Typically, when adults think about Rum, images of dangerous pirates are conjured up, and for centuries, the booze has been a staple worldwide. According to historical records, rum was first distilled in the Caribbean in about 1650 by enslaved people on sugarcane plantations. Originally called kill-devil or rumbullion, by 1667, the name had morphed to simply rum. Reports indicate that British sailors received regular rum rations from the 18th century until 1970.
Rum is Made From Sugar
Rums are typically made from molasses, which is what remains after sugar has been crystalized from sugarcane juice.
Many Rums are made in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands
Many rums are blended and then aged from one to four years. Those rums marketed as white-label types are light in color and somewhat milder in flavor; a gold-label rum has a more amber color and more intense, sometimes sweeter flavor, resulting from a longer aging process and the addition of caramel.
The Cuba Libre Became Popular in America
Created in Cuba in the early 1900s, according to legend, the drink became extremely popular shortly after the turn of the century when Coca-Cola was first imported into the island nation. To this day, the cocktail known as Rum and Coke is one of the most popular worldwide. Cuba Libre translates to “Free Cuba.”
Wide Range of Rum Brands
Over 80 countries produce some rum, and it is estimated that there are 300 varieties from around the world, with the bulk being distilled in the Caribbean.
Expert Reviews On The Worst Rum Brands
We decided to scour the internet looking for the worst rums, and it became apparent after reading numerous blogs and websites that the experts tend to agree that these are indeed among the worst you can buy.
5. Heaven Hill
- Parent/Owner: Shapira family
- Established: 1935
- Price Point: $8.99/1.75L
Cheap Stomach Aches
Reviewers called this brand a very cheap rot gut; according to the experts, it also tastes like it. Even though some of the company’s rums cost as much as $399.99, their low-price offering is easy to avoid. It is made in Louisville, Kentucky, a region much more famous for bourbon than rum.
4. Bacardi Black/Carta Negra
- Parent/Owner: Facundo Bacardí Massó
- Established: 1862
- Price Point: $16.99-$24.99/750mL
Tastes Like Rocks
Despite the Bacardi name, one reviewer said the rum had a mineral taste and wasn’t better mixed with cola. While the company is one of the most famous and well-known rum producers, this specific brand should be avoided at all costs, especially when you can’t even make a decent Cuba Libre.
3. Malibu Rum
- Parent/Owner: Pernod Ricard
- Established: 1978
- Price Point: $9.99-$19.99/750mL
Not Even Actual Rum
This brand doesn’t have enough rum content, even technically, to be called a rum, but it is one of the sweet varieties that college kids and Generation Z drinkers love. Touted as the world’s number one rum-based coconut spirit, it is listed as a coconut-flavored liqueur and only as a “flavored rum” where the designation is allowed by local laws.
2. Ron de Jeremy – Hell or High Water Rum
- Parent/Owner: Ron Jeremy
- Established: 1800s (Ron Jeremy buys the rum from the Monymusk Distillery)
- Price Point: $19.99 – $34.99/700mL
Sugary and No Flavor
It is much more expensive than most and not worth the price. Reviewers cited that it had too much sugar, and the rum had no spice, vanilla, or oak flavors. This rum was initially named after Ron Jeremy, who was charged with serious crimes. The new name is Hell or High Water Rum. Collectors are still trying to secure bottles as the older ones have Mr. Jeremy’s face on them.
1. Papa’s Pilar 24 Dark Rum
- Parent/Owner: Steve Groth
- Established: 2013
- Price Point: $39.99-49.99/750mL
Expensive 
Inspired by Ernest Hemingway, most reviewers felt the rum was too sweet and sugary. Made in Mr. Hemingway’s beloved Key West, Florida, at a distillery near where he used to dock his boat, “The Pilar,” the brand is not as well known as the legacy of Ernest Hemingway. Another downside is that some of the company’s brands under the Papa Pilar label are expensive.
The good news is that many incredible rum brands are outstanding in hot or cold beverages. Typically, one of the best places to look for quality rums is at the liquor store. Most giant retailers like Total Wine & More usually have specialists in each booze category, and they can show you the best products in all price ranges.
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