Best Classic Rums 2025

These rums are not just a passing fad. They have been on the market for years, are available in large quantities, and offer a quality that often far exceeds their price. Whether enjoyed neat or as the backbone of a high-quality cocktail, you can't go wrong with these bottles.

They are meant to be drunk, not collected. And that's exactly what we love about them.

The best classic rums 2025

Here are the three perennial favorites that the RumX community relied on most in 2025.

They are the rocks in the surf and should not be missing from any well-stocked home bar – here, our three living legends have gathered for the winning photo:

🥇 1ST PLACE: Planteray XO 20th Anniversary

RX1 | (formerly Plantation XO) Median: 8.0 / 10 | Reviews: 169 Origin: Barbados | Manufacturer: Maison Ferrand

The story behind the rum It is the “pop star” of the rum world. Who doesn't know the iconic bulbous bottle with the raffia net? For many, Planteray XO is their introduction to the world of premium rum – and for many, it remains their eternal love. Created to mark Alexandre Gabriel's 20th anniversary as master blender, this rum is first aged for many years in the tropics of Barbados before being finished in small cognac barrels in France.

What the community says “A rum like a warm handshake.” The community values it as the ultimate “sipping rum” for relaxed evenings. It is uncomplicated, but never boring. A rum that you can proudly serve to guests who are not yet rum experts.

Tasting Notes The Caribbean in a glass. Intense coconut meets vanilla, caramel candies, and ripe banana. The light dosage (sweetening) makes it incredibly smooth and velvety on the palate. A dessert you can drink.

🥈 SECOND PLACE: Foursquare Doorly's 14 Years

RX313 | Median: 8.0 / 10 | Reviews: 65 Origin: Barbados | Manufacturer: Foursquare

The story behind the rum Richard Seale from Foursquare is known as the guardian of unsweetened rum. With Doorly's 14, he has achieved something that is almost outrageous: bringing a rum to market that has been aged for an impressive 14 years in the tropics and often costs less than €70. It is the “value rocket” of the year (value for money).

What the community says “The smart buy for connoisseurs.” If you're looking for an honest, complex, and dry rum without spending a fortune, this is the one for you. Many users describe it as the best standard rum currently available.

Tasting Notes Unlike Planteray, this rum is completely unsweetened. It captivates with fine vanilla, coconut, and tropical fruits (mango, papaya), carried by spicy oak. At 48% alcohol, it has just the right “punch” but always remains elegant and creamy.

🥉 3rd PLACE: Hampden Rum Fire

RX5390 | Median: 8.0 / 10 | Reviews: 51 Origin: Jamaica | Manufacturer: Hampden Estate

The story behind the rum Attention, it's about to get loud! Hampden Rum Fire is the rock star of white rums. Unaged, wild, and packed with esters. In the past, this style was used almost exclusively to flavor confectionery, but today it is the cult substance for bartenders and nerds. If you want to take your daiquiri or Mai Tai to a new level, reach for this bottle with the flame on the label.

What the community says “Pure funk!” The community loves it for taking no prisoners. It polarizes, but those who love it never want to mix without it again. An absolute hit in terms of value for money, proving that rum doesn't always have to be brown to be complex.

Tasting Notes As soon as you open the bottle, the whole room smells of overripe banana, pineapple, green olives, and a hint of “gas station” (in the best sense!). On the palate, an explosion of fruit and power. Not for the faint of heart, but brilliant for strong drinks.

Outlook: Sweet temptations

From dry classics and wild Jamaicans, tomorrow we'll be heading into a whole new world. We'll be focusing on the category that was the starting point of the journey for many. It's going to be sweet, it's going to be aromatic, it's going to be delicious.