Rum, often associated with its laid-back energy and tropical origins, has experienced a resurgence in popularity in recent years. Portrayed as more than just a base for fruity cocktails, rum has undergone a renaissance, similar to that experienced by tequila, revealing a rich heritage and craftsmanship that has been overlooked for centuries. This newfound appreciation has resulted in a demand for premium and super-premium rums, as mixologists and drinkers alike explore the intricate flavors and complexities found in quality rum.
The San Francisco World Spirit Competition
The San Francisco World Spirit Competition (SFWSC), known as the “Oscars” of the spirit world, recently announced its list of finalists for the Best in Class Rum Awards. With a legacy of forty-four years, the SFWSC is a prestigious international competition that evaluates spirits through blind taste-testing by industry experts. A medal from this event, whether bronze, silver, gold, or double gold, signifies excellence. However, being named a finalist reflects something truly exceptional in the world of rum, making these bottles highly sought after by aficionados.
Exploring the Top Five Finalists
1. **Saltwater’s Crew Only 8-Year-Old Rum:** Hailing from Germany, Saltwater’s Crew Only Rum is a blend of rums from various countries, resulting in tasting notes of caramel, toffee, molasses, and leather. Priced at an affordable $33, this rum exemplifies the global appeal and quality of modern rums.
2. **Zacapa XO:** Produced in Guatemala, Zacapa Distillery is renowned for its unique use of virgin sugar cane honey in their rums, providing a smooth and sweet flavor profile. The Zacapa XO is a blend of rums aged between 10 and 25 years, finished in French cognac barrels, offering a rich and complex taste experience at $119 per bottle.
3. **Flor de Cana 18:** With a history spanning over a century, Flor de Cana from Nicaragua produces rums with distinctive flavors and aromas. The Flor de Cana 18 undergoes meticulous aging, resulting in a rum with flavors of butterscotch, raisin, honey, and hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and orange peel. Priced at $58, this rum offers unparalleled depth and character.
4. **Mount Gay Single Estate Series:** Originating from Barbados and dating back to 1703, Mount Gay is one of the world’s oldest rum distilleries. Their Single Estate Series of rums, priced at $400, highlights the unique terroir of Barbados with flavors that balance sweetness and spice, a testament to their traditional distillation methods.
5. **The ImpEx Collection 2007 15 YO Long Pond Rum Cask:** Imported by ImpEx, a company specializing in premium spirits, this Jamaican rum aged for fifteen years offers tropical flavors of bananas, molasses, oak, and vanilla. Priced at $120, this unique rum showcases the dedication to craftsmanship and quality that defines the rum industry today.
As the world of rum continues to evolve and gain recognition for its craftsmanship and heritage, exploring the diverse range of premium rums available has become a delightful journey for enthusiasts and drinkers alike. The finalists of the SFWSC Rum Awards exemplify the excellence and innovation that define the top tier of the rum industry today, inviting connoisseurs to savor the complexity and depth of these exceptional spirits. Whether enjoyed neat or as part of a crafted cocktail, these rums offer a glimpse into the rich cultural tapestry and flavors that make rum a truly special spirit worth exploring.