This winter, banish the chill with a warming tot of rum. Drinks expert Helena Nicklin sampled a range of supermarket rums, offering her expert opinion on which bottles offer the best value and flavour. From budget-friendly options to premium sippers, her reviews provide a helpful guide for rum enthusiasts and curious newcomers alike.
For those seeking a truly indulgent experience, the Ten To One Caribbean Dark Rum stands out. This artisanal blend, crafted from rums sourced from Barbados, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and Trinidad, offers a complex flavour profile and a luxuriously smooth finish. Aged in white oak ex-bourbon casks, it is equally delightful enjoyed neat or as a base for sophisticated cocktails. However, this quality comes at a price, making it a splurge rather than an everyday indulgence.
Budget-conscious rum drinkers need not despair. Asda’s Fine Dark Navy Rum offers remarkable value, proving that a satisfying tipple doesn’t require a hefty price tag. While not ideal for sipping neat, this rum shines in cocktails. Its mellow dark spice and molasses notes evoke the classic Lambs Navy rum, making it an excellent choice for mixing with cola and a slice of lime. Similarly, Aldi’s Old Hopking Premium Caribbean Spirit Dark Rum Deluxe offers another affordable option, although its flavour profile lacks the typical molasses and marzipan notes of a traditional dark rum. Its vanilla sweetness and diminished alcoholic burn when mixed make it suitable for enjoying with cola or ginger beer.
For those with a sweet tooth, Asda’s Caribbean Spiced Spirit Drink offers a unique experience, albeit not a true representation of classic rum. Infused with lemon and caramel, this sweet and vanilla-scented spirit evokes flavours of cream soda rather than Caribbean spices. While it might not appeal to purists, its unique profile could be a delightful treat for those seeking a sweeter, less traditional rum experience. Sainsbury’s Caribbean Pearl Dark Rum provides another option for mixed drinks, with its nostalgic blend of brown sugar, spice, and dried fruit. While its slightly harsh finish makes it less suitable for sipping neat, it’s a solid choice for punches or cocktails like the Cuba Libre.
Lidl’s James Cook White Rum, once a strong contender against Bacardi, has lost some of its punch due to a lowered ABV. It remains a budget-friendly option suitable for mixing in mojitos or with cola, but it no longer packs the same flavour intensity. Tesco’s White Rum, on the other hand, provides excellent value and versatility. This litre bottle offers a substantial amount of rum at an attractive price, making it an excellent alternative to more expensive brands like Bacardi. Its lighter flavour profile makes it a perfect base for a variety of cocktails and mixed drinks.
Finally, Aldi triumphs again with its Cassario Black Spiced Flavour With Rum. This clever dupe of the popular Kraken spiced rum offers a similar flavour profile, with a touch of added sweetness, at a significantly lower price. Its 40% ABV delivers a satisfying kick, making it a fantastic choice for crafting daiquiris, pina coladas, or other rum-based cocktails. Overall, this diverse selection of supermarket rums demonstrates that finding a delicious and affordable bottle is well within reach, ensuring a warm and spirited winter season.
