Rum is one of the most varied spirits categories, which is definitely part of the appeal, but it also makes it more difficult to navigate.Once upon a time, rum was broadly reduced to light, dark, golden and spiced styles. Nowadays, the best rums cover an enormous spectrum, from fresh cane juice spirits and high-ester Jamaican bottles to polished sipping rums, spiced expressions and plenty of new-wave distilleries taking rum in more experimental directions. There’s no shortage of choice, but the difference between genuinely outstanding bottles and overly sweet options relying on clever marketing can be huge.So, how is rum made? At its core, rum is made from sugar cane, either from molasses or fresh cane juice, but beyond that producers have a huge amount of freedom. Some are clean, bright and cocktail-friendly. Others are funky, vegetal, heavily spiced or oak-led. The best rums manage to balance personality with drinkability, offering enough character to stand out while still making sense.I’ve tested a broad selection of rums across different styles and price points, from a cult spiced rum and high-proof Haitian rhum blanc to Cuban sipping bottles, English-made rum, Seychelles white rum and a singular Mexican cane spirit. Whether you’re looking for something to sip neat, mix into cocktails or simply serve with a dash of Coke or ginger beer, these are the best rums worth buying right now.Read more: Best whisky from around the world, tested I tested everything from Haitian rhum blanc to Cuban sipping bottles (Jonathan Hatchman/The Independent)The best rums for 2026 are:Best overall – Rhum Barbancourt Haitian proof: £34.25, Masterofmalt.com Best premium – Black Tot historic solera rum: £64.75, Masterofmalt.comBest Cuban – Ron Santiago de Cuba 12 year old: £50.50, Thewhiskyexchange.comBest spiced – Rumbullion! original: £34.95, Masterofmalt.comRead more: Best bourbons, tested