Best Rum Gifts 2025: The Ultimate Rum Gift Guide
Choosing the right rum gift can feel a bit overwhelming if you are not a rum drinker yourself, especially when you are buying for someone who will genuinely appreciate a good bottle. Maybe they have recently got into rum and want to explore more of what is out there, or perhaps they already know their way around a few distilleries and you would love to surprise them with something new.
This guide brings together a collection of categories that make it easy to pick out a great present for friends or family. Whether you want something affordable, something impressive or simply something guaranteed to bring a smile when it is unwrapped, you will find plenty of ideas below. Most options are available at trusted retailers like The Whisky Exchange, so you can shop confidently even if you are still learning the basics yourself.
And if you happen to find something here that you want to treat yourself to, I am certainly not going to stop you.
Looking for something specific?
This guide is broken into eight clear categories, and you can tap any of the titles below to skip straight to the part that’s most useful.
- Best rums for beginners
- Great picks under £50
- Mixing and Spiced Rums
- Outstanding for the Price
- Premium Selections
- Accessories & Glassware
- Stocking Fillers and Small Gifts
- Rum Experiences
Best Rums for beginners
This section is for anyone who has recently taken an interest in rum and wants a bottle that is easy to enjoy and a little more interesting than the usual supermarket line up. When people ask me where to start, I always recommend rums that are approachable but still show character, because the right introduction can really shape someone’s excitement for the category. The bottles I’ve chosen here are all tried and tested beginner friendly (quite literally the bottles I started on) and perfect for gifting to someone who is just getting into rum and wants to explore the good stuff.
Suggested bottles:
Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva
This rum makes an ideal bridge from spiced rum with a sweet but balanced profile. I’ve not outgrown this spirit as its great to sip neat and mix in a cocktail.
El Dorado, 12 year
Well suited to a rum drinker that appreciates a neat sipper as much as a good rum and coke. This is a little less sweet than some of the other options in this category.
Appleton Estate, 12 year
It wouldn’t be a rum gift guide without including one Jamaican. This is a step up from the more well known signature blend. Whilst still being versatile enough to mix or drink neat.
Flor de Caña 12
Another rum I started my journey with… and whilst I no longer drink the 12, I’m no stranger to the other expressions from Flor de Caña. A great starting point.
Ron Zacapa 23 Solera
A nice starting point for a rum drinker coming over from spiced rums. This is a great education point for knowing what’s in you glass.
Chairman’s Reserve, Original
From the distillery where my rum journey began, this rum from Saint Lucia is one that I always have on the bar! Well rounded and hard not to love.
Great picks under £50
You really don’t need to spend a fortune to give a great rum gift. In fact, some of my favourite everyday pours sit comfortably under the £50 mark… and every bottle here is one that I still revisit regularly.
This category focuses on bottles that deliver proper flavour and great balance while staying wallet friendly. If you are buying for a friend or family member and want something that feels thoughtful without going over budget, this is a fantastic place to look. These are the rums I often recommend when someone asks for “something good that isn’t too expensive”.
Suggested bottles:
Eminente Reserva
The bottles itself is as well crafted as the liquid inside; this is always a favourite when I pour a glass for friends and is a great example of Cuban rum.
Worthy Park 109
One of my favourite expressions from Worthy Park, who won IWSC Rum Producer of the Year 2025. *mic drop*
Kakira Gold
This was one of my standout new rum discoveries at the Rum Show earlier this year. The Kakira Distillery from Uganda is definitely worth exploring.
Doorly’s 12 year
Coming from the world famous Foursquare Distillery in Barbados, Doorly’s 12 year is a stand out rum at the Real Rum Experience tasting earlier this year.
Dos Maderas Atlantic
If you are a fan of Pedro Ximénez (sherry) then this rum delivers whilst still retaining all of the delicious rummy notes. (blog post)
Santiago de Cuba, 11 year
It’s an incredible neat sipper in this under £50 category as it is balanced and delivers great flavour. It also pairs well with dark chocolate.
Mixing and Spiced Rums
If the person you’re buying for loves cocktails at home or enjoys experimenting with flavours, this category is designed for them. Mixing rums and spiced rums can be brilliantly versatile, and there is a lot of fun to be had with bottles that play well with cola, ginger beer, fruit juices or classic cocktail recipes. Spiced and flavoured rums often get quite a lot of stick, but I’m firmly in the camp of drink what you like, how you like it… just know what you’re drinking! That is exactly why every spiced rum I’ve selected here is from a brand I know are doing it properly. Over the years I’ve found that good mixing rums often become the most used bottles on the shelf, so these suggestions focus on reliable flavour, balance and value.
Suggested bottles:
Chairman’s Reserve, Spiced
This is the rum that started my rum journey and one that remains very special to me! Whether you’re drinking this neat, with Coke or mixing up a Soufriere negroni.. you really can’t go wrong with this rum!
Takamaka Rum Blanc
I could have easily chosen any of the other rums from Takamaka but this expression despite being the cheapest in their range is very flavourful and makes a stunning Daiquiri or Mojito.
Planteray Cut & Dry
Until recently this bottle was exceptionally difficult to get your hands on outside of the Caribbean… now part of the core range this bottle has a very pleasant coconut punch. Try mixing into a spirit forward cocktail.
Phraya Gold
This rum from Thailand looks much more expensive than it is with the gold gilding, and the liquid inside lends itself to cocktails nicely with a balanced profile.
Revival Honey & Anise
Northamptonshire, UK might not be your typical rum producing region but it’s great to see the quality of their bottlings and commitment to doing things properly.
Anne Bonny
This has become one of my go to cocktail rums! A blend of rums from Jamaica, Dominican Republic and Réunion combined with vanilla and spices. (blog post)
Oustanding for the Price
Some rums hit that perfect balance of quality and price, offering a level of flavour that drinks far above what you might expect. These are the bottles I tend to recommend when someone wants the “sweet spot” of the category, something that feels special without needing a special occasion. I’ve chosen these because they consistently impress, whether you are gifting to a developing enthusiast or someone who appreciates getting the most from a bottle… and in my opinion they punch well above their price tag.
Suggested bottles:
Hampden Estate 1753
This offers an approachable entry into Jamaican high-ester rum. It brings funk and intensity, in a way that’s incredible for newcomers and enthusiasts alike.
Planteray PXXO
I’ve started to think of this as an Old Fashioned in a bottle! It’s a super enjoyable neat sipper that drinks really well neat or poured over a large ice cube.
Black Tot, Historic Solera
This is an outstanding to drink neat and super flavourful in spirit forward cocktails. Chewy and sticky with chocolate, raisins, ginger and dark fruit jam. (blog post)
Flor de Caña 18
Flor de Caña 18 is a refined Nicaraguan rum and a big step up from the 12 year mentioned earlier in this guide. It will make a great gift for anyone who enjoys a refined profile rather than bold flavours. (blog post)
Havana Seleccion de Maestros
This bottle from Havana Club is a must have for anyone who enjoys a classic Cuban style rum with a little extra weight and character behind it.
Admiral Rodney, HMS Royal Oak
Coming from the same distillery as Chairman’s Reserve this earns it’s place in this section for delivering a rich, complex, balanced profile without a premium price tag.
Premium Selections
When you really want to make an impact, the premium end of the rum world is where you’ll find bottles that feel genuinely special. These selections are aimed at people who already love rum and appreciate depth, complexity and a bit of ceremony when they open something new. I’ve chosen rums that stand out not just for flavour, but for the story, the craft and that sense of occasion they bring. And if you’re planning to spend a little more, it’s always worth subtly asking whether there’s a particular bottle they’ve been eyeing up. Premium picks can be personal choices, so a quick check can make sure your gift lands perfectly without spoiling the surprise.
Suggested bottles:
Transcontinental Rum Line, Panama 2006
This is my highest rated rum to date. Truly a best in class Panamanian rum. Great complexity and depth of flavours whilst remaining very approachable. blog post
Black Tot, Master Blender’s Reserve 2025
Always a highly anticipated annual release. this years Master Blender’s Reserve is “A perpetual blend of the world’s finest and rarest rums”. (blog post)
Foursquare ECS
The Exceptional Cask Series is where Foursquare really shows off what they can do, with each release it’s own take on balance, complexity and character. You can’t go wrong with any of the ECS releases.
Caroni
Caroni bottlings always feel like opening a piece of rum history. The distillery closed decades ago – but the heavy, oily Caroni profile lives on through the remaining casks that keep it’s cult status alive.
Appleton 2002 (Hearts Collection)
This 2002 vintage was blended from 20 casks and aged for a minimum of 20 years. An outstanding expression of 100% pot still Jamaican rum.
El Dorado 2012 High Ester (LBI-DHE)
I’m already a big fan of the core bottlings from El Dorado and this high ester blend offers a great insight into the bold flavours of two iconic stills.
Accessories & Glassware
Rum gifts don’t always need to be bottles. Sometimes the best presents are the ones that enhance the experience. Proper glassware, tasting tools or home-bar accessories can make a huge difference, especially for someone building their setup. I have always believed that a great glass can elevate even the simplest pour, so this section highlights items that pair perfectly with the rums in the guide.
Ideas include:
Glencairn
When it comes to sitting down with a rum and doing a proper tasting session there really is no better option than a Glencairn tasting glass.
Decanter
A good decanter makes a wonderful statement piece for any home bar.
Rocks Glass
A Glencairn is great for tastings, but nothing beats a rocks glass for comfort.
Travel Bag
If you’re planning on getting out and about with your new bottles of rum and want to make sure they stay safe when travelling this bag is a must have!
Boston Cocktail Set
A must have for any cocktail enthusiast. A Boston shaker is the staple of any home bar.
Flight Flask Traveler
Sometimes you just don’t want to be lugging around full size bottles when just a dram will do the trick. Compact and secure, this is the perfect way to travel.
Stocking Fillers and Small Gifts
These little extras are great for rum themed hampers, Secret Santa or adding alongside a main bottle.
If you are putting together a small rum themed bundle, doing Secret Santa or just want something thoughtful to accompany a bottle, this category is ideal. Miniatures, tasting add-ons or small rum friendly treats often make brilliant stocking fillers. I love receiving these just as much as I enjoy gifting them
Ideas include:
Saint Lucia: a History of Sugar Cane and Rum
Dave Marsland’s book brings Saint Lucia’s sugar estates, distilleries and rum heritage to life in a rich, detailed tribute to every bottle the island has produced. A must have for every serious rum enthusiast.
Bitters
A must have ingredient for any cocktail lover. You can think of bitters as seasoning for your cocktail. Just like a pinch of salt can elevate a dish, a dash of bitters can unlock an entire flavour profile.
Samples – Tasting Box
Samples make a great stocking filler or an opportunity to explore multiple different rums – you should be able to find most of the rums available in sample form if you can’t decide between them!
Chocolate
Rum and chocolate make wonderful pairings! Half of the fun is finding the right chocolate origin & percentage and then finding a rum that compliments it.
Hip Flask
When you’re going somewhere that doesn’t have any good rum… or even none at all! A trusty hip flask is your best friend for having a great rum on hand.
Notebooks
For events and days out I recommend a reporter style to jot down quick notes and a larger hardback notepad and satisfying pen when sat at home going into detail!
Rum Experiences
For gifts that go beyond the bottle, a rum experience can be unforgettable. Tastings, talks or mixology sessions are brilliant for anyone who enjoys learning as much as sipping. I’ve always enjoyed seeing how these experiences open up new appreciation for rum, which is why I wanted to include them. They make fantastic presents for couples, friends or anyone who loves trying something new.
Ideas include:
The Rum Show
The Rum Show is a brilliant deep dive into the wider world of rum, with an incredible number of bottles available to taste alongside masterclasses and special releases you won’t often find elsewhere.
Here’s what I had to say about this years event!
The next event is: 10th – 11th July 2026
Real Rum Experience
The Real Rum Experience runs regular tasting events throughout the year, offering a relaxed and educational way to explore quality rum, from well known favourites to lesser seen gems.
I’ve done lots of writeups on their events here and regularly attend them myself!
Manchester Rum Fest
Manchester Rum Festival pairs a vibrant atmosphere with genuinely engaging tasting masterclasses, giving you the chance to explore a wide range of rums with insight directly from the people who make them.
Here’s what I had to say about this years event!
The next event is: 4th July 2026
Wrapping It Up (pun intended)
Rum is one of the most diverse spirits out there and there really is something for everyone, from the newcomer to the long time enthusiast. The best gifts are always the ones chosen with a little thought behind them. Whether you go for a great all rounder, a bold new flavour or a helpful accessory, the right rum gift can spark curiosity and create some brilliant conversations.
If you want to keep exploring, you will find plenty more reviews, guides and rum chat across the rest of the blog.
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