Planteray Extra Old XO 20th Anniversary
Planteray
Planteray Extra Old XO 20th Anniversary8.0/10 (1,596 reviews)
Vanilla · Caramel · Coconut
Top rums for beginners
A soft landing into rum: gentle, sweet, widely loved bottles that make a perfect first pour.
Rums in this list
Best for: beginners and fans of sweet, coconut-forward rum
The go-to first bottle for most members here — smooth, sweet and hard to fault. The common caveat: once your palate develops, the sugar and short finish start to show.
Ron Zacapa Centenario XO Solera (3. Edition)
Ron ZacapaRon Zacapa Centenario XO Solera (3. Edition)8.0/10 (395 reviews)Caramel · Vanilla · Dried fruitBest for: sweet-tooth sippers and easy-sipping newcomers
A well-loved, effortlessly smooth after-dinner rum most owners enjoy neat — just know it drinks sweet and soft, and seasoned drinkers wanting grip or higher proof will want more.
Abuelo XII Two Oaks
AbueloAbuelo XII Two Oaks8.0/10 (188 reviews)Vanilla · Smoky · CaramelBest for: People who like sweet, oak-forward sippers and cognac drinkers curious about rum
Well-liked as a woody, smoky everyday sipper with caramel and vanilla. Some love the oak balance; others find it too sweet with a bitter, tannic finish that shows the added sugar.
Cartavio XO
CartavioCartavio XO7.8/10 (204 reviews)Caramel · Vanilla · ToffeeBest for: beginners and sweet-tooth Spanish-style fans
Most owners find it a pleasant, well-balanced sweet sipper — an easy Spanish-style pour. The recurring caveat: it's sweetened and light, so purists wanting depth may want more.
DDL El Dorado 15 (2020 Release)
El DoradoDDL El Dorado 15 (2020 Release)8.0/10 (266 reviews)Vanilla · Caramel · SpiceBest for: anyone easing into dark Guyana rum with a dry, roasty sipper
A step up from the sugary old version is the clear consensus — a dry, roasty everyday Demerara most keep stocked; the low-strength thin body and short finish are the common gripe.
Appleton 15 Years Black River Casks
Appleton EstateAppleton 15 Years Black River Casks7.9/10 (185 reviews)Vanilla · Caramel · Tropical fruitsBest for: anyone easing into Jamaican rum who wants oak and light fruit
Most drinkers rate it a reliable, oak-forward sipper and a fair deal; the main gripe is that it reads soft and thin for 15 years, with several preferring the 12.
R.L. Seale's Foursquare Finest Barbados Rum
FoursquareR.L. Seale's Foursquare Finest Barbados Rum7.9/10 (144 reviews)Vanilla · Dried fruit · BananaBest for: Fans of dry, spicy Barbados rum and Foursquare's house style
Loved as a Foursquare that punches above its price — fruity, spicy and dry. A few find it a touch peppery or short on depth, but most keep it in the cabinet.
Centenario Fundación 20 Años Reserva Especial
CentenarioCentenario Fundación 20 Años Reserva Especial8.0/10 (282 reviews)Vanilla · Caramel · Brown sugarBest for: People who like sweet, smooth, uncomplicated sippers
Well-liked as an easy, sweet everyday sipper — vanilla, caramel and a peppery edge. The catch: it's clearly sweetened and light, so bolder-rum drinkers get bored.
Savanna Rhum Traditionnel Le Must
SavannaSavanna Rhum Traditionnel Le Must7.8/10 (255 reviews)Honey · Vanilla · CaramelBest for: People new to Savanna wanting a mild, fruity everyday sipper
Members agree it's a friendly, well-blended entry to Savanna — round and fruity with real balance. The near-universal catch: too diluted and thin, with a short finish. Many wish it were bottled stronger.
Price alerts, your collection and ratings in the RumX app
Free on iOS and Android.