It’s hard to believe it’s been five years since we first started the Best American Rums.
Now in its sixth edition, this July 4 tradition celebrates the best of American rummaking, something that has certainly come a very long way since 2013.
America is today seeing a rum renaissance, with more and more producers and distilleries popping up around the 50 states, a return for what was once a booming industry before Prohibition turned America’s rum world upside down.
There are exciting rums coming from all over, from traditional molasses-based rums to, yes, even American agricoles, to overproof juice and spiced rums.
Here are our 10 favorite rums made in America for 2018 (note: as has always been the case, we group rums in the USVI and Puerto Rico, rightly, as Caribbean rums. This list focuses on rums made in the 50 U.S. states).
Choose one to celebrate!
Siesta Key Rum (Florida) Still the leader, this Sarasota, Fla.-based boutique distillery has grown to become one of America’s most beloved rums, from its traditional spiced to its limited-batch expressions like the brand’s Toasted Coconut. It is as good as spiced or flavored rum gets. Period. (If you need more proof, it even took home the top honors against the best spiced rums in the Caribbean at this year’s Caribbean Rum Awards in Saint Lucia).