Paul Kushner
Eggnog is a classic holiday beverage that’s enjoyed by many around the world. It’s a creamy, rich drink that’s made with milk, cream, sugar, and eggs. But what really makes eggnog special is the addition of alcohol, typically rum. The right rum can make all the difference in your eggnog experience, so it’s important to choose the best one for your taste.
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There are many different types of rum to choose from, each with their own unique flavor profile. Some are sweet and spicy, while others are more mellow and smooth. Choosing the right rum for your eggnog can be a daunting task, but with a little research and experimentation, you’re sure to find one that suits your taste buds perfectly. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best rums for eggnog and help you find the perfect one to elevate your holiday drink game.
Chairman’s Reserve Spiced Rum
Local spices from Saint Lucia add flavor to this rum, including cinnamon, allspice, and clove. The rum itself is a blend of different aged rums already finished with fruits and spices. More are added before an additional six months of aging, resulting in a sweet and rich mouthfeel and spicy citrus flavor that brings a unique flavor to eggnog when mixed.
Denizen Merchant’s Reserve
The deep amber color of this spirit suggests a complex flavor as much as the intense aroma of this rum. Another blended rum, Denizen lengthens the fermentation time for the best development of flavor. Expect fruity flavor with caramel notes from this eight-year-aged rum, but the spicy, smooth finish makes this liquor an excellent pair for eggnog.
Plantation Dark Overproof Rum
The best rum for eggnog, if you’re looking for something boozy, Plantation Dark Overproof Rum, adds a kick to any cocktail. Unlike other overproof varieties, this is a dark rum. While the nose expresses more fruity notes of plum and orange, this spirit produces hints of smoke and spice on the palate.
Goslings Black Seal Rum
Goslings use a 150-year-old family recipe to craft their rum. To create the spirit’s signature dark color, the brand ages the rum in the charred oak barrels. The process not only adds to the color but also gives the spirit a remarkably smooth finish. Mixing this rum with eggnog showcases baking spice and vanilla notes in the liquor.
Appleton Estate 12-Year
This 12-year-aged rum is a blended variety curated by Master Blender Joy Spence. These rums come from rare casks that bring out deep notes in the spirit. From hints of coffee and hazelnut to tones of chocolate and orange peel, this rum is complex. Generally used as a sipping rum, adding eggnog enhances these flavors with a smooth mouthfeel.
El Dorado 12 Year Rum
El Dorado is the best rum for eggnog if you prefer a dry finish from the spirit. Aged for over a decade, this rum has an aroma of spice and tropical fruit. These notes are also present on the palate, though more mellow than in the nose. This full-bodied rum adds a distinct texture to any mixed drink.
Skipper Demerara Rum
A sugarcane molasses-based rum, this spirit hails from Guyana. Another blended variety, this rum has many complex flavor notes, ranging from bitter and smokey to sweet and spicy. Expect a lingering licorice flavor on the tongue when enjoying this spirit. The lingering finish of this rum makes it an excellent pair for eggnog.
