At Rhum Attitude, we like tasting rums, great vintages, geek rums. But we don't forget festive rums, those rums that we share with friends, in the evening, on the terrace, by the pool, simply to party.
The explosion of the last 10 years has been accompanied by an increase in quality, with ever more sophisticated and demanding rums. However, sugar cane brandy has never lost what makes it so special: its sense of celebration. While the most premium segment follows the path and codes of Scotch Whisky, which ensures it new recognition as a quality spirit, the festive image continues to stick to the rum category. And this is for the best, especially since the two aspects can and even have an interest in evolving together.
The happy coexistence of festive rums and tasting rums
Rum is unique in that it is produced and consumed all over the world. Its traditions are multiple, different and are born in contexts that are always very rich. The quality requirements of the highest-end rums can therefore benefit from the authenticity requirements of festive rums, and vice versa.
Indeed, festive rum does not necessarily rhyme with lower quality. In the sometimes heated debate about the "gateways" to rum, these simple and effective expressions are even to be seriously considered.
We now see it in everyday life, rum manages to invite itself everywhere, in all points of sale and on all occasions. For the general public, it is still the reference festive alcohol. The new wave of cocktails , of which rum is the ambassador par excellence thanks to its unique adaptability, also continues to carry the idea of rum as a festive drink. Its more elitist side, mixology, needs quality products. Premium rums then rhyme in turn with premium cocktails.
"Rum is fun"
We then notice that the border between the two great worlds of rum (tasting rums and cocktail rums) is increasingly thin, even porous. At trade shows like Rhum Fest , bartenders, the general public and geeks sometimes find themselves around the same stands, either because a distillery manages to offer products for everyone, or because certain rums are unanimous, regardless of the type of consumer.
Rum is thus advancing on two fronts, sometimes united, sometimes separate, but equally lively. We were talking about it some time ago with Ian Burrell , founder of the UK RumFest , who even decided to dedicate an entire day of the festival to festive rums and their world. He noted in particular that one major category is constantly gaining importance: spiced rums, festive rums by definition. A major innovation has emerged with regard to these products. We no longer seek to confuse the issue by presenting them as great tasting rums. These rum-based spirits now assume themselves as such. This clarity can only strengthen the understanding and legitimacy of rum.
We have prepared for you some selections of quality festive rums, tasted and approved by the team!
For a Rum & Coke
We started with a very simple and popular drink, the famous Rhum Coca. It can be excellent with a suitable rum:
To give it a little punch and character, here is Pusser's Gunpowder , a blend of molasses rums with full-bodied and spicy notes.
For a milder but more flavorful version, the Mount Gay Black Barrel is a great choice.
Light rums with a caramelized profile are obviously recommended, we can then think of the Flor de Caña 7 years , the Brugal 1888 Gran Reserva (a little more expensive but well toasted and spicy), or even the Embargo Añejo Esplendido , a well-balanced blend.
For a planter's punch
We dedicated an article to it last summer, the planter's punch is a must for festive events. Its best ally is of course agricultural rum. We also like to use it in white, old or amber.
We are fortunate to have access to some excellent agricultural rums in France, here are some of our favorites:
The white Reimonenq Coeur de Chauffe and its amber version will work perfectly in your punch.
Similarly, the very round Bally Blanc will give a very gourmet punch. Its amber counterpart will bring its share of spices and woodiness.
Finally, back in Guadeloupe with the Bologne Blanc , a great classic, complemented by the excellent Bologne Cask Matured .
Rums for cocktails
Some rums have been produced especially for cocktails. They are found in all traditions and styles.
A very good example of a festive rum in this category is the World Esters blend, an aromatic bomb sold in bottles or 3-liter cubi. It will be perfect for a vitamin-packed Airmail .
Ron Colón , a base of Salvadoran rum combined with a generous pinch of Jamaican rum, is an invitation to party! Try it in Mai Tai , you won't be disappointed.
Plantation Rum 3 Stars White is a great bar classic, at ease in all situations. The Daïquiri is a great way to convince yourself of this.
Two great distilleries, Worthy Park and Hampden, are united here under a blend called Veritas , for a cocktail base that is both elegant and explosive. Damien had also used this Veritas for his Mojito recipe.
Agricultural rums are not left out in this category, as evidenced by this Bologne Ice Rhum , to be enjoyed frozen and in cocktails. The Mary Pickford will highlight this white agricultural rum.
You can also find on our site all the cocktail recipes from Damien , our globe-trotting bartender.
The Tiki Cocktail Family
This genre in its own right, inspired by Polynesia and born in the United States in the 1930s, is colorful and spectacular. The Mai Tai is one of its most popular representatives. These cocktails are prepared with full-bodied, funky and explosive rums.
Myers's Original Dark is an iconic blend of the category. Round, dark and fragrant, you will find it in many recipes.
The Plantation Rum OFTD is a sort of variant of the first, in a super-boosted and explosive version.
Another rum blended in France, Ferroni Tasty Overproof lives up to its name. Powerful and tasty, it will explode like a bomb in all your cocktails.
A mandatory detour to Jamaica, with this Hampden Rum Fire White Overproof 63° , a must for lovers of authentic and funky rums.
Spiced rums
Spiced rums are a staple of the festive rum family, although they should be called rum-based spirits. Some of them have a subtle balance, with a natural, seductive and fragrant spice sensation. Here is a selection of some of our favourites:
The pastry profile of this Canerock is extremely delicious, irresistible...
Once again, agricultural rums are able to shine in all categories. This is the case of Longueteau Original Spicy , based on pure cane juice with cinnamon and vanilla.
The English tradition is worthily represented by this Duppy Share Spiced Rum , a very refreshing festival of fruits and spices.
This Spytail is a very fun, original and natural explosion of ginger.
In the heart of the Indian Ocean, the Saint Aubin distillery produces many variations on its excellent white rum, including this very pleasant and balanced Saint Aubin 1819 Classic Spiced .
The Cachaça
It is perhaps the most festive cane brandy there is. Cachaça is the soul of the caipirinha, of the samba, and of Brazil as a whole.
A classic among classics, Leblon cachaça is a reference that cannot be missed.
The tonka bean notes of this Germana Umburana are an absolute must-try.
Pure cane juice is delicately expressed through this organic Abelha cachaça .
Of course, the list could go on forever, as the world of rum is full of colorful and inspiring products. This selection is an invitation to discover or rediscover rums that encourage relaxation and celebration, before returning to more complex and elaborate ones.
