Over the past few days, we have celebrated the most exotic single casks, the most creative blends, and the finest sweet rum creations. We have awarded medals to rums that are so rare that you hardly ever get to see them.
- The category: It's not points that count here, but activity – which bottles were rated most frequently in 2025?
- The reality: An unfiltered look at what really ends up in the community's glasses.
- The winner: Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva remains the undisputed king of home bars.
- Surprise: With the Planteray TDL 2003, a limited-edition cask-strength monster makes it into the top 3 of mass popularity for the first time.
But at the end of the day, one crucial question remains: What really ends up in the glasses? Which bottles are bought, opened, shared, and hotly debated?
No points are awarded in this category. Only activity counts here. We analyzed which rums received the most reviews in 2025. These are the true rulers of the home bar—the rums that moved our community the most.
The most popular rums 2025
These three icons were the most common sights on your tables in 2025 and moved the community like no others—here are the undisputed crowd favorites united in one picture:
🥇 1ST PLACE: Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva
RX3 | 176 reviews in 2025 | Median: 7.3 / 10 Origin: Venezuela | Manufacturer: DUSA
The verdict Some things never change—and that's a good thing. Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva is and remains the undisputed gateway to the world of premium rum. Almost every rum fan has started their journey with this iconic green bottle. The fact that it is still at the top of the rankings in 2025 proves that it is the lowest common denominator in the rum scene. It doesn't hurt anyone, (almost) everyone likes it, and it's always there when you need it.
Tasting Notes A basket full of orange peel, toffee, and licorice. This is accompanied by warm spices and a distinct honey sweetness. It is smooth, creamy, and forgiving. The perfect “comfort dram” for cold days.
🥈 2nd PLACE: Planteray XO 20th Anniversary
RX1 | 169 reviews in 2025 | Median: 8.0 / 10 Origin: Barbados | Manufacturer: Maison Ferrand
The verdict The “pop star” of the rum world strikes again! Having already secured the title of Best Classic, it also lands on the podium in terms of popularity. Only 7 reviews less than the winner – it was a neck-and-neck race until the very last minute! The Planteray XO manages to appeal to both beginners and advanced drinkers like no other rum.
Tasting Notes Pure exoticism: coconut, vanilla, caramel, and banana. The cognac finish gives it an elegant note that sets it apart from pure sweet rum. A rum that always fits the bill.
🥉 3rd PLACE: Planteray Trinidad TDL 2003
RX23888 | 129 reviews in 2025 | Median: 8.4 / 10 Origin: Trinidad | Manufacturer: Maison Ferrand
The verdict This is the surprise of the year! While the usual suspects occupy first and second place, a limited edition rum crashes the party in third place. Why? Because Maison Ferrand has made the impossible possible: launching a 22-year-old cask strength rum for around €60. The community could hardly believe their luck and snapped it up. This is proof that value for money is still the strongest selling point.
Tasting Notes A firework display of yellow fruits: papaya, sweet and sour mango, and delicate vanilla. Added to this is a note of gasoline and fresh mint/menthol that is typical of Trinidad and almost “dirty.” Complex, challenging, and incredibly delicious.
🏁 That was the RumX Awards 2025
Dear community, what a week! Together, we looked back on 60,000 reviews, read hundreds of comments, and celebrated the diversity of our favorite spirit.
These awards have shown that the world of rum is more vibrant than ever. We see a clear dichotomy: on the one hand, the renaissance of sweetness, which is attracting new connoisseurs. On the other hand, the triumph of the purists, where independent bottlers and single casks are setting new standards of quality.
To mark the end of the ceremony, we gathered the champions from all categories together once more for a final “family photo.” Here is the crème de la crème of the rum world in 2025:
A huge THANK YOU to all of you! RumX is not a company, RumX is a movement. Without each and every one of you sharing your tasting notes, uploading photos, and answering questions in the forum, this platform would be nothing more than an empty database. You make RumX what it is: the most honest barometer of the rum scene.
Thanks also go to our partner shops that supply us with liquid gold, to the auction houses that make dreams come true, and to the brands that seek dialogue with us despite our critical reviews.
The journey of 2025 is coming to an end, but 2026 is just around the corner. We are already working behind the scenes on new features to make RumX even better.
Raise your glasses (whether with Botucal, Caroni, or cola). To you. To rum. To 2026!
Mainstream or niche?
The numbers don't lie: these rums have moved the masses. Do you agree with this ranking? Are you “Team Botucal” and always have the winner in your house, or are you surprised by the masses' taste and prefer to stay in the niche? Tell us in the comments which of these “bestsellers” you actually drank in 2025!
Cheers to you! 🥃 This concludes the “Awards 2025” file. Thank you for every single rating, every comment, and every passionate discussion this week. You are the driving force behind RumX.
See you in the forum – here's to an exciting (and delicious) 2026! Cheers!
