Overproof rums are spirits that exceed the regular alcohol by volume percentage of standard rums. These boozy beverages are an excellent addition to mix a potent cocktail.
Some of the best overproof rums can even be sipped straight or enjoyed on the rocks. Consider these options to sample some of the best.
They are robust but flavorful, with an edge perfect for cutting sweet tropical cocktails. Add these rums to your bar, or use them at your next cocktail party.
Best Overproof Rums
Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum
A fruity aroma accompanies this overproof rum. Silver or white rums aren’t known for being flavorful, but this brand has many subtle notes of rich flavors like coconut and vanilla. One of the most popular overproof rums where it’s produced, Wray & Nephew rum is a common fixture of parties and celebrations in Jamaica.
Bacardi 151
While this high-proof spirit has been discontinued, it’s possible to find Bacardi 151 on the market for an elevated price. The brand ceased production of this overproof rum for safety reasons that aren’t linked to just consuming the alcohol. This potent spirit pairs best with fruit juices and other tropical ingredients.
Don Q 151
An aged spirit with a golden amber tone, this overproof rum takes on oaky notes during the three-year aging process. Hints of vanilla and smoke characterize the robust rum. This award-winning rum adds a robust flavor to fruity drinks but is also enjoyable on its own! Try it neat to discover even more bold-tasting notes.
Rum Fire Jamaican Overproof
An excellent overproof rum with a long peppery finish, this spirit is an aged rum with only slight hints of golden color. While the rum starts sweet, the flavor quickly develops a distinct heat with fruity and spicy notes. Try it on the rocks to highlight the fruit notes, or spice a cocktail with this overproof rum.
Hamilton 151
Hamilton 151 is a Demerara variety of aged rum from Guyana. These dark rums retain molasses flavor, highlighting richer notes of smoking wood, stone fruit, and baking spices. Overproof rums with a spicy heat like this one provide a great contrast to cocktails with tropical flavors. This spirit has added no extra sugar but has lots of sweet undertones.
Cruzan 151
Another aged example of excellent rum, Cruzan 151 has the smooth finish you’d expect from a gold rum. This potent spirit is the perfect pair for sweet and citrus flavors. An expressive nose with mango and banana notes adds an appealing scent to the liquor. The strong alcohol content of this rum makes it a better option for mixing rather than drinking straight.
Pusser's Gunpowder Proof
This Royal Navy-style overproof uses the same recipe distributed to sailors until 1790. Pusser’s has a dark amber tone with copper highlights hinting at the warm spicy notes in the spirit. A full-bodied rum with a long but mellow finish, if you want an overproof rum for sipping, this is an excellent option. There are light sweet notes of honey and toffee as well.
Privateer Navy Yard
Unlike many of these rums of Caribbean origin, Privateer Navy Yard hails from New England using a 100% molasses recipe. Aging in oak barrels brings wood notes out of the dry rum. When mixed in sweeter cocktails, like a daiquiri, rich and sweet tones of custard and dried become more apparent.
Plantation O.F.T.D. Overproof Rum
This overproof is a blend of several different rums combined for an attractive mix of fruity and spicy flavors. Expect notes of caramel building into deeper notes of nutmeg and smoke. People enjoy this rum's long-lasting flavor lingers with a spicy clove taste and dark chocolate undertones.
Cheers!
The best overproof rums don’t just bring a high alcohol content. They also showcase distinct flavor notes and a certain smoothness to catch our attention. Whether you’re using them for sipping or mixing, if you want an overproof rum!
If we missed your favorite overproof spirit, let us know in the comments below! We’ll check it out to see if it meets our standards.
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