The term “underrated” refers to something that is either not rated appropriately or overlooked. That phrase certainly applies to the alcohol world as there are myriad underrated and underappreciated tequilas, whiskeys, gins, and rums (among other spirits. And while we could write an article diving into the booze-soaked diamonds in the rough in all the different spirits, today it’s the lesser-known rums’ time to shine.
In my years writing about alcohol, I’ve tried expressions from all the big names like Bacardi, Captain Morgan, Appleton Estate, Mount Gay, and more. While I’ve enjoyed many rums from these big names, I’ve found that I enjoy them even more when I broaden my taste horizons and try some lesser-known, underrated rums from other distilleries and brands.
Experts tell us the most underrated rums
I understand the appeal of buying the same rum every time. You know how versatile it is, how well it mixes into your favorite cocktail, and you have a good grasp on the aromas and flavors. But if you really want to build your rum palate, you’ll try something different from time to time. Lucky for you, there are a lot to choose from, and many of them are highly underrated.
If the challenge of taking a break from your favorite rum and trying something lesser-known seems a little daunting, there’s nothing to fear. This is because I’ve done the hard work for you. I reached out to a handful of well-known bartenders and overall rum experts to get their picks for the most underrated rums on the market. Below, you’ll find all of their choices. Some you’ve likely heard of and others might be new to you. All are underappreciated and don’t receive the acclaim they deserve. Keep scrolling to see them in all of their sugarcane-based glory. It looks like you’re going to have a few new rum expressions to add to your home bar cart.
Appleton Estate 12 Year Rare Casks
“Appleton 12 is one of those bottles that quietly overdelivers. It’s got real structure. Dried fruit, orange peel, a little funk, and it holds up whether you’re sipping it or building with it. A lot of people still think of rum as something sweet or basic, but this is where it starts to get serious.” – Sam Yeakley, Lead Mixologist at The Foundry in Dayton, Ohio
Rhum Clément
“Rhum Clément is consistently overlooked, especially in the U.S. Unlike molasses-based rums, this agricole rhum is made from fresh sugarcane juice, delivering grassy, floral, and slightly savory notes that are far more complex and terroir-driven. Most consumers still associate rum with sweetness or tropical cocktails, but agricole rhum challenges that perception with structure and elegance more akin to fine whisky or cognac.” – Heidi Finley, Assistant Food & Beverage Manager at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota
Lemon Hart & Son 1804
“Lemon Hart & Son 1804 is a dark rum that’s light, versatile, and packed with flavors like chocolate pudding, vanilla bean, and blackstrap molasses. From daiquiri variations to painkillers, Hart stands up to all kinds of applications.” – Marek Zarnow, L Bistro, Bar Manager in Seattle
Planteray OFTD
“It might not be an ‘underrated’ rum to bartenders, who almost universally love the Planteray rum family and in particular the Stiggins’ Fancy Pineapple, but for those who haven’t worked at a great Tiki bar, you may not have heard of my personal favorite: Planteray OFTD. Coming in at a whopping 69% ABV, this overproof rum was created by some of the best palates and deepest rum knowledge in the modern world to make the perfect blend of rums from across the globe, to make a modern expression of original historic rum examples. The bottle says it stands for “Old Fashioned Traditional Dark”, but the real ones know that it actually means “Oh F*** That’s Delicious” – and I stand by that. While it does pack quite a punch, it has so much depth and richness with so many nuances, from those classic funky Jamaican notes to caramel and molasses to drier, more savory herbal undertones. It will elevate any complex cocktail but is also complex enough to enjoy on the rocks – perhaps with a splash of water.” – Molly Horn, Chief Mixologist & Spirits Educator at Total Wine & More
Clément Canne Bleue
“Rhum Agricole (Clément Canne Bleue), I was actually just introduced to the Canne Bleue, and honestly, it was love at first sip. People expect rum to be all caramel and molasses, but this is the move if you want something that actually tastes like the plant it came from. It’s grassy, bright, and earthy. It’s got the funk you want and need to make a Daiquiri taste alive rather than just like lime and sugar. If you are a gin drinker looking to pivot, this is the bottle that usually wins drinks over.” – Sarah Foley, Bar Manager at Bar Sur Mer in Seattle
Now that the hard work is finished…enjoy the drink.
