The Best Dark Rums to Try in 2023

With dark rum on the rise, the amount of choice is overwhelming. There are all kinds of rums, made in different ways and priced at different levels. The dark rum that you fall in love with is of course impossible to predict, but these are some reliably delicious bottles we love to begin your search. And if you already love the Pirate’s Drink and fancy a new go-to, you might just find your new favourite below too.

£15-25

Watson's Trawler Rum

In case you hadn’t already guessed from the name or bottle, this tawny red Dominican rum is in the dark Navy style, using aged spirits from Barbados and Guyana which are blended harmoniously in the UK. A treasure chest of flavours, expect candied orange zest, raisins and prunes, smoky oak, molasses, and toasted sugar. At this price, it’s perfect with just a splash of cola and lime but would also make a stunning Rum Old Fashioned.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £19.09

Havana Club Añejo Especial

A Cuban staple on UK supermarket shelves, Havana is a reliable benchmark for most rums, and their Añejo Especial is no different. Like other Cuban rums, it is light for a darker rum, with delicious soft caramel, spiced oak, honey, cinnamon, and vanilla cream to be enjoyed in a dessert-esque palate. If you’re looking for a well-rounded, mellow and easy-drinking dark rum then look no further. Sip straight or try this in a tasty Mai Tai.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £19.74

O.V.D. Demerara Rum

O.V.D? It stands for Old Vatted Demerara. So yeah, this is Old Vatted Demerara Demerara Rum but that’s not the only reason it’s memorable. Distilled from molasses in a wooden still in Guyana, it is eventually bottled in Glasgow and it’s in the UK that it has developed somewhat of a cult following. Renowned for a modern profile of rich toffee, sultana, buttery caramel, the thick and syrupy mouthfeel is to die for. Keep to cola mixes and mellower cocktails and you really cannot go wrong.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £23.24

£25-£35

Appleton Estate 8 Year Old Reserve

Appleton needed something special to celebrate their 250th birthday and this sweet and velvety smooth rum was the perfect present for themselves and us. Aged for 8 years in Jamaica, the warm spices, honey, and toffee marry together in precise harmony and it scooped Gold at the prestigious San Francisco Spirit Awards. We think this is made for sipping neat but there is no doubting how much it would elevate something like a Dark n Stormy.

Size: UK 700m/ UK 750ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £29.94 / $32.99

Alnwick Rum

Alnwick is an in-your-face dark rum with a big kick of spice. The recipe goes way back to Northumberland over 90 years ago, and currently uses a blend of rums from Jamaica and Guyana, combined in Holland and bottled in Scotland – what a journey. Gloriously rich with caramel, woody vanilla, Demerara notes and dried raisins, this is a lip-smacking liquid comparable to stronger Navy rums that will add great intensity to any rum cocktail.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £31.24

£35-45

Ron Abuelo 12 Year Old

This Panamanian Rum is finished in whiskey barrels to impart a distinct vanilla sweetness and subtle smoke. The astounding toasted elegance, sugary spice and rich creaminess won it a Gold gong at the 2009 Ministry of Rum Tasting Competition, so try for yourself and see what all the fuss is about.

Size: UK 700ml/US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £36.94 / $39.99

Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva

One of the region’s best-known brands, Diplomático is known for its unique mixes of distillation methods, and their Reserva Exclusiva is made using copper pot stills – the process allocated to their most complex rums. The molasses-based rum matures in whiskey barrels to fill out with oaky vanilla spice, peppery plum and Christmas cake reminiscence. Award-winning, super classy and gorgeous instead of whiskey in a Manhattan.

Size: UK 700ml / US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £40.95 / $41.99

Copeland Smugglers Reserve Overproof Rum

If it’s not the brooding beautiful design that catches your eye, then it might just be the 57.2%. Copeland, known for their gin, have released this double pot distilled number which rests in bourbon and Pinot Noir casks. The result is deep and dark depths of burnt caramel, vanilla orange intertwining in a flavour that is definitely intense, so you pour over a little ice, orange peel and a subtle mixer of your choice. When you’re in the mood for this, it’s a dream.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 57.2%
Find here: £44.95

£45+

Angostura 15 Year Old "1787"

This is likely to be unlike any dark rum you’ve tried before. Moving away from the mellow, smooth, and spiced rum blends, this is old-school sea rum packed with molasses and spices. The liquid is so characterful, with a taste that reminds you of rum’s heritage. Charred oak with rich dried fruits marries cinnamon and crunchy sugar in a fantastic Trinidadian rum made for explorative sipping.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £67.99

Appleton Estate 21 Year Old

21 years of tropical maturation blesses the carefully selected blends that balance out this spectacular Jamaican rum. Scotch-like in its complexity, elegance and smoothness, warming spices such as ginger and cinnamon dance with leathery raisins (way more appealing than it initially sounds by the way) in a silky mix that feels thick and full. The special packaging sets you up for big expectations and the amber nectar within definitely exceeds them.

Size: UK 700ml /US 750ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £150 / $164.99

There are certain things that any fully fledged rum lover needs, so if you haven’t made your own dedicated home bar yet then check out these 7 Things Every Rum Lover Needs!

Renegade Rum: The Importance of Terroir in Rum

Compared to the worlds of wine and whisky, rum has a tendency to be viewed slightly differently. Someone looking to change this and lean on the importance of terroir and provenance is former Bruichladdich head Mark Reynier, with Renegade Rum in Grenada.

Setting his sights on rum after two decades of developing whisky, Renegade Rum’s philosophy was part strategic but also part accidental. On the one hand, Reynier’s approach for Renegade dates back seven years, and he answered the basic questions pretty quickly; sugarcane not molasses, and traditional pot stills not columns. These would enable him to shine all the light on the terroir of spirits and Grenada’s stand-out conditions. But this is where the first big problem arose.

No one in Grenada wanted to farm sugar cane. After three years of searching, Reynier adopted the ‘if you need something doing, do it yourself’ mantra and began growing across an array of areas. This unplanned step into farming meant Reynier could use a diverse range of terroirs and microclimates and keep precision tracking over the provenance, with the ‘cane code’ on every bottle logging every production detail you can think of.

With the philosophy and methods of winemakers and the expertise of single malt distilleries, Renegade has evolved into a terroir study of rum, and more precisely the building blocks of sugar cane. Each Étude bottle, their first aged rum, displays a single terroir of cane that went into it, be that from New Bacolet or Pearls.

Both were aged in premium French and American oak before being bottled at 55% ABV but have subtly different offerings. New Bacolet is filled with deep, dried fruits and sweet oak, whereas Pearls is rounded with less fruit and more cinnamon oak spice. We’re intrigued to see where this laser focus on rum terroir goes, and what other mouth-watering open-book bottles come out of it!

The small-scale bottlings of Étude have now rolled out across the world, you can visit Renegade Rum’s site for way more information on their fascinating work here and if you’re interested in investing in a cask then this is where to head!

7 Chocolate Liqueurs Perfect for Easter

We’re well and truly on the side of ‘you’re never too old for an easter egg’, but if one thing is better on Easter, it’s got to be a silky chocolate liqueur.

So, whether you’re into rich dark pours, vanilla whites or just adding some sweet chocolate magic to your favourite spirit, celebrate Easter with one of these delicious bottles.

For the rum lovers

Amaz-In Chocolate Créme Liqueur

Grenadian chocolate and Grenadian rum come together like an absolute dream in this velvety liqueur. It’s thick, rich and although the chocolate at the forefront is dangerously moreish, the subtle fruits underneath complete the profile really nicely. It’s perfect for sipping over ice, drizzled over a pudding for a touch of decadence, and of course, it’s crying out for a Caribbean cocktail.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 20%
Find here: £36.65

For the fruit lovers

Amarula Raspberry, Chocolate & African Baobab

If you're a fan of distinct and original chocolate liqueurs, then you simply have to try this South African gem. The creamy but surprisingly light Amarula, a liqueur created from the fruit of the Marula tree, is joined by the standout addition of tart raspberries, sweet chocolate as well as nutritious African baobab fruit (one of the best-tasting superfoods on the planet). This combination of delicate citrus, raspberry tang and sweet caramelly chocolate cream is mouth-watering and it’s what won Amarula a Gold at The Liqueur Masters in 2021.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 15.5%
Find here: £17

For the tequila lovers

Mis Amigos Chocolate Tequila Liqueur

Mis Amigos have leaned into the potential of earthy, vegetal agave by blending it with rich dark chocolate and cocoa, and the results are delicious. It’s another Gold medal award winner, praised for its super smoothness and versatility in cocktails. Try it in a Chocolate Margarita which might sound a bit odd, but just trust us it’s sublime.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 25%
Find here: £22.99

For the grappa lovers

Bottega Nero - Cioccolato Nero e Grappa (Dark Chocolate)

For those not familiar, grappa is an Italian pomace brandy, so it’s usually made using leftover grape skins from winemaking. This blend is literally like drinking the smoothest milk chocolate there is in terms of texture, but with the rich depth of flavour dark chocolate gives. The distinct personality of the drink is completed by the Veneto grappa adding an oomph to the indulgence. Be warned - once people try this, they are desperate for more!

Size: 500ml
ABV: 15%
Find here: £18.99

For the white chocolate lovers

Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur

For nearly a century Godiva has been mastering the art of chocolatier-ing in Belgium, and as one of the most trusted premium chocolatiers, they have moved into liqueurs. Godiva White Chocolate is everything you want it to be and more, with delicate white chocolate and soft Madagascar vanilla combining for total unapologetic lushness. A White Chocolatini is probably the single most indulgent cocktail you can concoct, and we’d recommend it over most puddings.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 15%
Find here: UK £34.99 // US $49.21

For the bourbon lovers

Charlie Parry's Chocolate Bourbon Liqueur

Bourbon and chocolate are a classic marriage, with the sweetness of the chocolate pulling the caramel from the bourbon, and the bourbon’s smooth, smoky depth wrapping the chocolate tastefully. Elegant dark chocolate is used here to avoid over-sweetness, and instead, there’s a curious rich bittersweetness created alongside toasted oak and sweet vanilla. If you love your Old Fashioned then you simply have to try this in one. If you’re in a very different mood then it also works great in milkshakes or over a quality vanilla ice cream!

Size: 500ml
ABV: 20%
Find here: £19.95

For the vodka lovers

Riverside Chocolate Vodka Liqueur

Some bottles just deserve attention, and this is one of them. Isn’t she a beauty? Riverside Spirits up in Cheshire is responsible, and they’ve filled it with something more than worthy; a velvety sweet chocolate vodka. The warmth of the vodka kicks in beautifully through the rich dark cocoa for an incredibly satisfying sip. Serve it with a little ice and it’s amazing.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 20%
Find here: £24.95

We’re chocolate mad at the moment with Easter around the corner so check out these top choc and drinks pairings if you want to keep the two separate!

The Ultimate Mother’s Day Drinks Guide

Mother’s Day is nearly here which you no doubt already knew (most of you anyway ;)) so if you’re wanting to gift some drinks that are a little bit different from the same options every year, look no further.

For whatever drinks Mum likes, we’ve got our briefcase full of options open and ready for your perusal. Wine, gin, whisky, rum, Irish cream... there’s even mead! A glass of these on the big day from you and you’ll earn serious brownie points.

For the wine loving mum

Pasqua - ‘Hey French You Could Have Made This But You Didn’t’

The Pasqua family have been pulling together classic white wines in the Soave area of Venito since the 1920s, but this bottle expresses them best, living up to the bolshy name. Designed by CB Hoyo, the striking label is 100% gift-worthy and as soon as you set eyes on it, you know you’re in for something distinct. Inside is a blend of vintages from 2015 to 2018 and the complexity is remarkable, with light freshness and floral notes pinned down by strong structure. Think fruit-forward peach, mandarin and subtle zest with a rounded comforting finish hinting at nuts and freshly baked bread. Unique and definitely worth gifting this Mother’s Day.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £32 Harrods

Specially Selected Fleurs D'eau Sparkling Brut Rosé

Aldi’s sparkling range is seriously underrated, and this perky blend is full of fruit with juicy melon and pear on the nose and a delicate and superbly balanced dry palate of strawberries, redcurrants and a little honey. Each sip feels harmonious, and is bound to make Mum’s Day!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.5%
Find here: £7.99 Aldi

For the gin loving mum

Mirabeau Rosé Gin

One of our favourite gins inside and out, Mirabeau kicks off with the familiar botanical base (juniper-forward, angelica, coriander, orris, citrus) but then comes the showstopper. Local Saint Tropez twists of Provence including rosemary, thyme and bay and of course, their splendid Classic Rosé distillate elevates this to the next level. So, satisfying, glamorous and brimming with fresh fruit and florality. It’s the cheapest way to transport your Mum to the French Riviera this Mother’s Day!

It's a cocktail game-changer too, as we discovered here!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £28 Waitrose

Whitley Neill Banana & Guava Gin

This is Banana & Guava gin that’s eye-catching for different reasons. Bringing summer forward, this is a smooth and refreshing gin for Mum’s with a sweet-tooth. The guava is juicy and tropical, the banana is ripe and distinct, but the overall blend carries itself with a sophistication and balance you might not initially expect.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 41.3%
Find here: £26 Tesco

For the whiskey loving mum

The Three Drinkers & Sliabh Liag - The Legendary Red Silkie Irish Whiskey

That’s right, we’ve worked with the wonderful Donegal distillers Sliabh Liag to produce a classic Irish whiskey that leans into our love of good wine. Velvety rich liquid carries plush red fruits from Pomerol barrels in Bordeaux, and it’s all wrapped in very subtle smoke with a little candied orange and caramel. Humble brag, but we think we’ve made something very special (Sliabh Liag did all the hard work of course!). Oh, and £1 from every purchase goes towards the amazing mental health charity My Black Dog!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: £49.99

For the rum loving mum

Depth Charge Spiced Rum

This is powerful Caribbean rum with oodles of flavour. Lime and mandarin bring fresh and zippy citrus to the core, but baking spices linger on the tongue moreishly too. It’s the opposite of forgettable with great vibrance – cola notes, peppercorn, orange, caramel, vanilla and a citrus streak throughout holding it together. There’s so much to explore neat over ice, but its versatility means it’ll be a hit with your usual rum mixers. A guaranteed hit for a Mum that likes spiced rum that’s for sure.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £23.95

For the Irish Cream loving mum

Coole Swan Cream Liqueur

In a nutshell, this is white chocolate Irish Cream – I know right? Decadent Belgian white choc, single malt whiskey and fresh Irish Cream combine for the pinnacle of decadence. It’s unbelievably velvety with surprising balance given the sweetness. Serve it chilled or as a special Mother’s Day treat drizzle it over cheesecake for a truly indulgent dessert.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 16%
Find here: £26 Tesco (£22 Clubcard Price!)

For the Cocktail loving mum

Vineyards Peach Bellini

If you’re planning a Mother’s Day breakfast in bed offering, then why not start the day with some fizz for that special touch? Sweet peach fizzes in this crisp and refreshing ready to go Bellini. A smile in a glass and lovely way to start the day!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 4%
Find here: £3.15 Tesco

Raspberry Mojito

If you’re short on time, then don’t look down on these super affordable cans of Raspberry Mojito. They’re perfect for a refreshing fruity blend with raspberry and lime tang, but still have that cocktail style to add the extra touch on the big day. You could even be sneaky and pour it into a tall glass – would anyone know?

Size: 250ml
ABV: 5%
Find here: £1.95 Morrisons (Buy 4 for £6)

For the cognac loving mum

H by Hine VSOP Cognac

H is a delicious VSOP Cognac from one of the region’s oldest houses, Hine. A blend of over 10 Grande and Petite Champagne eau-de-vie, this smaller bottle will leave any Cognac loving Mum wanting more – but there’s always her birthday! Apricot, acacia, white pepper and iris can all be picked up when exploring this floral nectar that brings modern craftsmanship to a heritage brand... just as the bottle suggests.

Size: 200ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £20.95

For the mead loving mum

Gosnells Mead Tasting Box

Yes, there are mead loving mums, and they’ll be sure to appreciate the country’s top mead brand, Gosnells. This stylish set includes four different meads using bees from various urban and rural areas, and a booklet guiding you through the process and how the taste is affected. You also get four honey tasting pots as well! If you’re looking for a slightly unique gift, this is it.

Find here: £35 4 x 500ml mead bottles + 4 x 30ml honey pots

For the No-Low loving mum

Belvoir Elderflower & Rose Presse

We love Belvoir for their beautifully packaged and wonderfully crafted range of fizzes and cordials – I mean just look at this. It well and truly has the special feeling that some non-alcoholic drinks can fail on. It’s a Mother’s Day twist on their adored Elderflower Pressé with fresh lemon, freshly picked flowers and rose petal extract for delicate and 100% natural sparkling water. It tastes as delicious as it sounds – if not more and has gift written all over it.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £2.25 (usually more!)

REAL Dry Dragon Sparkling Tea

Another striking bottle, this kombucha uses Dragonwell Green Tea for a fizzy delight that’s kind of similar to Prosecco, but arguably a lot lusher. It’s one of the crispest liquids out there, with no artificial sweetness and a really elegant profile. It also has some health benefits too so it looks amazing, tastes great and it’s good for you!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £8 Waitrose

LA Brewery Rose Infused, Sparkling Kombucha

People are just loving kombucha right now so here’s another lovely bottle. The best of Devon’s white rose petals are infused alongside wild elderflower for a deeply floral and delicately poised dry liquid, that refreshes as much as it tantalises. It’s got fun fizz and just the right touch of acidity to be a great Mother’s Day white wine alternative.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £10

If you’re after more of an experience for Mother’s Day, then consider booking one of the many tasting trains cruising through the glorious British countryside.

12 Stunning Welsh Spirits You Need to Try

The range and quality of Welsh spirits are astounding, with master producers in every field. For some reason, it’s not always the first country on people’s lips when it comes to drinks so if you want to explore the finest Welsh spirits then we’ve got some belters for you below.

Whisky, Gin, Rum, Vodka, Liqueur, Vermouth – let’s dive in. Lechyd Da!

Whisky

Aber Falls Single Malt Whisky – Autumn 2021 Release

Sat in the shadow of Snowdon is Abergwyngregyn and the Aber Falls distillery. They’re new to the game having formed in 2017 and because of the pandemic, their inaugural release had to wait until 2021 – but it was worth it because it just might be the best value you can get from a whisky in the UK. It’s matured in a combination of Oloroso, Pedro Ximémnez, bourbon and virgin oak casks so you’ll notice generous doses of rich fruit and warming spice. The cherry on the cake is that local farmers are sourced for their Welsh barely with one eye always kept on sustainability. Bravo.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £24.44

Penderyn Portwood

This is Penderyn’s best whisky that justifies the price tag with every sip. Unbelievably smooth and light, rich and creamy notes of roasted nuts and chocolate blend with a resemblance of plum wine and a gorgeous jammy undertone. The initial ageing in Bourbon casks and second maturation in Port pipes has worked wonders. Simply sit back and savour over ice.

Size: UK 700ml / US 750ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: UK £54.90 / US $84.99

Gin

Brecon Botanicals Gin

Hinted at by the illustration, this special gin (from Penderyn again) infuses botanicals from the four corners of the world. Strictly speaking, only the final stages are completed in Wales but it’s so good that we’re still including it. Joining the pure Brecon Beacons water is a beautiful bouquet of citrus and bergamot, oriental spice, and coriander. Award-winning for good reason and incredible value to boot.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £23.65

Aber Falls Orange Marmalade Gin

Aber Falls might have a very remote setting, but we’re circling back there for their bold Marmalade Gin. It would have been easy to go overboard with the sweetness here but it’s balanced perfectly with punchy fresh range. It smells, looks and tastes absolutely divine and is developing a loyal fanbase already. It throws up so many interesting serves too, but ice, tonic and a slice of orange isn’t a half bad place to start.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 41.3%
Find here: £23.90

Hensol Castle Welsh Dry Gin

Tucked away in the cellar of the 17th century Hensol Castle is their craft gin distillery, and this benchmark London dry is the cream of their crop. It’s wonderfully refreshing with a seesaw of zest and floral notes from 11 locally sourced botanicals like lavender, marigold, and jasmine. Stunning.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 41%
Find here: £30

GWYR Gower Gin

Gower is a Welsh name with the original meaning of, ‘pure’, which is fitting for this gin. Juniper, lemon, pink grapefruit and fennel are the botanicals at play for a naturally crisp gin that manages earthy savoury notes and citrus sweetness so well. Full of flavour by itself, but try it with some ice and pink grapefruit tonic and it sings.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £37.95

Rum

Anglesey Rum Co. Skerries Dark Rum

Super smooth and deep in flavour, this is a delicious 100% pure cane molasses dark rum. If that wasn’t enough molasses, it’s also added after distillation is finished and the result is a really deep flavour with notes of chocolate, salted caramel and demerara sugar. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, it’s stunning with cola, but also give it a go in a Dark Daiquiri.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £38

Devil's Bridge Spiced Rum

Now that’s a gorgeous eye-catching bottle, and not just because of the plethora of awards on the side. The legend goes that the Devil built the bridge in Wales in exchange for the soul of the first person to cross! We’re sure he would have taken a bottle of this instead, it’s that good. Initially matured in bourbon barrels in the Caribbean, the magic is sprinkled in Wales with bara brith (spiced Welsh fruit cake) added, as well as Glengettie black tea and Shirgar Carmarthenshire butter... so make no mistake, it may begin miles away but this is a Welsh rum alright. Buttery and rich, there’s so much depth to the spice with no synthetic quality at all. Distinct and delicious!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 42%
Find here: £39

Bullion Rum

If you’re going to come out with a fully gilded bottle then it better be good, and there’s no sense of being underwhelmed here. Behind the glimmering gold is a selection of secret herbs and spices as well as salted caramel for a subtly sweet and warming tipple. It’s bold enough to enjoy on the rocks, but it’d be interesting to experiment with it in cocktails too.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £39.95

Vodka

Benjamin Hall Vodka

For below £20, this is a must-buy. It’s to-the-point grain vodka with smoothness beyond the price point. It tastes really clean with none of the afterburn that scorches the reputation of cheaper vodkas and would be an ideal go-to for any vodka cocktails.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 37.5%
Find here: £17.95

Cream Liqueur

Merlyn Welsh Cream Liqueur

Let us introduce you to this mouth-watering Penderyn liqueur using malted barley spirit and fresh cream. It’s in the same vein as Bailey’s, but thicker and with a hefty kick. The quality of the spirit under the cream shines through for a liquid that feels lush rather than sickly sweet. This won’t last long, trust us.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 17%
Find here: £16.90

Vermouth

Still Wild Extra Dry Vermouth

Wild thyme, coastal herbs and a hint of seaweed are some of the cold distilled wild botanicals that flavour this Pembrokeshire vermouth. There’s a bold brightness to every sip and inviting but complex herbaceous and floral notes that run through. The slight salty finish is crying out for a crisp Martini.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 18%
Find here: £26

If you’re after a few more whiskies and aren’t afraid to cross over the border, check out our Top 10 English/Welsh Whiskies here.

How to Invest in Whisky and Rum

Investment in spirits is a tricky business. So many bottles are released, and not all of us can afford rare editions of Macallan. There are bottles however which don’t cost the earth and are definitely worth looking out for, a few of which I will mention below.

What to think about when investing in whisky

Research is key, for example, finding out when a new distillery might be releasing its very first bottling. Or entering ballots, for example for Daftmill which is sold through Berry Bros & Rudd. Limited editions from new, popular distilleries like the distillery special from Raasay released recently, or single casks from distilleries that have new ownership like GlenAllachie are all great choices. You should be able to find these types of bottles for under £100 or depending on any age statements, along the lines one would expect for their age. These new bottlings are exciting as we see different distilleries bear fruit and some become new cult distilleries.

Which Whisky is Best to Invest in?

Looking back to the old world of whisky, there is a collection of whiskies that may not continue for much longer. It’s just a rumour, but the Flora and Fauna range from Diageo may not be around forever.

The bottles were produced in fairly large numbers for limited editions, but they were delicious and priced very well, so everyone drinks them. I certainly do. My favourites are the Benrinnes 15 year old and Dailuaine 16 year old.

The interesting thing about this range is that there are many distilleries, that other than being in this range, have no other official bottlings. For example, Authroisk, Glenlossie, Stathmill, Glen Spey, Teaninich, Inchgower, Mannochmore, and my aforementioned favourites are all exclusive to this range.

There are two previous distilleries that used to be part of the range which now have to be found at auction. Mortlach produced a cult 16 year old. I bought my last bottles in the Cost Cutter in Dufftown quite a few years ago now for £36 each on a special offer. They now command well over £200 at auction. I drank mine some time ago though! And for a very short time, Speyburn was released, until the distillery was sold to Inverhouse distillers in 1991. These bottles sell for well over £2000.

Now, I’m not saying the remaining distillery bottles will reach those heights, but the range is known and will become sought after if discontinued. And if not, then you’ll have some very good, interesting and delicious whisky to drink.

Which Rum is Best to Invest in?

Away from the world of whisky, there is rum. Like whisky, closed rum distilleries are becoming very popular. Caroni for example is booming at auction and is now difficult to find. If you have any, I’d hang onto it. Then there are high-ester rums which seem to be popular. Like (dare I say it), my namesake Hampden. The ester levels in Hampden rum have designated letters associated with names and ester levels. Hampden marks are:

OWH               Outram W. Hussey                                       40-80 esters
LFCH               Lawrence Francis Close Hussey              85 – 120 esters
LROK               Light Rum Owen Kelly                                   200-400 esters
HLFC               Hampden Light Continental Flavoured 500-700 esters
<>H                  Hampden                                                         900-1000 esters
HCML              Hampden George MacFarquhar Lawson  1000-1100 esters
C<>H               Conintental Hampden                                   1300-1400 esters
DOK                 Dermnot Kelly-Lawson                                   1500-1600 esters

The highest ester numbers are used as blending components in rum and are not usually meant to be bottled as a single mark, however in recent years, some are bottled. The rum aficionados seem to love them, and they tend to do well at auction. Rums with tropical aging rather than continental aging (unless for a very long time), also do well.

All of the above, are ideal for collecting at a more affordable level. The above are only pointers. though, not prophecies, and values, like with all investments and collections can always go down as well as up. Like any collection or portfolio, breadth is the key. It’ll be interesting to see what happens in 2023. Times are certainly uncertain.

Flora and Fauna

Berry Brothers & Rudd Daftmill

Raasay

GlenAllachie

If you’d like to read more about our recommended bottles of whisky and rum then click here.

Words by Colin Hampden-White

The World’s Oldest Known Rum

Rum is well-known for being pretty indestructible, so you may well have found yourself pondering, ‘what is the oldest rum?’ Well, we’ve recently got a new answer to that question.

Miami-based Old Liquor Inc sold a bottle of Harewood Barbados rum that was made way back in 1780 to a collector in Switzerland for $29,999. That would be the most expensive rum ever too, but it looks a bargain compared J.Wray and Nephew’s 1949 Rum that sold for a staggering $54,000.

Unsurprisingly, this 243-year-old bottle has been on a hell of a journey. The rum was made in Barbados just four years after the United States even declared itself a country, and sometime in the early 1800s it was shipped to the UK and bottled by Oldfield’s in York. The man orchestrating this was the Earl of Harewood so it’s no surprise why the collection ended up in the basement of Harewood House in Leeds, UK.

And that’s where they sat undisturbed gathering thick layers of dust, cobwebs, and mould until 2011 when they were discovered by workers of the house preparing an inventory of the wines and spirits lurking there. After being very cautiously cleaned and analysed, 28 dark rums and 31 light rums were identified, but only 23 have truly survived the test of time.

This isn’t their first transaction since being uncovered either, as they were sold at famous auction house Christie’s in 2013 at various prices, most notably Dark Rum fetching £7000 each. Again, that looks cut price now!

So, has anyone actually tasted some? Well, yes! A small selection of renowned rum writers including ‘The Lone Caner’ Lance were invited to test. Lance said, “it adheres to a profile so modern that were one to taste it without knowing what it was it would not be out of the realms of possibility to give it a great score and then ask wonderingly which new independent on the rum scene made this damned thing”. It’s believed to be 58% ABV and gives tasting notes of spice orange, cedar, and caramel! Now that’s a showstopper.

Down Under’s Finest: 8 Australian Drinks You Need to Try

Australian wine is probably their most well-known alcoholic output, but there are incredible and overlooked gems to be found whatever you drink.

We’ve turned Down Under upside down trying to find the cream of the crop and have pulled together this almighty list, including gin, whisky, rum, vermouth, liqueur and even a sublime alcohol-free option so let’s waste no more time.

GIN

Four Pillars Olive Leaf Gin

Over the last decade, Four Pillars have grown from a small craft distillery into multi-award-winning gin royalty. Olive Leaf is their savoury expression, using three virgin olive oils and olive leaf tea to create a gorgeously rich and subtly vegetal profile. The juniper is earthy, with herbaceous bay and rosemary and bright touches of lemon balancing out perfectly. It’s just crying out to become a martini with an olive garnish of course.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43.8%
Find here: £36.45

Manly Spirits Co. Australian Dry Gin

Manly aims to produce bottles that capture the beautiful Sydney beaches around their distillery, using local land and marine botanicals like sea lettuce, pepper leaf, finger lime and orange peel. The beach lifestyle might be carefree, but decades of expertise go into this expression. With the ocean being sensed at the beginning of every sip, it’s another gin that has a savoury and ever so slightly salty element to it. However, with refreshingly light citrus playing off it it’s somewhat unusual with a sweeter finish that goes down a treat. Perfect for a layered G&T with ice and a slice of fresh lemon or orange.  

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £38.44

Ink Gin

Hailing from Tumbulgum (great name), Ink Gin uses botanicals that are local to the area to create a fresh and citrussy aroma with some elderflower immediately noticeable. The palate has a lovely peppery spice, with light orange notes before a long crisp finish that leaves you wanting more. Husk Plantation Distillery are the brains behind this creation, and it has an ace up its sleeve– it’s a colour changer! Infused with butterfly pea flower petals, it’s pH sensitive and turns pink when mixed with tonic or citrus juices. Mind you, the original colour is so nice you might not want to change it! It’s an incredible gin option for celebrating with that party trick up it’s sleeve, but the taste alone is worth the price tag.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £38.99

WHISKY

Starward Tawny Whisky

This is a luxury wine-finished New World Whisky from progressive Australian producers Starward. A limited-edition release, Tawny is a single malt that’s matured in fortified wine casks to give sublime flavour. It’s created in the image of an after dinner treat, so it leans towards the sweeter end of whisky, with notes of banana bread, raisins, dried fruit peel and peanut butter on the nose. The palate brings Christmas flavours to the fore. Think spiced plums, citrus, and malt and grape sweetness. This sweetness leans into the finish too, undercut by a warming spiciness that rounds everything off perfectly. This is a dram that is full of flavour throughout, and every sip feels like a treat. Nom!

Size: 500ml
ABV: 48%
Find here: £84.90

RUM

Bundaberg Rum

From the off, we should say that Queensland’s finest isn’t technically a rum. To earn that classification, rums have to be a minimum of 37.5% ABV, so Bundaberg is a whisker away. But what’s 0.5% between friends? It’s sweetness that accounts for the lower percentage here, with Demerara, molasses and underlying spices filling the nose.  The flavour is extremely distinctive, with quite a dry feel and sugary spice right through to the finish. It comes into its own mixed with cola but feel free to give it a go neat first – it divides opinion!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 37%
Find here: £34.50

VERMOUTH

Regal Rogue Wild Rosé Vermouth

Regal Rogue tend to really let their wines off the leash in their vermouth range, and Wild Rosé is no different. It’s bold, fruit forwards with native Ozzy illawara plums, strawberry and rosella creating a red fruit bonanza that feels natural. It’s super versatile too, working simply with tonic, or to give a fruity lift to spritzers and cocktails!

Size: 500ml
ABV: 16.5%
Find here: £16.74

LIQUEUR

Brookie’s Mac

Byron Bay brings us not only surfing, scuba diving and Bounty advert beaches, but Cape Byron Distillery who have pulled together this industry-acclaimed macadamia liqueur. The nuts are locally sourced (no really, they’re in the distillery’s garden) and mixed with Australian wattleseed to create a velvet-smooth rich nutty liqueur. Behind that, there are hints of roasted coffee and sweet butterscotch that make this an absolute winner. We’d recommend sipping it over ice, but it could also be used in cocktails like Espresso Martini, or even in desserts. Stunning bottle too.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 23%
Find here: £34.99

NON-ALCOHOLIC

Brunswick Aces Spades Sapiir

Crafted in the London Dry style, this is a top-notch No-Lo option from Brunswick Aces in Melbourne. Just like above, wattleseed brings a nutty, wheaty character, joined by botanicals like lemon myrtle, Tasmanian pepper berry and of course, juniper. It’s not flat and flavourless like some 0% gins, instead, it’s zesty with wafts of lemon and juniper, underpinned with herbaceous garden notes, aromatic cardamon and subtle nutty flavours.  It can bring a savoury base to a mocktail or tonic, but it’s definitely bold enough to cut through stronger mixers like cranberry or ginger ale too! Love it.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £27.49

But wait a minute… this is Australia’s finest offerings and there’s not a single wine!? Well, we’ve dedicated an entire article to that so hold off on the petitions and check that out here.