The Rum & Cachaça Masters Results 2025: A Celebration of Excellence
As rum brands compete for consumer attention amid a cost-of-living crisis, this year’s The Rum & Cachaça Masters Results highlight the industry’s commitment to quality. Despite economic challenges, brands continue to produce outstanding rums that entice enthusiasts worldwide.
According to the Distilled Spirits Council of the US, rum ranked as the fifth best-selling spirit in the country by volume in 2024. However, sales dropped by 8.9% compared to the previous year, totaling 20.7 million nine-liter cases. Despite this decline, Euromonitor predicts steady growth, with sales projected to reach 170.2 million cases by the end of 2025. In such a competitive landscape, brands must innovate to secure consumer loyalty.
Blind Tasting at The Rum & Cachaça Masters 2025
To evaluate the best in the category, The Global Spirits Masters Competitions hosted its annual blind tasting last month at Portobello 177. Four expert panels assessed a diverse selection of rums and cachaças. The judging teams included industry professionals such as Dan Greifer (Black Parrot), Melita Kiely (The Spirits Business), journalist Joe Wadsack, and drinks consultant Ruchira Neotia. Their mission was to identify standout spirits across multiple price tiers and styles.
White Rum: Affordable and Premium Excellence
The competition kicked off with White Rum – Standard (up to £15 / $19). Bacardí Superior earned a Silver medal for its value and mixability. Moving up to the White Rum – Premium (£16-£20), Angostura Reserva and Kakira Silver Rum both secured Silver medals.
The first Master medal of the event was awarded in the White Rum – Super-Premium (£21-£30) category to Worthy Park Overproof, praised for its balance and complexity. Five Gold medals were also presented, including one for Havana Club Original – Añejo 3 Años, which stood out for its tropical fruit notes.
At the ultra-premium level (£31+), Gold medals went to DropWorks Clear Drop Rum and Kyomi Japanese White Rum, both celebrated for their depth and tropical aromas. In the White Rum – Overproof category, V Rum secured another Gold medal, impressing judges with its toasted marshmallow notes and well-integrated alcohol.
Gold Rum: Depth and Maturity
The Gold Rum – Premium (up to £25) category saw Angostura 5 Years Old claim Gold for its grassy and vanilla notes, while Phraya Rum Elements took Silver. In the Super-Premium tier (£26-£40), Gold winners included Ron Santiago de Cuba Extra Añejo 11 Years Old and Planteray Isle of Fiji, both praised for their layered flavors.
The Ultra-Premium segment delivered six Master medals, with Island Company Rum earning top honors for its aromas of sea air, pineapple, and banana. Founders Release – Islay Pinot Cask and MacNair’s Boutique House of Spirits also achieved Master status for their complex profiles and balance.
In the age-specific categories, Gold Rum – Aged up to 7 Years awarded six Gold medals, including one for La Hechicera Reserva Familiar. The Aged 8-12 Years category crowned Phraya Rum Elements 8 Years with a Master medal for its smooth, rich profile.
Dark Rum: A Showcase of Premium Craftsmanship
Dark rum categories began with the Premium (£25 or less) segment, where Caribba Reserva and Angostura 7 Years Old secured Gold medals. Moving to Super-Premium (£26-£40), Planteray Xaymaca Rum earned a Master medal for its floral, fruity, and vegetal notes.
The Ultra-Premium category stood out, producing six Master winners, including House of Rum Single Cask Dominican 2000 and Flor de Caña 18 Years Old. Barceló Imperial Mizunara Cask and Havana Club Tributo 25 also claimed Master medals for their rich, complex character.
Agricole, Spiced, and Flavored Rums Shine
In the Agricole Rum category, Saint James Blanc 55° led with a Master medal for its grassy and tropical fruit notes. The Agricole Aged Rum category followed suit, awarding a Master medal to Eekh Agricultural Rum for its delicate floral and sugarcane aromas.
The Spiced Rum segment proved highly competitive, awarding four Gold medals to brands like DropWorks Spice Drop Rum and Bacardí Caribbean Spiced. Six Silver medals rounded out the category.
Flavored Rum also made an impact, with six Gold medals awarded. Planteray Cut & Dry Rum stood out for its Piña Colada-like aroma, while Hawksbill Mango Peel impressed with its fruity, tropical character.
The Future of Rum & Cachaça
The Rum & Cachaça Masters Results 2025 demonstrate that despite economic uncertainties, rum producers continue to innovate and refine their craft. As the industry navigates shifting consumer preferences, these award-winning rums set the benchmark for excellence. With such a diverse range of high-quality options, rum enthusiasts have much to look forward to in the coming year.
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Source of information
Hello’s Article: The Rum & Cachaça Masters 2025 results written by Melita Kiely
The image of the article is courtesy of ©Giselleflissak via Canva.com
