The world’s best rums according to the San Francisco World Spirit Competition

Is there a better spirit to sip than rum? Many would argue not. Born in the tropics, rum exudes a relaxed energy that can instantly transport the drinker to the sandy beaches, crystal blue waters and sunny skies of his birthplace. This ability to tap into that inner joy has helped propel rum sales to record highs over the past few years.

Rum, which is no longer intended for fruit mixed drinks, has undergone a renaissance in the eyes of drinkers. Like its Mexican cousin, tequila, drinkers are discovering the inherent craftsmanship and heritage of rum that has quietly existed behind the scenes for centuries. This has led to increased demand for premium and super-premium rums as mixologists build cocktails around them and drinkers discover their inherent drinkability.

Established and emerging craft distilleries around the world are producing some truly fantastic bottles these days. While this is good news, it has also led to a wealth of choice when it comes to finding the best of the best bottles. Fortunately, the San Francisco World Spirit Competition (SFWSC) has just released the list of finalists for the Best in Class Rum Awards. Absolute winners will be awarded in October.

Dubbed the “Oscars” of the spirit world, SFWSC has been showcasing the best spirits in the world for forty-four years. As one of the largest international spirits competitions, every bottle received is put through an extensive blind taste test panel of industry experts. Landing a medal at the event (they award bronze, silver, gold and double gold) raises each bottle. But being shortlisted means something special that drinkers should seek out immediately.

If you’re a rum lover or just wondering what all the fuss is about, we suggest you get your hands on one of the creams in this category, Extra Aged Rum. Loaded with layers and flavors thanks to the time spent in the cask, they perfectly highlight the complexity that can be found in rum. Here are the five finalists, each a double gold medalist, in no particular order.

Saltwater’s Crew Eight Year Old Rum

This German rum perfectly highlights the growing global appeal of rum these days. Produced at Saltwater’s, a five-year-old distillery located just outside of Berlin known for its gins, this is another unheralded rum that has turned heads at SFWSC over the past few years. Crafted from a worldly blend of rums from Trinidad, Panama, Nicaragua, Jamaica and Spain, it has flavors of toffee, toffee, molasses and leather. Best of all, it only costs $33.

Zacapa XO

The Zacapa Distillery, based in Guatemala, produces some of the world’s most famous rums. One of the most distinctive aspects of their rums is the use of virgin sugar cane honey obtained from the first pressing of the sugar cane. This contrasts with the molasses used in most other rums, resulting in a smoother, sweeter rum. Zacapa XO shows off his rum-making skills. Made from a selection of rums aged between 10 and 25 years in a system of whiskey, sherry and wine casks, before finishing in French cognac casks, every sip is full of flavor. Priced at $119 per bottle, it is an ideal addition to any bar.

Flor de Cana 18

Rums from Flor De Cana, a family-run distillery located in the heart of Nicaragua, have been wowing judges and rum lovers for over a century. Nestled at the foot of the San Cristóbal volcano, the volcanic soil, enriched waters and favorable climate allow its distilleries to produce unique and smooth rums. Flor de Caña 18 undergoes a careful maturation process that imparts distinctive flavors and aromas, resulting in a rum of unique depth, complexity and character. Priced at $58 a bottle, it has caramel, raisin and honey flavors with hints of cinnamon, nutmeg and orange peel.

Mount Gay Single Estate Series

As one of the oldest rum distilleries in the world, Mount Gay began producing rums in Barbados in 1703; it helped shape the discussion around rum. Using traditional copper stills and column stills in the distillation process, they tap into the unique terroir of Barbados. Part of what makes his rums unique is the molasses he produces on site and the coral-filtered water used in the distillation process, drawn from an original well dug centuries ago. Their Single Estate Series of Rums is a limited release bottling made entirely from pot still rum and aged in Bourbon and American Oak barrels. Priced at $400 a bottle, its flavors perfectly balance sweet and spicy flavors.

The ImpEx Collection 2007 15YO Long Pond Rum Cask

Founded in 2008 as an importer of premium and rare spirits from around the world, ImpEx has branched out over the past few years to create several high-end lines of its own award-winning products. In cooperation with important small and medium-sized distilleries, it produces unique bottles. Their 2007 15-Year-Old Long Pond Rum Cask is one such bottle. Made at the famous Long Pond Rum Distillery, Jamaican rum has been aged for fifteen years to produce a rum bursting with distinctly funky tropical flavors of banana and molasses with hints of oak and vanilla. It costs $120 a bottle.