Insider Monkey

20 Most Popular Rum Brands in the U.S.

Sultan Khalid
11 min read

In This Article:

In this article, we are going to discuss the 20 most popular rum brands in the U.S. You can skip our detailed analysis of the global rum market, the premiumization in the rum category, and the recent acquisitions in the rum industry, and go directly to 5 Most Popular Rum Brands in the U.S.

The role of rum in early America is often understated. When George Washington entered politics for the first time in 1757, rum was the most popular tipple in the American colonies, to the tune of 3.7 gallons per person a year. Like other prominent colonists, Washington also interacted with rum in many aspects of his life. For instance, in order to win the election in the Virginia House of Burgesses in 1758, the Founding Father attracted voters with charm, entertainment, and rum. During his campaign, Washington’s agents doled out 28 gallons of rum, 50 gallons of rum punch, 46 gallons of beer, 34 gallons of wine, and just for good measure, 2 gallons of hard cider. 

In fact, in the year 1770 – the same year as the infamous Boston Massacre – the colonies that would soon coalesce through revolution, violence, and democracy into the United States were also home to more than 140 rum distilleries.

Global Rum Market: 

As we mentioned in our article – 12 Countries that Produce the Best Rum in the World – the global rum market is estimated at $17.4 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach $24.5 billion by 2033, with a CAGR of 3.5% during the forecast period.

Rum is building momentum and getting more popular in U.S.A. Today, the category is one of the most steadily growing and continues to benefit from several intersecting popularity shifts. In recent years, distillers have experimented with flavored rums, making the category much more versatile in offerings, and so today, flavored and spiced offerings account for over 57% of all rums sold.

This highly mixable spirit also provides a key function in cocktail culture. While rum is a staple of on-premise tiki bars, it is also one of the only spirits for which it’s common to blend multiple varieties in the same cocktail. According to Bacardi’s 2022 Cocktail Trends Report, four of the top-10 best-selling cocktails are rum drinks, making the spirit a must-have for all on-premise programs. 

Premiumization in the Rum Category

Rum has long been considered a spirit dedicated to tropical drinks, but in the last few years, consumer perception of the liquor has evolved dramatically. While the category is still dominated by major producers, consumer preferences are shifting away from value options and towards an appreciation for craft and aged rums. Due to the growing influence of aged and high-quality expressions, many consumers now see the spirit as a premium offering that can be sipped and appreciated in much the same way as rare whiskies and tequilas. 

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