Jamaican rum stands out in the Caribbean spirits landscape with a distinctive style that captures the island's vibrant character. As production evolved on this tropical island, distillers developed a unique additional process that defines the category's signature funky notes. This involves adding leftover liquid from the still, known as dunder, into the next fermentation, intensifying the complex flavors in the final products.
Four Exceptional Jamaican Rums to Discover
These standout expressions are currently available at The Whisky Exchange online or from their three London shops located in Borough High Street, Covent Garden, and Great Portland Street. Each bottle offers a window into Jamaica's rich rum-making heritage.
Hampden Estate HLCF 2023
Selected by Buying Director Dawn Davies and available exclusively through The Whisky Exchange, this funky Jamaican rum from Hampden Estate bursts with tropical fruits that leap from the glass. It combines sugarcane grassiness with rich dried fruit notes from its time spent in sherry casks, an experimental departure for the distillery. Bottled at 64.6 per cent ABV, it retails for £150.
Worthy Park Single Estate Reserve
This delicious spirit serves as an excellent introduction to the intense flavors found in Jamaican rum. It bursts with notes of ripe banana, mango, olives, and toffee crisp. Made from a blend of 100 per cent pot-still rums, it was the first premium release from the distillery following its complete rebuild in 2004. With an ABV of 45 per cent, it is priced at £48.75.
Appleton Estate 15 Year Old
Appleton Estate is renowned for producing rich rums with characteristic Christmas cake and butterscotch flavors. This 15-year-old expression adds layers of hazelnuts, orange peel, and roasted coffee beans that linger beautifully on the finish. The name pays homage to the Black River, which provides Appleton's water source. It has an ABV of 43 per cent and costs £74.95.
Smith & Cross Rum
Our final Jamaican selection is an intensely flavored, high ester navy strength rum with a history dating back to 1788. It is perfect for rum-based cocktails such as a Rum Old Fashioned or a Jamaican Daiquiri. Bottled at 57 per cent ABV, it is available for £45.95.
Exclusive London Distillery School Offer
Did you know there is a hidden distillery school underneath The Whisky Exchange London Bridge shop? Readers can get 20 per cent off bookings at The London Bridge Distillery School by using the code CityAMxTWE at checkout to book their distillery school experience.
