Best rum 2026: 18 award-winning rums to try

Few spirits reflect their place of origin quite like rum. Shaped by climate, raw materials and centuries of distilling tradition, rum is a remarkably diverse spirit. From the light, delicate profiles of column-distilled expressions to the rich, full-bodied character of pot still rums, the category offers an extraordinary range of styles.

Much of this diversity begins with the raw material. Most rums are produced from molasses, a byproduct of sugar production, which can create spirits with rich and complex flavours. Others, such as rhum agricole, are distilled from fresh sugar cane juice, often resulting in a more vibrant, grassy and aromatic character. While production methods, fermentation and maturation all play their part, these two approaches demonstrate just how varied rum can be.

Style is only part of the story. This year’s IWSC results highlighted the increasingly global nature of rum production, with a record-breaking 11 Gold Outstanding medals awarded to rums from countries as varied as Scotland and Japan, alongside traditional rum regions such as Barbados, Jamaica and Guadeloupe. The results show that while the Caribbean remains at the heart of rum production, exceptional examples are increasingly being made all around the world.

Two Foursquare rums were awarded Gold Outstanding at the IWSC 2026

Traditional Caribbean rum-producing regions were particularly well represented, with Jamaica and Barbados accounting for six of the 11 top medals. Barbados’s renowned Foursquare Distillery secured two Gold Outstanding medals for its Penultimus 15 YO Rum and Mandamus 16 YO Rum. The former impressed judges with its ‘crème brûlée sweetness, Seville orange brightness, and rich undertones of dark chocolate’.

Jamaican producers also saw success. Monymusk Plantation’s Msr Limited Edition Single Mark 2007 Rum was awarded 98 points for its complex palate of ‘chewy oak and impressions of fried plantain’, while Hampden Estate’s Great House Distillery Edition 2025 Rum impressed judges with its balance of ripe tropical fruit, caramel and baking spices. Worthy Park Estate was the last in the trio of Jamaican Gold Outstanding winners, with its Overproof Rum noted for its layers of ripe banana and red fruits.

Outside the Caribbean, the results demonstrated rum’s increasingly international origins. Japan’s Shinozaki Co. secured a Gold Outstanding medal for The Wild & South C 2 YO Rum, praised for its elegant floral aromas and long, spicy finish. While best known for producing whisky, Scotland also featured among the top performers, with The Original Islay Overproof Rum impressing judges with its distinctive combination of herbal florals, banana sweets and green apple skin. Meanwhile, American producers secured two Gold Outstanding medals, highlighting the quality emerging from the country’s growing rum scene.

From richly aged Caribbean rums to vibrant un-aged expressions and innovative bottlings from further afield, read on to discover the 18 standout rums from the IWSC 2026, all of which received either Gold Outstanding or Gold medals.

HOW DO WE JUDGE THESE SPIRITS?

We run a tightly structured, rigorous spirits tasting process. That means that each spirit sample is pre-poured into numbered glasses and assessed blindly by the judges. Most importantly, our IWSC spirit judges are experts in their field, who work across all sectors of the drinks industry. For evidence, see our full list of judges.

HOW DO WE SCORE THESE SPIRITS?

Only the best spirits sampled receive a Gold or Silver award. For example, to win Gold, spirits have to score between 95 and 100 points. Meanwhile, Silver wines range from 90 to 94 points. Click here to read more on our scoring system.

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Club O is a premium lifestyle brand for curious and discerning wine and spirits lovers. Renowned for inspiring stories and trusted expertise, we connect people to the joys of the world, through the lens of wine, spirits and other interesting drinks. Based in London, our team of expert writers seek out thoughtful stories that introduce our readers to new people, places, drinking discoveries and insights, as well as exploring fresh perspectives on familiar themes.