their rarity, complexity and unique character. Discover our selection of 8 exceptional rums to savor at least once in your life, for an unforgettable taste experience.

La Délivrande at A1710

A pastry nose of chocolate, caramel, almond and sugarcane, with hints of smoke and hydrocarbons. On the palate, we're carried away, it's full of gourmandise, but also full of seriousness. A rum you can count on. The fruit and woody aromas make us want to go a long way with it.

Price: €280
Gault&Millau rating: 94/100

8 3

XO chez Bologne

The taste buds are in effervescence with this rum featuring aromas of banana bread, orange blossom brioche, chocolate and toasted buckwheat. Silky on the palate, this XO rum is voluptuous and generous. Flattering, but with a beautiful complexity induced by spicy and woody notes. The barrel's tannins give it the final character that will also make it a good match for a savory meat dish.

Price: €120
Gault&Millau rating: 94/100

Rhum vieux agricole chez 12 ans chez Trois Rivières

A beautiful amber color accompanies a nose of pineapple jam, curry, ginger and coffee beans. On the palate, it's a very pleasant sensation and a taste that will bring everyone together. The texture is round and fleshy, and the wood ageing adds a little more aromatic complexity. A rum full of elegance.

Price: €115
Gault&Millau rating: 94/100

9 1

XO from Manutea

An intense, complex and elegant nose of gingerbread, chocolate, raisins and flambéed banana, with a hint of tobacco. On the palate, the attack is soft and the texture suave. It's comforting and warm, with shy but very pleasant aromas of mandarin orange and spices. A velvety rum.

Price: €132
Gault&Millau rating: 90/100

Bourbon Cask Rhum from Mhoba

The nose is very gourmand, with the expression of sugarcane and pear, followed by notes of spices, caramel, olives and garrigue. The tasting starts delicately with aromas of stewed pear and banana, then becomes more complex with a woody, vanilla and liquorice perfume. The texture is fresh - even at 59° - and fleshy. A bewitching rum full of life and energy.

Price: €107
Gault&Millau rating: 95/100

10 1

Single Estate 2018 at Mount Gay

The nose reveals a gourmet bouquet of cinnamon doughnut, raisin bread and milk chocolate. On the palate, it's powerful, like a great colossus with quiet strength. Pastry and hot coffee aromas are enhanced by a hint of fleur de sel. An energetic finish with a few bitters, like a stick of licorice. A punchy rum.

Price: €390
Gault&Millau rating: 91/100

Hearts Collection 1998 from Appleton Estate

A beautiful amber-orange color and a nose that offers a complex bouquet around rancio, toasted almond, waxed wood, candied orange peel and even pine and peat. On the palate, it's a hurricane that literally blows you over. Powerful spicy notes of curry, cumin and coriander seeds envelop the palate, along with a powerful, muscular texture. You have to be prepared, but the experience is unforgettable.

Price: €600
Gault&Millau rating: 94/100

Nantli 20 years at Cihuatán

Shy at first, the nose then develops pastry aromas of canelé, chocolate orange, almond and vanilla. On the palate, these pastry notes are again present, giving the wine a soft, pleasant quality. The liquorice, roasted and fruity finish brings the wine back to life