Here are the top 60 rums according to the Beverage Tasting Institute (out of 128 rated).
http://www.tastings.com/search_spirits.lasso
97 • Ron Zacapa Centenario 23 Year Old Rum $39.99.
Rich chestnut color. A Christmas spice and caramel fudge nose. This full-bodied rum has rich brown spice, vanilla and subtle molasses flavors envelope the palate with sugar caney sweetness. Has a super smooth and lengthy finish. A stylish and very hedonistic aged rum. (tasted on 2002-06-05)
96 • El Dorado 15 Year Old Special Reserve Rum $35.
Attractive, rich copper-amber hue. A complex nose of confectioner's sugar, banana, cedar, and iodine. A silky entry leads to a moderately full-bodied palate of vibrant-yet-refined dry caramel and grilled tropical fruit flavors braced by warm alcohol and firm, smooth oak spice. Somewhat Scotch-like, with subtle peaty overtones. Beautifully proportioned and designed for long contemplative sipping. (tasted on 2001-07-02)
96 • Cruzan Single Barrel Estate Rum $29.99.
Deep amber. An intense nose of pickling spices, dill, and cedar. A silky entry leads to a very smooth, oily, dry, medium body with intense Christmas spice, praline, tropical fruit, and oak elements that linger on the finish. An outstandingly complex and flavorful rum with a Cognac-like profile. (tasted on 2002-06-05)
95 • Doorly's X.O. Fine Old Barbados Rum $28.99.
Amber. Toasted coconut and vanilla nose. A lively entry leads to a medium-bodied palate with aggressive dry caramel and tropical fruit flavors buttressed by enveloping alcohol. Finishes with a fruity sweetness and warmth. A refined-yet-powerful style. (tasted on 2001-07-02)
95 • El Dorado 12 Year Old Superior Rum $25.
Copper. Lush tropical fruit and spice nose. Round, mellow, full-bodied palate with powerful fruit, tobacco, orange peel, leather, and toasty oak flavors. Hedonistic and well balanced. (tasted on 2001-07-02)
95 • Ron Matusalem Gran Reserva Rum $29.99.
Brilliant copper hue. A soft nose of toffee and butter. A satiny entry leads to a round, fruity-yet-dry, medium-bodied palate with praline and brown spice notes. Finishes with smooth spicy oak flavors. A finely balanced, very silky, aged rum. (tasted on 2002-06-05)
95 • Plantation 1992 Vintage Venezuela Rum $34.99.
Rich copper hue. Burnt caramel, pickling spice, and roasted nut aromas. Soft round entry leads to a fruity sweet medium-to full-bodied palate with caramelized bananas, mocha, maple nut fudge, and spice flavors. Toffee and light peppery heat on the finish. A voluptuous, hedonistic aged rum. (tasted on 2003-06-17)
95 • Mount Gay Extra Old Rum $29.99.
Brilliant copper color. Lush aromas of toffee, Bananas Foster, roasted nuts, and brown spices. A smooth, oily entry leads to a dry full-bodied palate with rich roasted nuts, toffee, and brown spices. Finishes with a long vanilla bean, spicy bourbon oak, and toffee fade. A decadently rich aged rum that is a true classic. (tasted on 2004-06-16)
94 • Ron Zacapa Centenario X.O. 25 Year Old Rum.
Chestnut-amber hue. Leather, tobacco, and charred molasses nose. A rich entry leads to a full-bodied, moderately sweet palate of tobacco, burnt caramel, oak, and brown spice elements. Finishes for a mile with a satisfying warm afterglow of alcohol. A seriously structured and refined aged rum. Reminiscent of a fine Spanish brandy. (tasted on 2001-07-02)
94 • El Dorado 5 Year Old Rum $19.99.
Amber. Spirity, dried tropical fruit nose. A vibrant entry leads to an evolving palate of caramel, fruit, toasted coconut, and American oak notes fading into a vanilla-tinged glow. Alcohol is present but supportive and provides a balancing bite on the finish. Remarkably developed and complex for a relatively young rum. (tasted on 2001-07-02)
94 • Ron Cacique Ron Antiguo Millenium.
Rich amber. Sweet, spicy nose of coconut cream, almond, and brown spice. A lively, smooth entry leads to a slightly sweet, light- to medium-bodied palate of banana, caramel, and lavish, toasty oak. Finishes with a delightful interplay between fruity and charred wood-mineral notes that lead to a refined, drying, tobacco leaf aftertaste. Beautifully balanced and very stylish. (tasted on 2001-04-01)
94 • Ron Barceló Imperial Rum.
Dark copper. Toffee, pickling spices, and lanolin in the nose. A smooth entry leads to a very round, slightly-fruity-mostly-dry, medium-bodied palate with roasted nut, dark caramel, and vanilla bean. Finishes with a delicious buttered nuts, spice, caramel fade. A very hedonistic aged Caribbean rum. (tasted on 2002-06-05)
94 • Inner Circle Green Dot Rum $29.99.
Rich copper hue. Robust toffee, floral, and brown spice aromas. A round, soft entry leads to a big, full-bodied palate with lush dried tropical fruits, burnt caramel, buttered roasted nuts, and lavish brown spices. Finishes with a huge wave of peppercorns, hot spice and a minerally, slightly rubbery edge. A dry powerhouse style in the vein of fine alembic Armagnac. Opens up tremendously with a little spring water. (tasted on 2003-06-17)
94 • Ron Santa Teresa 1796 Rum $31.99.
Deep amber color. Rich, oily, toasted nut, and pickling spice aromas. A rich entry leads to viscous, dryish medium-to full-bodied palate with toffee, vanilla, nuts, and brown spices. Finishes with a long leather, caramel, and spice fade and a great impression of charred wood. Elegant and balanced. (tasted on 2004-06-10)
93 • Ron Botran Solera Rum $30.
Pale copper. Cedar, anise, and berry jam nose. A racy entry leads to a medium- to full-bodied, voluptuous palate of citrus and caramelized fruit flavors. Mildly sweet with supportive alcohol. Highly enjoyable on its own or as a superb mixer. (tasted on 2001-07-02)
93 • Bacardi Millenium $800.
Deep golden hue. Rich aromas of meringue, banana, and coconut shavings. A seamless entry leads to a light- to medium-bodied palate of evocative, caramelized tropical fruit, vanilla, and sherried oak spice flavors. A very lively, balanced, and rewarding, if lighter, style of aged rum. (tasted on 2001-07-02)
93 • Plantation 1991 Vintage Barbados Rum $25.99.
Deep amber. Spicy, floral, and creme brulée aromas. A velvety entry leads to a semisweet, medium-bodied palate with delicious caramel and brown spice notes. Finishes with a nutty peppery, oak fade. A well-balanced aged rum with easy-drinking appeal. (tasted on 2002-06-05)
93 • Cruzan Estate Diamond Rum $18.
Amber. Rich caramel and woody, pickling spice nose. A round supple entry leads to dryish medium-bodied palate with balanced tropical fruit juices, vanilla, nuts, and brown spice flavors. Finishes with a delicious, long, dried fruit and toasty American oak driven fade. A supple, subtle sipper that has a classic, very clean rum flavor. (tasted on 2003-06-26)
93 • Plantation 1990 Vintage Guyana Rum $36.99.
Beautiful orange amber color. A fruity sweet and spicy nose of dried tropical fruits and flowers. A rich entry leads to a robust, off-dry, full-bodied palate with cocoa powder, cardamom, anise, and cedar wood. Finishes with a long, fruity, complex fade of nuts, cigar box, mocha, and toffee. A very fruity and flavorful aged rum. (tasted on 2004-06-10)
93 • Amazonas Ocumare "Aged" Rum $14.99. Best Buy.
Pale copper hue. Buttered caramel, marinated olive, and leather aromas. A silky entry leads to a round dryish medium-to full-bodied palate with ripe tropical fruits, dark raisins, cocoa, fried plantains, and peppery brown spice. Finishes with a long fruity fade of caramel and smoked nuts. A remarkably rich and flavorful dark rum. (tasted on 2004-06-16)
92 • Barbancourt Estate Reserve 15 Year Old Rhum $29.99.
Pale copper. Estery Agricole nose with a hint of ginger. Medium body. Dry caramel and tropical fruit nuances blended with earthy, spicy, leafy elements. Exotic and attractive. (tasted on 2001-07-02)
92 • Ron Matusalem Clasico Gold Rum $19.99.
Medium amber hue. A vibrant, sweet nose of banana and butterscotch. A silky entry leads to a glycerous, dryish, and medium-bodied palate with roasted nuts, caramel, and fruit cake notes. Finishes gracefully with a nice pepper and oak spice fade. (tasted on 2002-06-05)
92 • Plantation 1993 Vintage Trinidad Rum $21.99.
Rich golden hue. buttery caramel corn, and spice aromas A round, pillowy entry leads to off-dry, chewy, medium-to full-bodied palate with fruity sweet toffee, white fudge, and baked apples. Finishes with a candied fruit peel and spice. A subtle, understated style with a lot of polish. (tasted on 2003-06-17)
92 • Havana Club Barrelproof Cuban Rum $40/L.
Pale amber color. Smoky, fruit pie, toasted pecan, and spice aromas. A round, buoyant entry leads to a dryish medium-to full-bodied palate with dark caramel, dried autumn fruit, sweet tobacco, apple cider, cane juice, charred wood,and peppery brown spices. Finishes with a long fade of smoky wood spice, exotic peppercorns, and caramelized fruit. Remarkably flavorful and balanced. Try with a touch of spring water. (tasted on 2004-06-10)
92 • Flor de Caña Centenario 21 Year Old Rum $59.99.
Copper color. Buttery caramel and nut aromas. A round entry leads to a lush very, dry medium-bodied palate with dried mango, dark toffee, cinnamon, and exotic peppercorns. Long peppery finish with brown sugar, spice and a subtle minerality. (tasted on 2004-06-16)
91 • Foursquare Spiced Rum $18.99.
Deep gold with rich orange hue. Candied ginger, ginseng, and lemon grass nose. A round entry leads to a very smooth, dry, medium-bodied palate with an interesting convergence of Asian spices (ginger and lemon grass) and fruits (Asian pear and coconut meat). Finishes with a dry, wistful finish. Unique and very appealing. Try using it in exotic Asian-style cocktails. (tasted on 2001-07-02)
91 • Ron Matusalem Platino White Rum $16.99.
Clear appearance. Fragrant cotton candy, mocha, and coconut cream aromas. A silky entry leads to a dryish, light-to medium body with fruity, toasted coconut and subtle spice notes. Finishes smoothly with a dry, yet fruity, aftertaste. A brilliantly balanced and flavorful white rum. (tasted on 2002-05-30)
91 • Ron Abuelo 7 Años Rum.
Amber. Sweet, dried tropical fruit, caramel, and dried tobacco nose. A voluptuous, soft entry leads to an off-dry, medium-to full-bodied palate with sweet tropical fruits, sugar cane, tobacco, and spice. Finishes with a long fruity fade of spice, mocha, and nuts with a touch of lacquer. Very tasty and in a lighter vein. (tasted on 2003-05-27)
91 • Cruzan Coconut Rum $13. Best Buy.
Clear. Rich, coconut cream aromas. A round lightly syrupy entry leads to a sweetish, medium-to full-bodied palate with coconut cream, coconut meat, and vanilla flavors. Finishes with peppery semisweet coconut candy fade. Very natural flavor and nicely balanced. (tasted on 2003-06-26)
91 • Crystal Lime Rum.
Clear. Pure, lime peel, and citrus candy aromas. Clean, crisp, sweet and sour lime peel and honey aromas follow through to to a crisp, plush light-to medium-bodied palate with lime and honey flavors and a powdered sugar and a lemon candy finish. Purely crafted and very flavorful. (tasted on 2004-06-11)
91 • Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva Rum $29.99.
Dark copper. Vanilla bean and baked banana pie aromas. A viscous, moderately sweet full palate with tons of raisin puree, toffee, molasses, brown spice and pepper. Long smoky wood and spice finish. Perhaps a bit too sweet for the añejo category, but decadently flavored and very attractive. (tasted on 2004-06-16)
90 • Angostura "1919" 8 Year Old Gold Rum $27.
Medium amber with a golden hue. Sweet vanilla and cinnamon nose. A racy entry leads to a fruity, light-to medium-bodied palate with banana, caramel, vanilla, and roasted nut notes. Finishes nicely with a touch of spicy oak. A smooth and rounded aged rum. (tasted on 2002-06-05)
90 • Ron Barceló Imperial 21 Rum.
Pale chestnut with an olive hue. High-toned, caramel and pickling spice aromas. A smooth, semidry, medium-bodied palate with caramel, dried fruit, and dash of spice. Finishes with a very dry, woody note. A rich and oaky style. (tasted on 2002-06-05)
90 • Ron Abuelo Añejo Rum $12.99. Best Buy.
Amber. Coconut cream and toasted nuts aromas. A soft round entry leads to a medium-bodied palate with light, fruity caramel, tea leaf, and toasted coconut notes followed by delicate spice. Finishes with a nice long wood spice and roasted walnut fade. A lighter-styled aged rum with a fine backbone of flavor. (tasted on 2003-05-27)
90 • Clarke's Court Spicy Rum $17.
Amber hue. Cola nut, dill, roasted nuts and robust brown spice aromas with health dose of vapor. A rich entry leads to a slightly tannic medium-to full-bodied palate with vibrant, brown spice, burnt caramel and leather flavors followed by a massive blast of alcohol. A very intense interpretation of the term "spicy" that will make an excellent (and economical!) mixer or culinary ingredient, as a little will go a very long way. Water dilution is highly recommended. (tasted on 2003-06-26)
90 • Admiral Rodney Rum.
Burnished pale amber with a faint grayish hue. Chocolate, brown spice, caramel, and earthy fresh cut flower aromas. A soft, round entry leads to a smooth, dryish medium-bodied palate with caramel, ripe dried fruits, earthy Brett-like minerals, and rich brown spices. Finishes with a lingering, spicy wood, and fruit fade. Interesting. (tasted on 2004-06-11)
90 • Malecon Seleccion Esplendida 1976 Rum $110/700ml.
Deep amber hue. Brown sugar, tropical fruit and shellac aromas. A round entry leads to a smooth dry-yet-fruity medium-to full-bodied palate with caramel, dried tropical fruits, nuts and a smoky, wood varnish note. Finishes with a long fade of toffee and ashy, mineral-like esters. A very long aged spirit that has picked up a distinctive fuel-like character from the barrel. (tasted on 2004-06-16)
89 • Myers's Rum $15.
Mahogany. Charred wood aromas have a phenolic edge. A thick entry leads to a mildly sweet, moderately full-bodied palate of dark caramel and toasted coconut husks. Finishes with a lash of spicy heat and a charred whiskey barrel note. Pleasant on its own and would make a fine mixer. (tasted on 2001-07-02)
89 • Barbancourt White Rhum $12.99.
Clear. Exotic overripe plantain and egg white nose. Medium-bodied with a racy fruit and mineral melange of flavor. Finishes with an astringent, warming afterglow. A full-throttled French Caribbean (cane syrup) white rum style. (tasted on 2001-07-02)
89 • Plantation 8 Year Old Jamaica Rum $29.99.
Deep amber with a copper hue. A powerful nose of raisins and spice. A buoyant entry leads to slightly sweet, light-to medium-bodied palate with pungent, multilayered spices, figs, orange peel oak, and spicy caramel. Finishes with a long charred oak fade. A racy, assertive style. (tasted on 2002-06-05)
89 • Ron Botran Añejo Rum $14.99.
Dark amber hue. Sweet apricot and spice nose. A silky entry leads to a lush, off-dry, medium-bodied palate with fine dried fruit, cedar, and molasses flavors. Finishes with a smooth, smoky, wood note. (tasted on 2002-06-05)
89 • Clarke's Court Superior Light Rum $16.99.
Clear. Faint talc, marshmallow, and dried banana aromas. A clean, delicate entry leads to a light-to medium-bodied palate with mild vanilla bean, cane syrup, and a hint of peppery spice. Finishes with a nice brush of cream, cane sugar, minerals, and peppery spice. Very stylish and subtly flavored. (tasted on 2003-06-17)
89 • Zaya 12 Year Old Aged Rum $36.99.
Rich mahogany hue. Burnt fruit spice cake nose. A rich, sweet entry leads to a sweetish medium-bodied palate with coffee, caramel, molasses, and brown spice flavors. Finishes with a somewhat thin, peppery, mocha fudge fade and a wash of wood spice. A very liqueur-like aged rum, perhaps a little too sweet for the category. (tasted on 2003-05-27)
89 • Inner Circle Blue Dot Rum $24.99.
Medium amber hue. Buttery caramel and musk oil aromas. A round entry leads to a silky medium-bodied palate with caramel, roasted nuts, spicy baked beans, and mineral ore flavors. Finishes with a smooth dried fruit, nut, and spice fade. Seamless and well-balanced with an appealing flavor profile. (tasted on 2003-06-17)
89 • Mount Gay Ecilpse Rum $13.49.
Golden amber color. Sweet, buttery, warm caramel and dried autumn fruit aromas. A round entry leads to a dry, glycerous medium-bodied palate with subtle toffee, cocoa powder, spicy pepper flavors. Finishes gracefully with a nice impression of sherried oak, caramelized nuts, and spice. A classic gold rum that is tasting better than ever. (tasted on 2004-06-11)
89 • Chairman's Reserve Rum.
Golden amber color. Toffee, salty roasted nuts, suede, and brown spice aromas. A round entry leads to a rich medium-to full-bodied palate with honey roasted nuts, green cantaloupe, deep brown spices, cedar saw dust, and toffee sweetness. Finishes with a long fade of toffee, rubbery mineral flavors, and spice. (tasted on 2004-06-10)
89 • English Harbour 5 Year Old Rum $23.99.
Golden amber color with a slight haze. Caramel, oily salted nuts, and marinated spice aromas. A round entry leads to a fruity-sweet medium-bodied palate with caramel nut fudge, toasted marshmallow, and brown spice flavors. Finishes with a long sweet fade of roasted nuts, cane sugar juice, and spice. A sweet, sexy dark rum. (tasted on 2004-06-10)
89 • Flor de Caña Extra Dry 4 Year Old Rum $11.99.
Clear, Sweet, toasty, coconut cream and tropical citrus aromas. A soft, round entry leads to a smooth, dryish medium-bodied palate with vanilla, coconut meat, and a dash of bourbon barrel spiciness. Finishes with a long fade of dry sugar cane and toasty vanilla. A very crisp and flavorful, filtered aged white rum with a subtle and attractive, barrel-aged character. (tasted on 2004-06-10)
89 • Flor de Caña Centenario 12 Year Old Rum $29.99.
Brilliant copper color. Sweet buttered toffee, banana, and brown spice aromas. A supple entry leads to a dry medium-bodied palate with delicate butterscotch, toffee, and salty dry roasted nuts. Finishes with an even slightly hot fade. Rather subtle but quite nice. (tasted on 2004-06-16)
89 • Khukri XXX Rum$7.50. Best Buy.
Brilliant mahogany color. Sweet, buttery, dark caramel, roasted nut, and floral banana aromas are attractive. A round entry leads to a soft, dryish medium-bodied palate with nutty toffee, dried tropical fruit, slight rubberiness, and sweet brown spices. Finishes with a tongue-numbing wave of heat and wood spice. A hearty dark rum with a fine nose, dry woody flavor, and a healthy dose of fire—cool with a little water. (tasted on 2004-05-01)
88 • Ron Botran Rum Oro $14.
Light copper. Strong brown spice nose. A vibrant attack leads to a full-bodied, mildly, sweet palate with gobs of fruitiness and spicy flavor. Flavorful and enjoyable. (tasted on 2001-07-02)
88 • Grand Havana Reserva Excelencia 5 Year Old Rum.
Yellow golden hue. A subtle nose of fruit and caramel. A smooth, supple entry leads to a dry light-to medium-bodied palate with toffee and toasted nut flavors. Finishes evenly with a nice breath of tobacco leaf and spicy heat. A fine mixing rum. (tasted on 2002-05-30)
88 • Montecristo 12 Year Old Rum $29.99.
Amber with a faint salmon hue. Sweet, caramel and floral nose. A smooth, glycerous, entry leads to a off-dry, medium-bodied palate with subtle, molasses, cocoa, and tropical fruit flavors. Finishes with a lingering, hot, pepper and brown spice fade. (tasted on 2002-06-14)
88 • The Old Mill Gold Rum $15.95.
Pale amber color. Light vanilla and marmalade aromas. A round, supple entry leads to a medium body with pleasant, light caramel, dried fruit, and subtle oak spice. Finishes with a dry, toffee-like fade. A well-balanced and modest rum. (tasted on 2002-05-30)
88 • Don Q Cristal Rum.
Clear. Subtle, tropical flower nose. A round entry leads to a smooth, very dry, medium-bodied palate with sugarcane stalk and dried herbs. Finishes with a snappy, peppery fade. A very nice, understated, mixing-style rum. (tasted on 2002-06-14)
88 • Clarke's Court Old Grog Rum $26.
Golden amber hue. Perfumed spice, buttery toffee, and baked fruit aromas are interesting. A soft, round entry leads to a juicy, medium-bodied palate with caramel, banana nut fudge, pear cider, and ginger spice notes. Finishes with a floral fade of dried tropical fruit cocoa powder and pepper. Interesting flavors. (tasted on 2003-06-17)
88 • Sea Wynde Rum $40.
Pale amber hue. Complex nose of caramel, herbs, spice, and albumen. A delicate entry leads to a dry medium-bodied palate with spicy, nut fudge, unsweetened cocoa, pepper, and rubber notes. Finishes with a smoky, medicinal, copper-influenced note and a brush of tingling heat. A very dry, smoky aged rum designed for pot still spirit aficionados. (tasted on 2003-06-17)
88 • Cruzan Estate Dark Rum $12.
Rich amber. Subtle caramel and toasted nut nose. A round entry leads to a light-to medium-bodied palate with straightforward caramel, citrusy spice, and nut flavors. Finishes cleanly with a toasty vanilla finish and a touch of pepper. (tasted on 2003-06-26)
88 • Ron Santa Teresa Gran Reserva Rum $14.99.
Tea-like, golden amber color. Sweet coconut cream, brown spice, and caramel aromas. A quick entry leads to a light-to medium-bodied palate with toasted marshmallows, roasted nuts, molasses, and brown spices. Finishes with a spicy wave of smoky wood and caramel. A crisp lively quaffer that would make a very good cocktail. (tasted on 2004-06-10)
88 • Cohete Gold Rum with Guarana $11.99.
Old gold color. Smoky, toasted rye bread and raisin aromas. A delicate entry leads to a soft, glycerous, dry medium-bodied palate with understated rubbery banana peel, date, caramel, medicinal herbs, and peppery brown spice. Finishes with a lingering sugar cane juice and pepper fade. Very nicely textured with an interesting herbal streak. (tasted on 2004-06-11)
